Confused by people attending different church than their beliefs...

[Lamb]

I'm confused why people would attend a church that is not in line with their beliefs. I've heard the reasoning that people want some sort of good fellowship with others or some happy clappy music to make them feel good, but I disagree with those things just to go to a church.

Do you think that people are not swayed by the false beliefs of a different church just so they can feel good?

 

[psalms 91]

I agree, you can find a church that fits your beliefs as there are so many out there. To go just to feel good or for fellowship when you dont agree with what they are doing is not right imho

 

[Tigger]

Doctrine is first with me when looking for a local congregation to align with. Among those congregations I commit to the one where I feel most connected to the staff and congregation.

 

[MoreCoffee]

I'm confused why people would attend a church that is not in line with their beliefs. I've heard the reasoning that people want some sort of good fellowship with others or some happy clappy music to make them feel good, but I disagree with those things just to go to a church.

Do you think that people are not swayed by the false beliefs of a different church just so they can feel good?

It may mean that some folk count friends and social gatherings more valuable than truth.

 

[Brighten04]

I was raised and baptized in a Baptist church. I fellowship now with a Baptist church. I don't consider myself Baptist though. The church where I fellowship is close by, and convenient and I do believe they are Christians. Rather than looking at our differences, I look at where we agree. And where we agree is Jesus Christ and the Word of God. I believe that the gifts of the Spirit are still in effect, and I believe it is ok for women to preach...stuff like that. I really don't know a lot of Baptist doctrine. Sometimes I will attend Methodist or Pentecostal congregations. I don't know a lot of their doctrine either. I think I lean more to the non-denominational church but there are none of those in my town.

 

[psalms 91]

It may mean that some folk count friends and social gatherings more valuable than truth.

Thats part of the problem, church is not a clubhouse for saints but rather a hospital for sinners

 

[Josiah]

I'm confused why people would attend a church that is not in line with their beliefs. I've heard the reasoning that people want some sort of good fellowship with others or some happy clappy music to make them feel good, but I disagree with those things just to go to a church.

Do you think that people are not swayed by the false beliefs of a different church just so they can feel good?

IF I may share some random thoughts.....


1. It's probably UNLIKELY that a thoughtful person agrees with EVERYTHING in their denomination.... I joined the LCMS and I was asked if I agree with the Small Catechism (those 12 pages or so).... and I do. But I don't agree that Pope Francis IS THE Anti-Christ (or even that all the Pope's togeher are)...... I realize the LCMS has MANY views on "fellowship" but I disagree with most of them..... I would hold to a far more open Communion fellowship than in many LCMS churches..... Now, I agree with the LCMS far more than any other denomination known to me, so I think I'm well placed.

2. Many in my family are Catholics. They are Catholics because our ancestors have been Catholics since Noah landed on the mountain. FEW of them agree with Catholicism.... indeed, I (now a Lutheran) agree with the RCC more than most of them do. So why do they keep being Catholic? Because it's who they are..... it's their roots.... And they ARE liturgical and Sacramental and pro-life..... and they sense that much of pop Protestantism is too crazy, too loose, too weird, too new (and they may have a point for what they experience around here now..... too bad Lutherans and conservative Anglicans are pretty much unknowns to Catholics).

3. People often associate with churches FIRST because they feel welcomed, they feel loved, they feel helped in some way (spiritual and/or otherwise). They come to like the people and what goes on there..... THEN they seek to find out what that church believes and BECAUSE they like the church, they accept the teachings of it (even if they are weird..... how else can you explain Mormonism, etc.)....... and PERHAPS want to be a part of it by joining (although not if they are my generation - we join nothin'). BELIEFS is rarely - rarely - the thing that draws people in, it's PEOPLE that draw people in. BTW, it's often the same that leads them out (although that's not what caused me to leave the RCC, I LOVED those people and it was mutual).


Just my half cent.


Pax


- Josiah

 

[Ruth]

As far as I'm concerned a church is a church with one God. I do like places that make it more interesting to be there.

 

[Hebrews 11]

I am in the same place that you are.
I am going to a full Gospel non denomination Church, but I have many Baptist friends and family.
I am trying to lay aside the main theological divide among us ,they do as well.

It is the Gifts of the Spirit !
For some unknown reason they interpret the passage in 1st Corinthians as witness the gifts are gone.
I simply cannot apply that logic,so we have a theological disagreement but not a friendship breaker.

This was a reply to brighten 04 ,I'm still pushing the wrong buttons!

 

[Lamb]

I am going to a full Gospel non denomination Church,

What does that mean "full Gospel"? if you don't mind my asking?

 

[MoreCoffee]

What does that mean "full Gospel"? if you don't mind my asking?

I believe it is a euphemism for Pentecostal/Charismatic. The implication appears to be that those who are not Pentecostal/Charismatic are not receiving the full gospel.

 

[Tigger]

There is a Pentecostal denomination called 'Full Gosple'.

 

[Brighten04]

I am in the same place that you are.
I am going to a full Gospel non denomination Church, but I have many Baptist friends and family.
I am trying to lay aside the main theological divide among us ,they do as well.

It is the Gifts of the Spirit !
For some unknown reason they interpret the passage in 1st Corinthians as witness the gifts are gone.
I simply cannot apply that logic,so we have a theological disagreement but not a friendship breaker.

This was a reply to brighten 04 ,I'm still pushing the wrong buttons!

I know huh! The church I attend know of my differences and they are ok with them.

 

[Rens]

nm

 

[visionary]

I think all this milling around within the gatherings of believers is because of the hour. They are searching for all the gems they can find, looking for that connection that they feel is lacking, there is an emptiness that doctrines no longer satisfy. They can not explain it, but God put it in their heart to look in other places, to open their eyes and see, and He will lead His people into all truth. The truth is never conveniently boxed up, labelled, and divveed out in proper portions for easy consumption. It is all coming together. Line here, phrase there, spirit lit, impressed upon the heart, the truth sprouts, and will bear fruit. Every fruit bearing in its season.

 

[MoreCoffee]

I think all this milling around within the gatherings of believers is because of the hour. They are searching for all the gems they can find, looking for that connection that they feel is lacking, there is an emptiness that doctrines no longer satisfy. They can not explain it, but God put it in their heart to look in other places, to open their eyes and see, and He will lead His people into all truth. The truth is never conveniently boxed up, labelled, and divvied out in proper portions for easy consumption. It is all coming together. Line here, phrase there, spirit lit, impressed upon the heart, the truth sprouts, and will bear fruit. Every fruit bearing in its season.

I can't help but think that it is lack of clear doctrinal teaching as well as lack of clear moral teaching that leads to wandering from one denomination to another and one meeting to another with feelings that can't be settled and desires that are not met.

 

[psalms 91]

I also think that people are looking for signs as well, they want to see the move of God but because it requires sacrifice and putting down the flesh it is hard to find, most do not want to pay the price for it

 

[visionary]

God is stirring the hearts, and lifting words off the page of scripture and placing them before His people who hear His voice and want to follow Him, so that they are actively seeking answers. He is leading. We are either being transformed into His image, or we are being consumed with the things of this world. Either way, His appointed time is fast approaching, and He will return to gather His people, save them, and take them to His Wedding Supper.

 

[Brighten04]

I have always wanted to be in a congregation like the one in Acts 2. I believe Lord Jesus will restore that same power to His Church through the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. The entity know as the Church is asleep. Soon she will awaken, and she will shine like the Son.

 

[visionary]

50/50 chance...