Thank goodness some churches are providing for the young
still helping them in the ways they need.
We have quite a few mega churches here that are progressive and filled to the brim.
I never quite knew what went on in there to attract so many of the young but I do now.
I hope this is the trend that continues.
In the Northwest, I've never seen a mega-church that's progressive. Maybe it's different down your way. They might try to be hip and cool, but it's the same outdated fire-and-brimstone message here. Someone keep me posted when there's a gay marriage at a mega-church.
yes very different in these parts ...
very much cooler and no fire and brimstone. Have you been to church recently?
My simple litmus test for a progressive church would be the answer to the question: would the pastor marry a gay or lesbian couple in the church? The answer to this will pretty much give me the answer I need (with maybe a couple exceptions). There's pastors in mainline Christian churches that will say yes. I've seen this in Disciples of Christ churches, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist (UCC) churches. While it's in the Congregationalist national charter to be encompassing, others are neutral, and some nationally are against gay marriage (or at least not for it) but you'll see individual congregations vary from one to the next. I've seen Presbyterian churches on opposite ends of the spectrum. Typically, most mega-churches aren't the mainline ones that have been around for a long time.
From what I know about mega-churches, they're very conservative (e.g. foursquare, first assembly of God), or they're non-denominational. I'd be curious what the pastors in the latter would say if asked about whether or not they're progressive.
It's a large church, but likely not as big as the one you referenced. I've never heard of that church and wouldn't go to one named after a person anyway.
...
That's great.
The one by me is called 'Grace SomethingErOther'. It looks like a College/Office complex. It has a gym with a basketball court and a giant auditorium-like thing and a place for weddings. The Services take place in the auditorium and even has grandstand seating... like bleachers, only nice bleachers. Big screens and closed circuit with a pretty solid P.A. system.
The only thing I would warn you about... don't think it doesn't carry the same pitfalls as any other large organization. Like i said, the kids in my neighborhood tell their parents they are going to church in the evenings, it isn't all about learning about Jesus. They get to meet girls from places all over the L.A. and Orange County area, not just the same old girls they knew in High School or Jr. College. They are still young people with the raging sexual overdrive of young people. it sounds good to the parents... the kids going to the church, rather than hanging out on the streets. Just keep in mind that they are still kids.
It doesn't mean they are bad kids... they are just kids, doing what kids have always done... being kids. The kids i know, I've known since they were babies. They are now young adults, but still living with their parents. So, yeah, they go to the church to shoot some hoops and pick up girls. It's much better than going to bars, but it really is pretty much the same intent.
Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
Hail, Hail!!!
The church I'm speaking of has 200 members, not a mega church
but I am close with mega churches because of our biz and they are moving towards
this belief.
I hope everyone read the italicized post, yes gays are welcomed.
Sometimes I think atheists are very hard to please on the subject of church.
Do you want to hate? Or do you want to love?
When a church is right in front of you accepting everyone based on love truth and God's love
for us all can you accept that? Not believe just accept. This is the future of churches.
I think that is lovely.
The church I'm speaking of has 200 members, not a mega church
but I am close with mega churches because of our biz and they are moving towards
this belief.
I hope everyone read the italicized post, yes gays are welcomed.
Sometimes I think atheists are very hard to please on the subject of church.
Do you want to hate? Or do you want to love?
When a church is right in front of you accepting everyone based on love truth and God's love
for us all can you accept that? Not believe just accept. This is the future of churches.
I think that is lovely.
Think its the "Truth" word that gets to some including myself. I'm all for love and understand humans wanting to be a part of a group, following.Its just the bible is pretty hard to swallow for some, so when there's an organization that's based on the bible its tough to get behind or pretend there is legitamacy. I've started reading the bible so that I'm better versed and trying to understand its draw but still don't get it.
I do think there are good things that come out of organized religion and it is evolving and getting better and what you and Know 1 are describing are good things.
More power to you and glad it fills a need. I've really chilled on my hatred of all things religion and much more accepting as I get older. I'm evolving as well.
I don't attend church never have because I have not felt the need.
I was talking with my daughter this am and I told her about this thread and others we have had.
She is new to church going in the past few months as I have mentioned. 27 and discovering.
She said to me that she does not agree with everything said in church. She doesn't have to.
She was taught, she said by her Dad and I, to be loving, to think for herself
and respect others beliefs. I was very proud at that moment as anyone can imagine.
So from that I realize she is not alone.
There must be many in church who do not agree with everything
spoken and also have their own interpretation as my daughter does.
In the italicized articled I posted it said 'God is still speaking'. That covers exactly how I feel.
We can take not only the time of Jesus and the Bible but everything since, everything before
all that our human existence tells us and listen. Just Listen. Those listening will hear and interpret.
God is speaking to me and I'm listening.
http://youtu.be/q0MuzDLk5mk
jesse ventura on organized religion & the catholic church being prosecuted with the RICO act.
I remember many moons back when ventura said something like this (and I been searching & haven't found it), "organized religion is for small minded people" he said something very much like that there. it made me smile & do a ventura fist pump in the air
Comments
My simple litmus test for a progressive church would be the answer to the question: would the pastor marry a gay or lesbian couple in the church? The answer to this will pretty much give me the answer I need (with maybe a couple exceptions). There's pastors in mainline Christian churches that will say yes. I've seen this in Disciples of Christ churches, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist (UCC) churches. While it's in the Congregationalist national charter to be encompassing, others are neutral, and some nationally are against gay marriage (or at least not for it) but you'll see individual congregations vary from one to the next. I've seen Presbyterian churches on opposite ends of the spectrum. Typically, most mega-churches aren't the mainline ones that have been around for a long time.
From what I know about mega-churches, they're very conservative (e.g. foursquare, first assembly of God), or they're non-denominational. I'd be curious what the pastors in the latter would say if asked about whether or not they're progressive.
That's great.
The one by me is called 'Grace SomethingErOther'. It looks like a College/Office complex. It has a gym with a basketball court and a giant auditorium-like thing and a place for weddings. The Services take place in the auditorium and even has grandstand seating... like bleachers, only nice bleachers. Big screens and closed circuit with a pretty solid P.A. system.
The only thing I would warn you about... don't think it doesn't carry the same pitfalls as any other large organization. Like i said, the kids in my neighborhood tell their parents they are going to church in the evenings, it isn't all about learning about Jesus. They get to meet girls from places all over the L.A. and Orange County area, not just the same old girls they knew in High School or Jr. College. They are still young people with the raging sexual overdrive of young people. it sounds good to the parents... the kids going to the church, rather than hanging out on the streets. Just keep in mind that they are still kids.
It doesn't mean they are bad kids... they are just kids, doing what kids have always done... being kids. The kids i know, I've known since they were babies. They are now young adults, but still living with their parents. So, yeah, they go to the church to shoot some hoops and pick up girls. It's much better than going to bars, but it really is pretty much the same intent.
Hail, Hail!!!
but I am close with mega churches because of our biz and they are moving towards
this belief.
I hope everyone read the italicized post, yes gays are welcomed.
Sometimes I think atheists are very hard to please on the subject of church.
Do you want to hate? Or do you want to love?
When a church is right in front of you accepting everyone based on love truth and God's love
for us all can you accept that? Not believe just accept. This is the future of churches.
I think that is lovely.
I do think there are good things that come out of organized religion and it is evolving and getting better and what you and Know 1 are describing are good things.
More power to you and glad it fills a need. I've really chilled on my hatred of all things religion and much more accepting as I get older. I'm evolving as well.
Peace
I was talking with my daughter this am and I told her about this thread and others we have had.
She is new to church going in the past few months as I have mentioned. 27 and discovering.
She said to me that she does not agree with everything said in church. She doesn't have to.
She was taught, she said by her Dad and I, to be loving, to think for herself
and respect others beliefs. I was very proud at that moment as anyone can imagine.
So from that I realize she is not alone.
There must be many in church who do not agree with everything
spoken and also have their own interpretation as my daughter does.
In the italicized articled I posted it said 'God is still speaking'. That covers exactly how I feel.
We can take not only the time of Jesus and the Bible but everything since, everything before
all that our human existence tells us and listen. Just Listen. Those listening will hear and interpret.
God is speaking to me and I'm listening.
jesse ventura on organized religion & the catholic church being prosecuted with the RICO act.
I remember many moons back when ventura said something like this (and I been searching & haven't found it), "organized religion is for small minded people" he said something very much like that there. it made me smile & do a ventura fist pump in the air
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon