Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire What Does Declining Church Attendance Mean for Our Society?

I lost faith in churches a long time ago. That does not equate to losing faith in the gospels miles

This might be a good place to differentiate between being a believer in Christ and attending a church regularly. Doing one does not necessarily mean doing the other.

Personally, I see "organized religion" as a negative. Just as America was given "a republic, if you can keep it" we were given the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Constitution and the New Testament can both be read as they are in their originality, but it seems that mankind will always corrupt and pervert anything it ever touches. I blame the decline of organized religion on organized religion and those who choose to capitalize upon it. And this is the very reason that NONE can ever be good enough on their own merit to be in the presence of God. The path is narrow and we've all heard his name.

Totally unbiblical. Jesus and the Apostles faithfully attended the Temple & synagogue until they couldn't. Then they worked to set up their own churches.

I could not disagree more strongly. "The Church" is not a physical structure, nor is it something organized by man.

If ya judge a tree by it’s fruit we all worship something.

I’ve never been a church goer since my Catholic youth so ain’t in a position to criticize.

But I do believe the values enunciated in the Ten Commandments are the basis for Western Civilization.

If you want to see a society even further down the path of destruction than we are look at the UK. That’s where we’re headed.

Even I, who was brought up in the Roman Catholic tradition, an altar boy, and schooled by them for nearly 12 years, learned that somewhere along the line.

We are all called to worship at the alter. The alter is not at your house.

You're right. The "Church" is not a building but the NT is full of teaching for the gathering of Christians together. Pastors, elders, teachers are all a part of church organization of groups of people.

The whole world, made by the Creator, is my altar.

And I need no human telling me otherwise.

Christianity is inherently a community affair with the Body of Christ gathering to worship Christ and participate in the sacrament of The Lord's Supper. You cannot do that out in the World.

Another take on the subject is that if you, and millions like you, hadn't left The Church, it wouldn't be in the poor shape it is now.

I'm not telling you, Christ is telling you.

Of course, you believe the version you're reading was translated, after being written centuries after his life, is the correct one in every nuance?

I'm not here to argue the point with you. I had an event in my life many years ago that changed my life dramatically when I called out to the Creator. Many would call it a miracle. I have no need to go elsewhere for confirmation or reinforcement of my "saving" .

That may be catholic doctrine, but it is a misstatement of fact.

Christ tells me you're wrong.

If you, and those like you, didn't act like this in Church millions wouldn't have left. Maybe then it wouldn't be in the poor shape it's in.

Big +1.

I grew up going 3 times a week.

Last time I was in a church was for my grandmother's funeral several years ago. Prior to that was my dad's funeral, 16 years ago.

But I pray daily.

I don't think pointing this out will help them.

I'm fairly certain the last time I stepped foot in a church was '15 for my gram's funeral.

Very interesting thread, and I only have few comments to make.

- Isn't freedom of religion great? I can believe what and how I want. If someone does not like it, they can stuff it.
- I too have lost any desire to part of man's organized religion. Had a couple of experiences growing up that turned me off. Things that have occurred since, have only validated that decision.
Not limited too, but for example, Priests abusing children.

If entering into a building that is dedicated to the worship and teaching of God isn't for you that's your business but there's a few things I do question. How many missionaries have you supported? How do you expect the lost sinner that has not teaching in regard to the Bible to hear the truth if you've chosen to hide your light under a basket? How are we going to support the ongoing outreach through speaking, writing or otherwise? Do you tithe? There may be other questions I'm not arguing about church attendance but if everyone quit going who is carrying the torch? Are you?

I also want it to be known that my post isn't a defense of the Catholic church as some here have had a problem with. As far as I'm concerned they are not a Bible based doctrine and it's no wonder they have allowed what they have.