All the people who don't go to Church....

[eleanor]

My mom has to do some interview thingy for a bible study class she's in. She has to ask people who don't go to church:
1.) What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"
2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church
3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?

I'd greatly appreciate it if just one of you answered these. My mom is pretty desperate... (It's kinda scaring me)

[XxmagentaxX]

1) I used to go to church so I think of my old church... With Sunday school and being terribly bored, and not understanding why I had to be there.
2) I don't believe in God... I think thats a good enough reason
3) Hmm.... my old church was perfect. They didnt pressure you to be all worshippy (yes i know thats not a word) They didnt shove it down your throat and didnt try to scare you into beliveing. this one church I went to yelled at everyone and said that you are all going to hell... It was scary...

[Sui Generis]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by anime_gurl [/i]
[B]My mom has to do some interview thingy for a bible study class she's in. She has to ask people who don't go to church:
1.) What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"
2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church
3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?

I'd greatly appreciate it if just one of you answered these. My mom is pretty desperate... (It's kinda scaring me) [/B][/QUOTE]

1) I'm not sure. Boredom. Judgement.

2) Everyone is so mean at the churches we go to. They judge you automatically. If you say you arn't Christian or whatever even if you are intersted in it, they automatically judge you. If you arn't the perfect little kid you arn't accepted...

B) The Youth Group. I don't feel accepted at all. I'm an outcast at the youth group. I mean I dress like a "goth" and so everyone thinks I'm a satanist. I hate it...

3) Unity. Caring. Good youth group!


(I've finally found a good church though, and I started going to it. Although I can only go maybe twice a month if I'm lucky)

[Juu]

[color=ff00cc] [size=1]Well, going to church for me isn't really an option for me at the moment, soo... ^_^;

1) I guess the first thing that comes to my mind is an alter, and people praying. Either that, or a Sunday School, with kids coloring pictures of biblical people, places...etc, or singing.

2) Well, most it revolves around family issues. Since my parents got divorced last year, my mom's side wanted me to be Catholic, some Buddist, some Christian. I decided I would be Christian, but after reading the books from a few different religions, I'm kind of confused about the whole thing. Also, we don't have any christian churches near our house. Most of them are Catholic or Jewish.

3) Umm, well I think Churches need people who can inspire other people to believe in that religion, and help them understand what the lessons the events are trying to describe. I don't think it really matters how a church looks like, or how many people attend.[/color] [/size]

[Angelus]

1)organization, political force
2)
A) I have come to a point in my life where I cant get past all of the bullcr@p that the church puts out.
B) God is personal for me, church gets in my way of me and God.
3) Understanding, community helpers, and a strong youth group.

[Kent]

1. The pope met with tariq aziz. The pope said the war on Iraq was about oil. The pope did nothing about the pedophilia scandal.

2. One, I like to sleep in on sundays...
two, I dont like being told what god thinks of me or my actions.
three, my relationship with god does not need a middle man.

3.To be a good church...
A church must be morally correct. (consistancy on social issues)
A church must be ethically correct. (money must not be an issue for the church.)


The biggest thing I feel when I go to church is a sense of "fakeness."

[Samgee Gamwise]

Dang, by all those standards my church rocks!

[Heaven's Cloud]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by anime_gurl [/i]
[B]My mom has to do some interview thingy for a bible study class she's in. She has to ask people who don't go to church:
1.) What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"
2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church
3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?
[/B][/QUOTE]

[color=indigo]1. Preachers molesting children of their flock...okay that was a little harsh...how about a community of people that worship God in a similar way.

2. 1: I feel that God does not need you to go to church to know that you belive in him/her/it and praise him/her/it.

2: I have never accepted the bible to be the absolute truth about God.

3. I think that for the most part, church is just a social orginization that does good deeds for the community that surrounds it. Therefore, most churches are good...but I still am not going to go... [/color]

[Semjaza]

I don't have great views on the Church myself...

1.) Honestly, first thing I think of at this point is commercial organization.

2.) First reason, I believe in god, but not really in the Christian sense. Second, I simply do not support organized religion on a whole for too many other reasons to list. This is mostly from growing up in Catholic schools, as it more or less turned me against the Church, more than strengthened my relationship with it, strangely.

3.) This is only based on my experience personally, for all I know many other Churches are amazing and all of you that go them love them. I'm not going to argue that, or the benefits you feel you get from them.

I have no real guidelines to make a Church something I'd love to go to and fully support. I'm just some stupid kid, I have little (more like zero) control over any of that.

Based on people I've met and dealt with (let me stress... personally. No offense to anyone here), it's not so much the [i]Church[/i] as it is the [i]people[/i] I know that go. I've never met so many horrible, hypocritcal, selfish and superficial people that for some reason pretend to be something different every Sunday.

The most aggrivating part about that was that I tended to know more about the ins and outs of how the religion worked, as well as a lot more about the Bible and its teachings than most of the people I knew that followed it. You cannot imagine how aggrivating this is until you experience first hand, especially when they are the same people who talk down to you for those very reasons.

I noticed that, and honestly it just got worse and worse. Especially once I had to go to another high school which was more in a rich neighborhood. At this point I was already cemented in what I believed in, but things I saw and heard sure didn't help.

Of course, there are always the few amazing people that believe so much in what they are doing and in what the Church teaches that sometimes I can't help but think maybe I'm wrong about all of it... But I guess that works both ways.

[Subversive]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Lalaith Ril [/i]
[B]1) I'm not sure. Boredom. Judgement.

2) Everyone is so mean at the churches we go to. They judge you automatically. If you say you arn't Christian or whatever even if you are intersted in it, they automatically judge you. If you are the perfect little kid you arn't accepted...

3) Unity. Caring. Good youth group!


(I've finally found a good church though, and I started going to it. Although I can only go maybe twice a month if I'm lucky) [/B][/QUOTE]

I know since I go to church and I'm not answering the questions this is kindof off topic, but I felt I needed to say something.

Your church is messed up and shows how so many of people who claim to be the greatest christians ever aren't. They think they're perfect when really they should be saying "Only one man was perfect, and thats not me". They shouldn't judge people at all, that's God's job my friend, not their's. It really makes me mad when hypacritical (spl?) people (well we all are) raise their noses at someone who could possibly join there religion. I mean don't they believe that if you were to become a christian that would be one more soul saved...>.
*calms down*

Sorry for getting off topic, just needed to say something.

[Heartless Me]

1.) What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"? A congregation. A place of worship. A place where people of like minded views and values gather to respect and follow a religion that has lasted several thousand years.

2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church... One, I went to church for 11 years and I didn't feel like it had a big effect on my life. Two, I couldn't fit into any church that I went to.

3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church? Open Mindedness and Acceptance of other religions.

[James]

[color=#808080]1) Hypocracy...biggotry...I don't know. I don't really see the Church as being associated with love anymore. It's become too political and self-absorbed in general (though I'm sure there are exceptions.

2) If God exists, I don't think he/she/it endorses Church. Being worshipped is a very ego-based, human idea. If God is truly everywhere and if he/she/it created the entire Universe...I really don't think that he/she/it has a sense of ego. Secondly, I really do concur with what Semjaza Azazel said. I have found that many of the people who visit Church (that I've personally known) are extremely close-minded people. If anything disturbs their personal space bubble, they want to burn it or shoot it or something. lol

3) I really don't know. It's not the Church [i]itself[/i], it's the fact that the Church leadership is often so closed and commercialized...the whole thing, to me, just goes against what mankind should be pursuing. If Churches were there simply as relief/charity organizations...and if they [i]truly[/i] preached love for all and such, maybe my feelings would improve. But yeah, I really don't think there is much that can/will be done to dramatically improve the Church system.

I guess that basically, I feel that the Church is within onesself. It's not a building; it's a state of mind.[/color]

[Delian]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by anime_gurl [/i]
[B]My mom has to do some interview thingy for a bible study class she's in. She has to ask people who don't go to church:
1.) What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"
2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church
3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?

I'd greatly appreciate it if just one of you answered these. My mom is pretty desperate... (It's kinda scaring me) [/B][/QUOTE]

1 - Politics more than anything else
2 - a) You don't need to go to Church to find God. He is everywhere
b) Considering my religion is highly uncommon, our place of worship only exists where I was born...and I wasn't born in Australia.
c) A good church should be respectful of other religions and be open-minded. It should focus on its people and helping the community without judging those who are different.

[PiroMunkie]

[color=indigo][size=1][b]What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"[/b]

Well, it is usually something along the line of "Ugh..." followed by me hitting part of my body (usually my head) against something nice and solid. I do not have any real thoughts that come to mind, just an overall emotion of disgust and bitterness.

[b]Give two reasons why you don't go to church.[/b]

The first would obviously be because I am not a religious person. So I have no obligation.

Secondly, if I [i]did[/i] believe in a god, or many, I would have a better chance of finding him/her/them somewhere outside a small, confined building.

The idea of a church is just really hypocritical too. In most, if not all, religions, the god(s) are usually all like, "Be humble!", but then they go along the lines of, "Oh! But build me a big temple and worship me because I am great!".

I would much rather not be involved with something like that.

[b]What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?[/b]

Heh "good church", quite the oxymoron you have there. ;) I cannot really imagine a "good" church, so I cannot really tell you. *shrugs*[/color][/size]

[Subversive]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by James [/i]
[B][color=#808080]

2) If God exists, I don't think he/she/it endorses Church. Being worshipped is a very ego-based, human idea. If God is truly everywhere and if he/she/it created the entire Universe...I really don't think that he/she/it has a sense of ego. Secondly, I really do concur with what Semjaza Azazel said. I have found that many of the people who visit Church (that I've personally known) are extremely close-minded people. If anything disturbs their personal space bubble, they want to burn it or shoot it or something. lol[/color] [/B][/QUOTE]


Worshiping in Church is what one does to praise God, not what God demands of one.

Your right most people are very close minded. I am open to exploring all cultures and ideas, but most likely will not change my beliefs because of it. Mainly this is because the Bible teaches that there is black and white, not many shades of grey (I am refering to right and wrong)

These people who say they want to burn it or shoot it or something obviously are not following the path of the Bible and Jesus Christ.

Arrgggh...I'm offtopic because I care. It would be easier if I didn't, but I do...

[wrist cutter]

SpyderDragon, I realize it's hard to just ignore, but really you're just wasting your time...

[Kent]

Yea spydor, with that banner you just managed to put across the hardcore christian vibe... Hey, don't worry, its cool with me.

I might not be right up your alley, but some christians might be in for a shock if they were to ask for the ethics of a person who comes from a background such as my own.

No matter what the case... wrist cutter is actually right in a way...

Just about no one is willing to change their minds anymore.

[Corey]

[b]1.)What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"[/b]
Judgemental, closeminded individuals.

[b]2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church[/b]
I don't go to church because I am Athiest, and because I do not wish to waste perfectly good time listening to stories.

[b]3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?[/b]
I really have no opinion at all seeing as I don't really care for them at all.

[Transtic Nerve]

1) God is the first word that comes to mind. I don't like churches. It's not that I don't like them, just I don't feel I'm in place when i walk in a church. I was at a Unitarian church and I still didn't feel comfortable sitting in the pews. I dunno how I'm going to survice my brother's wedding... it's in a church, and a catholic one none-the-less. (Nothing against catholics, it's just very difficult for me to be in a place with strict catholics) Anyway... religious people are fine to talk to as long as it's not about religon, which is why i don't like to go to church.

2) Well one was stated above, I have many. I don't like the idea of a place set for my worship. I should be able to worship whereever I want. And I choose not to worship or pray at a church. I don't like the idea of God being shoved down my throat. While I understand some pastures or priests or raibis don't do that, some also do and I don't like that. I want to learn about god from doing my own work. If I want to know about this or that, I'll read the bible. If that person up there wants to tell me what this or that means I don't really want that. it's an opinion. it's very hard to say what the bible exactly means and I don't want some guy I don't know telling me what it means.

3) Discussion... not like a teacher and class. Understanding. Freedom. Religion with limits on everything is worthless. I want to wear a hat in church if I want to. I want to go to church in t-shirt and pants. I want to be able to speak up if I think something is wrong.

[James]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by SpyderDragon [/i]
[B]Worshiping in Church is what one does to praise God, not what God demands of one.

[/B][/QUOTE]

[color=#808080]I realize that. I don't think you understand what I mean.

I mean that people [i]think[/i] they are somehow doing God's work or being better Christians if they go to Church. I don't think God is egotistical enough to care; if you live your life well, if you do your best and if you remain true to yourself and what you think is right...then I think that's what God is actually getting at. So, I'm responding to explain my comments a bit further.

But whether that's the case or not, it doesn't matter. Neither you nor I am here to interpret what God does or doesn't want. I'm just expressing why I personally don't go to Church. If you go to Church and you enjoy it, then it's obviously giving you a benefit. And that's fine.

I'm not at all trying to cast doubt over those who [i]do[/i] visit Church. Everyone is free to do what makes them comfortable. This thread is questioning those who [i]don't[/i] go to Church. It's not a thread for debate or discussion, as such. I think you and others should bear that in mind.

If you want to respond to anything I've said here, you should of course feel free to email or PM me. But let's try not to clog the thread up; the originator of the thread wanted answers to questions, afterall.[/color]

[Phantom]

1. Religion
2.
- Im not very religious, and can do mostly any 1on1 with God in the comfort of my home.

- I am lazy

3. Well, what IS the church's purpose? Deciding if a church is a 'good' church would depend mainly on its administration and members to be passionate about undertaking the 'purpose', and show effort in their 'purpose'.

A good church would have to work like a sucessfull business, the adminstration as the revernd, minister (whomever) doing the best of his abilities, and the members, volunteers doing their part as well.

Hope I have....given my points clear enough.

Mr. Smi..wait.. lol.. Mystic's Knight.

[Jinzouningen17]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Transtic Nerve [/i]
[B]3) Discussion... not like a teacher and class. Understanding. Freedom. Religion with limits on everything is worthless. I want to wear a hat in church if I want to. I want to go to church in t-shirt and pants. I want to be able to speak up if I think something is wrong. [/B][/QUOTE]

I know I really shouldnt be replyin to this topic due to the fact that I do go to church, but this is mainly to my homeboy TN....

Bruh, you need to move here to South Carolina and come to my church. ^_^ You pretty much just described it to a tee. The church I go to doesnt care about what you wear(no church should, but unfortunatly most do. But it doesnt matter what you wear at our church. You can come there with all black on if you want. As a matter of fact, you could come butt naked....okay, I lied there, but you know what I'm sayin. ^_^)

Understanding, we got that. Freedom, got that too. We got a few folks that wear their hats in church most of the time aswell(mainly durin the night services, but some wear em durin mornin services aswell.). Like I always like to say(and all of us at the church I go to say), its not what you wear that makes you what you are, or what you look like on the outside. But the way you are on the inside that matters, ya feel what I'm sayin?

And another thing about the church I go to is our moto which is "To Love God, Love People, Is the Center of the mark." Its rare to see churches like that anymore. Unfortunatly in some churches you go to, if you were to go to church like I do(usually wit my jeans, sometimes and opened up shirt, but most of the times usually a Fubu shirt or somethin), people would look at ya, and all that other bullcrap. But our church isnt like that. Dont matter what you look like, what you do, whatever. You WILL be accepted into the fam. And thats the way all churches should be. But unfortunatly, not all of em are like that, thus is the main reason for people not goin to church, and the majority of peeps becomin Atheist in the first place. And the churches dont realize that they are the main cause of Atheism. But they'll see soon enough. Once the open up their eyes and realize that its not their place to judge ANYONE, no matter what.

But like I said, you need to come here to SC, and chill wit us for a bit(and probably come wit us when we go to the beach in June aswell, which is where I usually get my pics from{that you usually see of me on the pics part of the forum}). ^_^

But anyway, for those that dont go to church, its alright. Like James stated, the church is within onesself. The person(well, people), make up the church. And if it has nothin but hipocracy, biggotry, and all that other crap, then its not a church. Well, atleast not a church for God. But a church for the devil, and sooner or later, all the churches like that will crumble.

Anyway, I think I got waaaaaaay off topic. But I just wanted to mention that. :D

[James]

[color=#808080]Churches aren't the cause of athiesm. That's important to remember (although I'm sure they often contribute).

But yes, there is one important point to be made here (and I don't want to see anymore unrelated discussion, please).

The point is that the thread's creator is asking why people don't go. People will always have their reasons (even very religious people), but the bottom line is that nobody should generalize. I'm sure that there are some very open and liberal churches (I've even heard of churches that have married gay people -- so there you go).

And that's the key. Not all churches are stingy and restricted. I think that's what people are trying to get at. And so, I support that point being made. But yeah, let's keep the thread on topic. I'll remove off-topic posts in future.[/color]

[Lady Macaiodh]

[color=darkblue][B]1.) What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"?[/b] Boredom. Trying to sleep during the service & having my dad wake me up. A chore, like school. Trying to fake sick every Sunday. People who despise me. Two-faced hypocrites. (These memories come from earlier in childhood, like ages 5-14 or so.)
[b]2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church[/b] See above. I don't know, I'd much rather be doing something else. I have to make myself go when I do (which is not often), & once I get there I can't wait for it to be over. I just don't see the point, a lot of times.
[b]3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?[/b] Alcohol. No preaching or singing. No God stuff. A live rock band. Wait, that's a club. Seriously, though, I couldn't even begin to imagine.

I know many people out there find church to be fun, exciting, informative, social, spiritual, etc. But I honestly don't see how I personally could ever find it anything but tedious. & don't tell me to try different churches, either, because no matter what kind of church anybody could describe, I've been to one exactly like it.[/color]

[Mitch]

[color=red].) [b]1.)What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"[/b] I really don't like Church to be truthful. It's just a waste of time for me. If I want to worship God, I will do it in my own time. So usually my thoughts are pretty negative. But if someone out there likes Church, go them.
[b]2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church[/b]
Well firstly, it's just a waste of time for me. About the only thing I like about church is the bible readings and possibly communion. The songs and singing part, which takes almost the [i]whole[/i] thing is why I really can't stand Church. Also because, going with what James said, I don't think God would want it this way. He wouldn't want his ego to constantly be upheld and stroked. It's just not God. It's not the God I know personally.
[b]3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?[/b] It just needs to be a friendly and kind community basically. And they have to have a good Father. Because if their Father cannot give a nice good interesting sermon, then I will die. Because that is another reason why I like Church. But there are many reasons why I don't like church as well.[/color]