corporate worship is a way to keep an eye on folks, to press onward. To be able to say where were you last week. You didn't give us enough money. You need to act better, often while someone in upper management screws someone else.. literally or figuratively.
Corporate worship is about meeting together and making community around a shared ideal who, in the Christian Church, is Christ.
Toward that end I need people to keep an eye on me. My heart is prone to wander from the God I claim and therefore regular check-ins for purposes of reorientation are a must.
Doing my own thing on a Sunday morning, for me, is tantamount to making myself the ideal. I’ve been there, done that, got the friggin t-shirt and don’t want any part of that. Idolatry is my pre-programmed “go to” and proves harmful for me and those around me. God is calling for Himself a redeemed community as such. Putting up with all this BS is part of the deal cuz we’re all full of it... and yet He has called us. That’s grace.
Others’ mileage may vary, but I had to toss in my .02 to provide a counter position to the typical individualistic drivel typical of these thread
You know, I had not thought of it that way but I believe you are right. Some folks do need the unity, the watchful eye etc... we are all driven differently.
Me, If I dont' get to a church, its ok, I do my best to live it every day. I don't have much doubt, but there is always some, but being out in nature every day in my work, you see the works all around you. And in my spare time I"m constantly talking to others, and helping those that need help and so I'm gonna say we do just fine without.
But as you noted, YMMV, and I often forget that.
If all churches always were just about helping others, speaking and spreading the word and not getting panties in a wad over minor technical issues, then it would definitely be a better thing.
Of course bottom line, I'm somewhat anti people to start with, while I deal with folks every day, and smile, and enjoy that, I'm never unhappy to get home, where I don't have to see anyone else etc... social is not my ticket for sure.
