Does it seem like very few people are following the churches?

[Universalist Catholic]

From what I can tell, modern society prides itself in openmindedness, tolerance, and liberty.  I cannot say that Traditionalist Christianity really emphasizes any of those traits.  Openmindedness: Most of the Conservative denominations think that they are absolutely right on all theological matters, especially on the Internet.  They feel the need to attack anyone with a differing view.  Tolerance: Belief that anyone who has not accepted Jesus in their short time on earth is doomed to unending tortures.  Many believe that if you do not embrace their dogmas are doomed to eternal punishment.  Many people put a heavy emphasis on homophobia.  Still, many are against womens rights.  That is intolerance at its worse.  Liberty: Most of the traditionalist churches have a lot of of rules and regulations.  Many are real strict about not letting women wear pants, drinking, dancing, and pretty much all the traditionalist churches expect you to believe exactly as the church leader tells you to.  None of these things sound like anything our culture values.  Yet most of the people in the USA are identified as Christians.  Yet very few of these people identified as Christians believe in all the "Orthodox" teachings.  There seems to be a large number of people who think everyone is going straight to heaven.  In the Catholic and Mainstream Protestant circles, many people are rejecting the belief that only they are going to heaven, plus many of these groups no longer endorse the belief that few find the path to salvation. 

[Nathan]

Nobody really wants to be the guy that stands on the street corner and denounce the local churches . . .yet it's kinda to the point where it's difficult to have a personal relationship with the Father and "not" cross denominational boundary lines.

But I believe the whole religious system is going to collapse in on itself if it doesn't make some serious changes in it's direction.  Yet that's just a distraction.  I think where the emphasis really needs to be at is in what's being resurrected. 

Jesus stated that in three days time he was going to raise up his church.  We are that third day.  It was 2000 years ago he stated that and this is the beginning of the third day.  The church he's bringing in has no resemblance of the church that's going out.

Rather than enforcing codes of conduct and regulational doctrines, what's going to be manifesting is relationships of unconditional love.  We're not there yet, but she's definitely beginning to take form of that.

[Universalist Catholic]

There seems to be a number of those identified with the Christedom who do not take their Dogmas seriously.  Thats almost there.  But many people who I know to be Christians believe in Reincarnation.  Particularly my mother and my aunt.  My mom states that if God is a god of love, than he would give people as many chances as needed.  What I wonder about is if people took the doctrine so seriously, then why are most people no longer even going to church anymore?  Why is there so much sexual immorality? Why arent more people going about preaching to their Hindu, atheist, Buddhist, Muslim or New age friend trying to get them to join their church?  If they really believe in eternal punishment, and are okay with it, why are people so bothered about torture, unjust punishment, and neglectful parenting?  Makes me wonder if people today really believe in Hell or not.  Or if they believe that Hell is something a person has to live with forever, or can leave. 

[Paul Hazelwood]

I can only speak for myself, I went to church a lot and honestly for the longest time it was about a personal idea that it is what I needed to do and that was based upon my upbringing and being taught that you have to go to church.

The reason I never invited any one is because I knew I would be embarrassed to bring in a friend only to see them witness the ridiculousness that went on inside the walls.

For instance and this is a true experience my friend had the ONE time I stepped out and invited someone.

There was a couple giving a lesson on  "prosperity" and they were talking about how much struggle they went through, all the prayer and gave all the bible verses, talking about thier faith through these recent "hard times".

At the end they rejoiced that this "struggle" was over and how "faithful" God was to their diligence and truth,  and I kid you not, I couldn't make this up,  they said that now they will be able to   "SOD"  their yard.

THAT WAS THEIR HORRIBLE FINANCIAL CRISIS?  GIVE ME A FREAKEN BREAK.

Yeah,  my friend was just speechless,  literally, and to this day that is etched in his mind.   I never invited another soul to church and that was a catalyst to my saying goodbye to religion for good.

[gregoryfl]

At the end they rejoiced that this "struggle" was over and how "faithful" God was to their diligence and truth,  and I kid you not, I couldn't make this up,  they said that now they will be able to   "SOD"  their yard.

THAT WAS THEIR HORRIBLE FINANCIAL CRISIS?  GIVE ME A FREAKEN BREAK.

Well, another way to look at it Paul is to say at least they were looking for "literal" seeds to sow.  :laughing7:

[Universalist Catholic]

Thats pretty interesting.  And yet the Orthodox Christians wonder why everyone wants to persecute them.  Its embarassing.  They expect the whole congregation to pity such petty problems, but could care less about all nonbelievers burning forever.  I can see why "Christianity" is losing such grounds.  If only people followed the real Gospel of Jesus without inserting all this filthy pagan tradition.  

[LS]

On the other hand, churches do amazing work as His hands and feet. Pooling resources and money and ideas and talents, they send people around the word to spread the gospel; they fund hospitals and schools and charities; they are quick to respond when disasters strike. 

I had a priest one time who came from Africa and he told his story, about how a Scottish priest had lived in his area and his mother and father hired him out to the priest.  They rode a donkey from village-to-village and he thought maybe the priest was a little crazy to travel and work like he did year-after-year. Then one day he watched as the priest bathe an old man who was unable to get off a mat by himself; as the priest washed the man's feet, he saw Jesus washing the disciples' feet.

I know there are bad doctrines out there; I know there are kooky churches and all churches are filled with hypocrites and sinners.  But they are also filled with people seeking God, hungering to hear the word read to them, desiring to gather with others to worship and to share communion. 

I have been shocked and saddened to see how many people are harsh and judgemental to churches, making blanket statements and accusations - either individual denominations or churches in general.

It just seems strange to me; it's kind of like the arguments between stay-at-home moms and moms who have jobs outside the home. They can become very bitter toward each other when instead, they should support each other. There's no reason to be in opposition - we are brothers and sisters in Christ and each is following a path He walks with us.  Why do we spend so much time tearing down His other servants?

[WhiteWings]

I have been shocked and saddened to see how many people are harsh and judgemental to churches, making blanket statements and accusations - either individual denominations or churches in general.

I think it's also because the many investigations into church. Where I live the general opion is that church is a society of (gay) pedophiles.

[thinktank]

On the other hand, churches do amazing work as His hands and feet. Pooling resources and money and ideas and talents, they send people around the word to spread the gospel; they fund hospitals and schools and charities; they are quick to respond when disasters strike. 

I had a priest one time who came from Africa and he told his story, about how a Scottish priest had lived in his area and his mother and father hired him out to the priest.  They rode a donkey from village-to-village and he thought maybe the priest was a little crazy to travel and work like he did year-after-year. Then one day he watched as the priest bathe an old man who was unable to get off a mat by himself; as the priest washed the man's feet, he saw Jesus washing the disciples' feet.

I know there are bad doctrines out there; I know there are kooky churches and all churches are filled with hypocrites and sinners.  But they are also filled with people seeking God, hungering to hear the word read to them, desiring to gather with others to worship and to share communion. 

I have been shocked and saddened to see how many people are harsh and judgemental to churches, making blanket statements and accusations - either individual denominations or churches in general.

It just seems strange to me; it's kind of like the arguments between stay-at-home moms and moms who have jobs outside the home. They can become very bitter toward each other when instead, they should support each other. There's no reason to be in opposition - we are brothers and sisters in Christ and each is following a path He walks with us.  Why do we spend so much time tearing down His other servants?

Good post and I think addreses some of the weaknesses of UR belivers.

[shawn]

On the other hand, churches do amazing work as His hands and feet. Pooling resources and money and ideas and talents, they send people around the word to spread the gospel; they fund hospitals and schools and charities; they are quick to respond when disasters strike.  

I had a priest one time who came from Africa and he told his story, about how a Scottish priest had lived in his area and his mother and father hired him out to the priest.  They rode a donkey from village-to-village and he thought maybe the priest was a little crazy to travel and work like he did year-after-year. Then one day he watched as the priest bathe an old man who was unable to get off a mat by himself; as the priest washed the man's feet, he saw Jesus washing the disciples' feet.

I know there are bad doctrines out there; I know there are kooky churches and all churches are filled with hypocrites and sinners.  But they are also filled with people seeking God, hungering to hear the word read to them, desiring to gather with others to worship and to share communion.  

I have been shocked and saddened to see how many people are harsh and judgemental to churches, making blanket statements and accusations - either individual denominations or churches in general.

It just seems strange to me; it's kind of like the arguments between stay-at-home moms and moms who have jobs outside the home. They can become very bitter toward each other when instead, they should support each other. There's no reason to be in opposition - we are brothers and sisters in Christ and each is following a path He walks with us.  Why do we spend so much time tearing down His other servants?

I think you make some very good points.  I don't throw the baby out with the bath water.  But, I also won't attend a church that preaches hellfire damnation.  I am prone to be judgemental of the church because I feel betrayed by the church in many ways.  But, the church gave me alot of good as well.  I have not removed myself from church and feel it spiritually beneficial to attend.  But, I am indeed selective and felt lead to the church I currently attend.  I am working on not judging the church as a whole because there are indeed many Christ loving believers who attend.  This has been a process for me. 

[Universalist Catholic]

LS, can you tell me, have you found any Catholics who believe in Universal Salvation.  I am quite aware that we have a rise in number of Free Thinker Catholics, known by the Ultra Religious as "Cafeteria Catholics".  I know of a number of Catholics who believe that very few souls are actually in hell.  One I remember stated that he believes in hell, but that no one is in hell.  His justification is if God could just take him over to the side and show him all his sins, he'd repent. 

[Paul Hazelwood]

At the end they rejoiced that this "struggle" was over and how "faithful" God was to their diligence and truth,  and I kid you not, I couldn't make this up,  they said that now they will be able to   "SOD"  their yard.

THAT WAS THEIR HORRIBLE FINANCIAL CRISIS?  GIVE ME A FREAKEN BREAK.

Well, another way to look at it Paul is to say at least they were looking for "literal" seeds to sow.  :laughing7:

LOL.

[LS]

LS, can you tell me, have you found any Catholics who believe in Universal Salvation.  I am quite aware that we have a rise in number of Free Thinker Catholics, known by the Ultra Religious as "Cafeteria Catholics".  I know of a number of Catholics who believe that very few souls are actually in hell.  One I remember stated that he believes in hell, but that no one is in hell.  His justification is if God could just take him over to the side and show him all his sins, he'd repent. 

No, I'm sorry - I don't personally know any Catholics who believe US, although I know they are out there. 

[Universalist Catholic]

I forgot to mention, that I am Catholic, despite the fact I do not agree with much of their Dogma.