That the Church is becoming worldely and that the world is becoming churchy.  Also do you think that this is a bad thing?
215703
That is a great quote ! I believe it is true. Churches today are a good social foundation, but churches are big business.\n\nIt is probably a good thing that people are once again realizing that it takes a whole village to raise a child, and care for the infirm, but I think that the earth (instead of becomeing more tolerant) is becomeing polarized because of religious differences in different societies, and that is very, very bad.
77886
I agree. And who wants to spend eternity with a bunch of people who *want* to pray all day and follow strict rules? I'd rather live life being who I am and hang out with interesting people!!\n\nClueless Clown - Change is not a bad thing; it doesn't mean something is flawed. It can mean something has been used too much and needs to be re-amped.
88720
Being godly's always been odd (and more). Being Christian always meant going against the flow. \n\nJesus said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." (John 15:17-19)\nPeter said, "[ Suffering for Being a Christian ] Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12)\n\nIs society getting worse? I'm not sure. But I never had real faith in human "goodness" in the first place.
212040
It's the kind of nonsense that makes for war and keeps people separate from each other. Not what i think Jesus was really going for in his lifetime here. I don't think this sort of thing helps anyone but the church.
71782
*Chuckling for I wait an hour after everyone else has drunk their's to drink mine* But if you are asking does the church with its history of bloodshed and crusades scare me today?\n\nThe answer is an emphatic, hell yeah!\n\nFrom their insane desire to destroy all other faiths to the hijacking of politics, they worry me greatly as would any rational free thinker...
28926
I believe that marketing God maybe going down the drain in the near future.  I say that because more people are religious moderates rather than being totally one religion or another.  The book by Sam Harris  "The end of Faith"  was a very interesting read about the future of religion. It talks about the inability to prove the existence of God and therefore more people are falling away from the religious platforms.
134355
Sounds like a new religion is being formed. (Oh great, just what we needed!)
107264
I think that the Unied States government should not spend money on churches- being that the church and state are supposed to be unconnected... i think the money should go to the children that are hungry on the streets of the inner cities.... or maybe some of it should go to feeeding dieing children elsewhere in the world, there are starving people everywhere and yet millions of dollars go into the building of extravagent churches around the world....
581256
I have been an Episcopalian for over 50 years.  Yup, I'm older than dirt.  There have been numerous changes in our society over these years and the churches need to change some of their views in order to remain effective in their practices.  I believe that it's a good thing that Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori was elected and would not have been so if there were thoughts that she wouldn't do a good job as Bishop.  I admire the courage it took to take the lead in positive changes in our church.
135393
Isnt it funny how the bible says that and yet the church is the biggest corporation in the world? They bring in billions of dollars every year.... they must be filled to the brim with evil.
506074
At this point.  thanks for confirming the word I got from Holy Spirit a few moments ago....be back later, possibly much later.  I do cherish some relationships I have formed with believers and 2 people I saw saved.  But it is becoming harmful.\n\nBlessings,\nDavid
57668
The United States has become shamefully one of the most corrupt nations on Earth. "In God We Trust","God Bless America",while we do things that show we DON'T trust God and He is NOT blessing us as a result!!! At least you are honest! This country started off unashamed of it's godly intentions...now it's not "cool" to talk of GOD or Christ! And you see the results!!! Any nation that claims it serves GOD and with it's actions DENY it,is headed for disaster! I truly wish it were not so.But our biggest EXPORT of goods are PORN and ENTERTAINMENT! Welcome the the U.S....bring us your tired...hungry...and women helpless so we can enslave them in a porn industry. Tough talk,huh? We still have a chance to turn things around--but Bush can't do it alone...Gore can't...no political party can..but GOD can and I tell you HE WILL even if it takes physical correction to do so!!! This is NOT what He desires...but how long will we continue hurting innocent children and women all in the name of "fun"? Terrorism is evil. Riots are useless. But don't tell me how right we are just because we exhibit self-righteous hypocrisy. It will NOT save us. Real heartfelt change WILL.And it had better be soon on a nationwide-scale. Noone will scoff at God when we ourself bring about our own stupid demise.
62031
It isn't jsut christian churches, it's ALL of them and the impact hasn't been good at all.  None handled them in a manner that was appropriate and swept them under the carpet.  Tht gave a bad impression to those following the teachings, making it seem hypocritical.  Combined with alot of other things that have gone on this is part of the reason for declining memberships and those turning away from religion.  You can't preach one thing then turn around and do the opposite and expect people to follow.
435202
I completely agree, except for the speculation that the environment might not get taken care of, simply based on the fact that there has been little done to help the environment all along.\nWith that said, I do feel Christians are living out a self fulfilling prophecy, as it is in human nature to create that which is most thought about. I do think it is an unfortunate reality, and something should be done about it! The problem, I feel, is really a no win situation though, considering that we are free to practice any religion we choose, and anyone has the potential to become a politician. It's an inherent catch 22 situation.
136632
I think that there are two types of religious people, there are the "this is my religion and it tells you how to live your life" this is never a good way to look at religion and causes wars and personal persecution on a large scale, so for those people belonging to a religion is a bad thing for everyone. Then there's the "this is my religion and it tell me how to live my life", these people have a positive effect on society because they are living what they believe is a good way of life, such people are normally the Charity workers and the people that give without wanting to receive, for these people belonging to a religion can only be a positive thing. its a good thing to have a personal faith but it does not have to be attached to any religion. In my case I believe in myself and my own existence (its the only thing I can be 100% sure of)
70509
The article is interesting, but it seems to have some flaws. It was too long and involved to read carefully, but I skimmed the points it was trying to make. One that jumped out at me was worshipping on Sunday. The article says we do that because the Pope said to. The fact is that the earliest church worshipped on Sunday. Paul says the day doesn't matter, as long as we worship.\n\nAnother problem is that the Bible tells us that once the antichrist comes to power, we only have 7 years left before the end. The catholic church has been around for far longer than 7 years!\n\nThere are more, but I'm a very slow typer, so I'll let it go at two.\n\nI have a big problem with some of the catholic beliefs, but I really don't think this article should be taken seriusly. When I have more time, I am going to look at it more closely, though.
200681
I totally agree. Some people take it way too far..I mean if that's what they like then fine but don't push it on others, you know? Especially when you see people falling over in church (the few times i've gone to church with a friend of mine)..and people start moaning and crying..I just don't get it. Snap out of it. hehe