Hands up 'Who goes to church?'

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In spite of not attending church services, I do like seeing old churches for their history and architecture. There were several old ones near where I lived in Hampshire. A couple were literally in the middle of fields. One , St.Huberts, dated from the 11th. century and has wall paintings from the 14th century..
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A few miles away is the church of St.Martin, still as far as I know, lit by candles.

But when it comes to viewing Architecture, Mrs.L and daughter were reused entry to one church in Bologna (purely to see the architecture) because the weren't "properly" dressed. I wonder if Jesus had a dress code and turned people away? No problem at other churches in the city.
 

I would go to a church that emphasized Jesus' messages of kindness, humility, service, acceptance and caring for one another, rather than Paul's words, or most modern religion's laser focus: Bring your money, and your friends and their money to our church (the only one true church) lest ye be damned. Give till it hurts, then give some more. After all, the Lord loves a cheerful giver. As does Joel Osteen and his ilk.
 
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StarSong said:
I would go to a church that emphasized Jesus' messages of kindness, humility, service, acceptance and caring for one another, rather than Paul or most modern religion's laser focus: Bring your money, and your friends and their money to our church (the only one true church) lest ye be damned. Give till it hurts, then give some more. After all, the Lord loves a cheerful giver. As does Joel Osteen and his ilk.
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I agree I would consider attending a church with a strong sense of community among its members.

I have a family member that is an assistant pastor in a mega-church and it amuses me when I go to look at one of their online sermons the pop-up asking for a donation appears before I can access it and it only allows one view before it blocks you from watching another sermon.

I understand both sides of the coin but it does seem to be more about donations and market share over the message or inclusion as a member of the church.
 

STAR:
Cute
You mentioned a guy so transparent that I have to believe we are a nation of dummies.
Tammy Fay in a suit...
Direct TV has several TV preachers in an area clumped together-I define them as 'the send me money group.'
Mr. Osteen belongs in this group.

(Please note there are some sincere folks in this group, but they are a minority-the 'send me money' far outnumber the sincere evangelist.)
 
Prettiest church I have been in was in Cyprus many years ago..
iam not a church goer but like sitting and looking at the lovely stained glass pics ..
very calming places for most ...
 
Capt Lightning said:
In spite of not attending church services, I do like seeing old churches for their history and architecture. There were several old ones near where I lived in Hampshire. A couple were literally in the middle of fields. One , St.Huberts, dated from the 11th. century and has wall paintings from the 14th century..
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A few miles away is the church of St.Martin, still as far as I know, lit by candles.

But when it comes to viewing Architecture, Mrs.L and daughter were reused entry to one church in Bologna (purely to see the architecture) because the weren't "properly" dressed. I wonder if Jesus had a dress code and turned people away? No problem at other churches in the city.
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When we were in Italy, many of the churches and cathedrals had a sort of dress code. Mostly simple stuff -- no shorts, no sleeveless or revealing tops, no very short skirts, no flip flops. I can't remember for sure, but I think St. Peter's at the Vatican required something over ladies' hair (nothing drastic, just a bit of lace or hanky pinned on top of the hair). I believe the dress codes are to reflect respect for the house of God, whether you believe in Him or not.

I asked at one place about the flip flops (I never wear them, but I was curious) and the guide said too many people had fallen because the plastic bottoms somehow caught on the floors.
 
Butterfly said:
required something over ladies' hair (nothing drastic, just a bit of lace or hanky pinned on top of the hair). I believe the dress codes are to reflect respect for the house of God, whether you believe in Him or not.
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I think it's weird how men are asked to take off their hats and women are asked to put one on (or a covering). I never understood why the difference, women and men both have hair, why is one supposed to cover it and the other one to show it?
 
Catlady said:
I think it's weird how men are asked to take off their hats and women are asked to put one on (or a covering). I never understood why the difference, women and men both have hair, why is one supposed to cover it and the other one to show it?
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Because the sight of a woman's hair can drive men insane with desire. Actually, though, in many religions a man must also wear a head covering to show piety.
 
Catlady said:
I think it's weird how men are asked to take off their hats and women are asked to put one on (or a covering). I never understood why the difference, women and men both have hair, why is one supposed to cover it and the other one to show it?
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LOL. I attended a 1-year memorial for a friend's mother at a synagogue. I didn't understand why the room was divided into two sections, so I asked the Rabbi. He explained that men & women have to be separated to avoid "distractions."
When I was through laughing, I sat in the back row of the men's section & moved my chair next to the partition so I could still be distracted....by the women. That was more entertaining than the praying..... although religion does amuse & entertain me.
 
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Warrigal said:
Men are so easily distracted, aren't they?
When I was studying to become a teacher we were advised not to wear red clothing because red inflamed the passions of menfolk.
Guess what my favourite colour is?
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Seems that the more ''religious'' men are, the more easily they get ''distracted''. LOL I think the more you forbid something, the more it's desired.

My favorite colors are blue and purple, but at my age I don't have to worry about distracting any men. When in my 20's they used to whistle and howl, but that was back when it wasn't considered se*xual harassment.
 
I am a Christian believer. I am involved with my church. The two are directly related; cause and effect.

Christianity as not about buildings or personalities or sermons or music or organizational hierarchies or customs or rules created by men. It's about belief in God, belief in the scriptures, belief in salvation ... and immense gratitude. Without belief, I would think "church" would be tedious and a rather poor form of entertainment.

I fully understand that not all will be able to believe.

I continually pray for the souls of those who feel they cannot.
 
Catlady said:
I think it's weird how men are asked to take off their hats and women are asked to put one on (or a covering). I never understood why the difference, women and men both have hair, why is one supposed to cover it and the other one to show it?
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That's one of the religious practices that really makes me laugh. A friend of my sister's is orthodox. I wanted to learn a few things about her standards....rules....whatever (to find more things that amuse me) so I did some research. Among other nonsense about what she couldn't do on the Sabbath, I learned that orthodox women are not allowed to touch men who are not orthodox - that includes shaking hands. And they aren't allowed to ever be alone with men who aren't relatives. That's really funny, because every time she saw me, she hugged me. And, she asked me to help her move furniture in her house. I teased her about it; I told her she had to see her Rabbi & beg forgiveness for her sins.
Teehee, I guess she found me so irresistible, she couldn't help it.
 
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My Dad's folks were devout Mormons, but the only time I saw him in church was at his funeral. My Mom never talked about her religion, but she took us to Methodist services a couple times. They both considered themselves Christians. I was never baptized. I still have the bible my Mom gave me.

My wife's folks were active Baptists and forced her to attend every Sunday. When we were dating, I went with her. I almost joined. We were married in her sister's living room by a Baptist minister who was a friend of her family.

After we were married, I offered to continue attending with her, but she was burned out and hasn't been back since. But, there is a picture of Jesus in our living room. We have never pushed anything on our sons, and neither one is a church goer.

I have read much of the Bible, but consider myself an agnostic. But, if people find comfort in whatever their beliefs are, I'm fine with that as long as they don't try to force it on others. I'm even nice to the Jehovah's Witnesses who knock on my door regularly.

Don
 

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