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

[Transtic Nerve]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Jinzouningen17 [/i]
[B]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....

[/B][/QUOTE]

I'm not gonna quote the whole post although I'd like to, it's just far too long... lol anyway

Ah my friend, you first must take in effect the question I was answering. "What makes a good church?"... my answer, as you've quoted was such. So I say, your church is what I'd call a good church. I never said such things don't exist, I was mearly stating what I thought would be a good church. And I was never a fan of SC lol :p Although I'm not a fan of FL and I live here so... lol who knows.

Anyway, I still wouldn't go to your church, no offense to you J17. I just don't feel myself comfortable in one. That and I think that I really don't need to go to church. That I can live a life with God (or whomever i choose) outside of church and be as close to him/her/it as people who go to chruch are.

[Lyka]

1 people judging others as if they had a right to. telling stories that are supposed to have morales when the people telling them don't (so whats the point?)

2 atheist, not that i have a "sinful" life, i have beliefs and morales, they just dont have to do with a higher being thats watching or gives a $h!t if you take a piss in someone elses toilet (i know thats going a bit overboard but im trying to get my point across and i don't care if you think it sounds harsh)

3i don't think there should be churches(well, not like that...), people will believe what they want no matter what you or someone else says

when i have children im not going to resrict them, when they get old enough and decide to ask about god(i assume they'll hear about it in school) i'll tell them everything i know (or what they wanna hear)about god(s) and different types of religion....

[Rikku]

[list]1.) What thoughts or words come to mind when someone
says, "Church."
[color=0099ff]Well, a cross comes to mind...As well as a stuffy room full of people in uncomfortable clothing.[/color]
2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church.
[color=0099ff]a) Because I don't like socializing or being in large groups.
b) I just plain out don't believe in churches.[/color]
3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good"
church?
[color=0099ff]For me, there is no such thing. Churches are horrible. I will never set foot in one for as long as I live.[/color][/list]

[Justin]

I think I'll answer these question from the opposing standpoint.

[i]1.) What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"[/i]
God, worship, fellowship
[i]2.) Give two reasons why you [b]do[/b] go to church[/i]
Because, while i is true that you don't have to go to church to be a Christian(this could be a kick in the side to a few people I know), a real born-again follower of Christ will [i]want[/i] to go to church. Because there he/she can not only be in a generally much stronger precense of God that when they are alone, they also get to fellowship with fellow believers. Which to your Christianity is as water is to your health.
[i]3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church? For me personally?[/i]
A good youth and worship program. Also a church should be educated in more than just the Bible(though, they should know THAT very well). They should also have researched other religions and ways of thinking and should be generally well-learned in the ways of other people. How can you expect to show people that you're right when you can't even show yourself that they're not?

-Justin

[Pressure]

[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]

[color=purple][size=1]I'll give it a shot..

[b]What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"?[/b]
Christianity, God, Jesus, Death, Contradiction, Betrayal, Hyprocrite, Lies..

[b]Give two reasons why you don't go to church.[/b]
1)I don't believe in god
2)I believe it's pointless and a waste of time

[b]What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?[/b]
I don't think church is good, in any way shape or form, so I suppose that the only "good" church, to me, is one that does not exist..

I don't have a very, "popular", view of religion, but it is as follows..

I believe that religion, in any form, is an extreme act of selfishness and immaturity. God and religion are just lies that one believes, to fool their own subconcious into believeing that if something is to go wrong in their life, then it is because of some "greater power". They will not accept that the fault, is in fact their own. Religion is also a compensator. My friend Autumn said to me, "I know their is a god. If their wasn't, then how else do you explain my mom being alive? She was bleeding internally and the doctors said she wasn't going to make it. God saved her life, it's a miracle" While I am happy for Autumn, I believe that is pure bull. While, I cannot explain why her mother lived, I can say this.. everything has an explination. However, we do not always know what it is. Back when the Ancient Greeks were alive, they believed that when a volcano erupted, it was because Hephastous was angry. Now we know that a volcano eruption is caused by plate techtonics. Tell me how that example differs, from the one with Autumn's mother. It doesn't. Religion has no purpose, besides making people feel good. They cannot accept the world as it is, and rather than try to change it for the better, they blame it on God, Jesus, Allah, Buddah, etc. I don't believe in a man walking on water, I believe in gravity. I believe in science and reason. I do not believe in fate. I do not believe in destiny. I believe that we are what we are. If God was truly so loving and accepting of everyone and everything, why are people so against abortion? If God was truly so divine and wonderful, would he really want people fawning over him, and killing each other over the belief in him. Seems a bit arrogant, for someone who is supposedly in control of the universe.

Now, I realize that my view is not popular. I don't want to change anyone's views, if you decide that you agree with me, that is great. I'm just stating how I see the world, and what my view on religion is.[/color][/size]

[Braidless Baka]

[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]

Well... lesse...

1) Faith & unity

2) A scary story which I shall tell in a minute
2) Preaching - I don't mean that in a bad way, just someone telling me what to believe isn't worth a sunday morning in my opinion, it's right for many people, just not me

3) Good contact with people who worship there, and a good support group for people who need a little bit more than faith to get them through something

Okay, the scary story. Now, I don't usually go to church, but I slept at a friend's one night and she was going to church early the next morning, so rather than go home I just went to church with her. So, with the fact I never go to church in mind, I was sitting there listening to this guy talk, and he started talking about industry. Now, I was thinking, "what's this got to do with anything?" he was talking about how god made the atom and industry was god's work and stuff... all about highways and nuclear power and stuff. which may well be god's work to many people, but I was sitting there thinking "wow... industry was made by god. Uhh... good for god" O_O I was a little afraid by this point...

And to top it all off, as I was leaving the reverend shook my hand and said "it was nice to have seen you again" - now I have never seen this man before or since... So... I was a little afraid. I believe in recarnation, but this was pushing it a little O_o So, yeah, churches kinda freak me out ^_^ that answers question two i think

[vegeta rocker]

1.) What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"
A whole bunch of people crying and screaming because they got the so called holy spirit. Sitting quietly in a pew while reading jurassic park, a bunch of people who can't sing make a sorry attempt, lots and lots of candles and a podium behind a money tray. Not something passed around that you make an anonymous donation but you have to get up and face the preacher with the amount of money you have just given.

2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church
Well lets see, on Sundays i like to sleep late and maybe watch a bit of anime.
And i see church as being a big hypocritical yawn. Worship no idols or false gods. Hey lets go pray to two sticks crossed together! And don't get me started on the catholics! My friend who is a catholic says she is not allowed to read the King James version of the bible because the church says it's wrong. But little altar boys don't seem to be wrong, they can't get enough of them................

3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?
No dress code, a relaxed demeanor, no gossiping ladies in the front or back, no crucifixes(i never understood how putting your messiah on a cross inspires people) and maybe most of all no dissing of other religions.

[L.A. Rod.]

1. To be quite boring, I only think of a public house of worship when hearing the word Church.

2. My family does'nt go to church because there are too many hypocrits. A lot of people use the excuse of going to church to say that they are a better person than the next man, even if they don't have the faith as strong.

3. I think that church is fine the way it was(or at least the way I last saw it), as many still feel better about themselves and do serve to teach.

[BabyGirl]

[color=deeppink][B]1.) What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"?[/b]
[list]Stifled.[/list]

[b]2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church.[/b]
[list]1. The church I used to attend soured my appetite for the Christian word.
2. I don't agree with a lot of what the Bible teaches...do I really need a higher power to exist happily in this world?[/list]

[b]3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?[/b]
[list]Good youth leadership, sermons that relate to the congregation, a "light" atmosphere, as opposed to an opressive one. A good church should never have a leader or pastor who has no social skills or who can't relate to people. It's one thing if you believe stronly in your faith and want to help spread the word, but if you have an awkward presence around humans beings, then your message won't hit home.[/color][/list]

[Guest Gunslinger]

1. Close Minded

2. - I dont really claim a religion. There are so many with so little proof for each, I just havent found one that a truely thought in my heart was "the one".
- I dont believe you have to go to church to be accepted by God. If you notice the Christian Bible never commands you to attend church on sundays. It only says to praise God. I can praise God anytime I want, anywhere I want.

3. -be open to others, even ones that are of different faiths.
-do not be prejudice towards people or members.
-Do not force your religion on anyone.

I got to a Church of Christ sometimes only because I am forced to. I am not a so called "member" of the church. But I know from my experience christians are too narrowminded. Maybe not all, but alot are. They constantly look down upon members who miss a sunday and ones who dont act as "faithful" as others. Its just ridiculous if you ask me. I look at it and say how is this holy. How am I worshiping God by coming here.

[G.D. Ryoko]

1) when I hear church, I remember myself younger in sunday school. Does were the good old days.

2) I believe in God. I am a chirstian but the reasons I don`t go to church anymore is this,1 my church is too far and I have to take the train.2 The people in my church were mean. They did not like me and I did not feel comfertoble in a church where I am not wanted.

3)The qualites are 1 good caring people. I think that people should feel safe and happy in church. 2 The preachers or who ever (depends on what kind of church you go to) have to be real christians and not be there to molest children.
I can`t think of more right now but I`ll get back to you. ^_^

[conpiracymonki]

[b][size=1]
1. Words that come to mind? Christians, Jesus AS, the cross

2. I'm a Muslim. No other reason needed, lol.

3. A good church? Well I guess it would have to in a way be the same as the way we're trying to get our mosque going; which Justin more or less said. A good youth group that is fun and educational, religion-wise. With quite a lot of freedom too, but obviously elders to make sure nothing goes out of hand. And then lessons too in the Bible (in this case) and in examining other religions, so that you can defend your faith if anyone ever starts to pick on you.[/b]

Hope this is good enough for your Mum's interview thingy ^^[/size]

[Lady Macaiodh]

[COLOR=darkblue]Anime_gurl, what kind of interview did your mom have & how did it go? What did she, or other people, think of our answers? I'm very curious about that last part.[/COLOR]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Braidless Baka [/i]
[B]And to top it all off, as I was leaving the reverend shook my hand and said "it was nice to have seen you again" - now I have never seen this man before or since... [/B][/QUOTE]

[COLOR=darkblue]::dies laughing:: Dear God! He reminds me of Oliver Young from [i]This Present Darkness.[/i][/COLOR]

[Change]

Because belive it or not, there are born and bread Athiests! Plus as said their is hipocracy, and too many religions to chose among.

[Guest postbagboy]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Lalaith Ril [/i]
[B]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][/QUOTE]

ack! i hate those types of "Christians". they think it's all right to stab someone in the back if the knife is shaped like a crucifix. they are'nt real christians either. Real christians have to be forgiven and all that. they are just plain backstabbing twofaces.
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Lalaith Ril [/i]
[B]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...
[/B][/QUOTE]

i know fellow christians that dress like goths. it does'nt mean they are goths. again, those are'nt real christians. oh well. i just had to reply that somthing like that, and i go to church so i can't really say anything else.

[Chaos]

[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) Hypocrits, Degenerates, Scandalists

2) a.) The Chruch lies so much it's not even worth it. They could say that we need to get rid of our worldly possessions, and after mass, I see Father drive away in a BMW. b.) White Supremists infest my local churches. c.) I shouldn't have to go to a building which proclaims to be 'the House of God' to pray, or beg forgiveness, or whatever. If God is constantly with us, and will always be willing to hear us and forgive us, then why do I need to pay 75 bucks a month to go to Chruch?

3) All churches must be broken down and burnt. You don't need a specific place to be with God. But if that's too far, then end all of he hypocracy.

[Lady Asphyxia]

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

School, or my sister. School, mainly because I go to a Catholic School, and we get religion shoved down our troats, and my sister because she's all Christiany [although, not Catholic].

[b]2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church[/b]

School, mainly. I don't like the way I [i]have[/i] to attend everything. It tends to dim ones enthuisiasm. The second reason would probably be my family. None of us [or the ones who live here, at least] are very into religion.

[b]3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?[/b]

It needs to be an open church, the kind that accepts anything and everyone. The kind that's more into the new Testament than the Old. I don't know. One that will allow beliefs, whatever they are.[/color][/size]

[Magnum Apex]

[font=trebuchet ms][color=darkblue][size=3][b]1.) What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"[/b][/size]

Cover, fake, tainted. The Church can be the Sanctuary of God, but priests shamelessly proclaim and use its name to express their own views on the so-called God's will.


[b][size=3]2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church[/b][/size]

I don't believe I'm truly talking to God, or serving to God, doing anything worthwhile when I go to Church.

The people that I see go to church falsely believe that their sins will be forgiven just like that, yet they keep being complete lowlifes.


[b][size=3]3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?[/b][/size]

Too late for that now. [/color][/font]

[DeathKnight]

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

Molotov Cocktail.

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

A. There is no set house of God in existance anymore, so I dont want to waste my time going to a place that God most likely is not currently takeing a primetime interveiw in.

B. I have a general antireligious attitude that is hard to control in a church =)

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

It wouldnt be merely the church, you'd have to change the qualities of the religion to make it good.[/color]

[Change]

My one big problem with Religion: "prove it!"
Alot of the stuff religion stnds for is ok, but you have to relize with 4 major religions arround the globe, people are going to be killing eachother for it for countless centureis (hipocritical to their religion more than likely). Also, it seems to me to be to much wool over the eyes of those who follow it.

[Jesus Chicken]

1.) Boredom, self patronizing old people. Crappy stories about self-rightous b.s.!
2.) Because I like to sleep in. Also, religion bores the hell out of me, because it tells me what to do, and I generally don't like to hear taht from a book some dead guys wrote a while ago.
3.) Nihilism is a must for any good church.

[Ravenstorture]

beautiful, incredibly hand worked gothic architecture from medieval times

i don't follow a religion that asks me to attend a church
i wouldn't go anyway because in my opinion people don't need to gather and be preached at to have a faith

beautiful, incredibly hand worked gothic architecture from medieval times

[Fate]

[color=teal]What words? Cake, syrup, and a lot of saturated fat.
I don't go to church because I don't believe in religion, and I also don't go because I'm lazy and unmotivated.
What could be better? If the church would stop running the world with wars and whatnot, it would be a happy place.

Long live blunt-ness.[/color]

[REVENGE2]

1.) What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church"

Hmmm...well, the very first thing that comes to mind is a monolithic, gothic structure with gray skies overhead and a red carpet leading to two great big wooden doors.

This was an actual place, by the way. My aunt got married there. On the aforementioned cloudy day.

After that I settle down and start thinking a bit more. One thought that comes to mind is "The Inquisition" and I automaticly think of three things: The thought of flesh comming off some poor man who is being burned at the stake, the thought of flesh comming off some poor woman who is being burned at the stake, and the musical number "The Inqusition" from "A History of the World: Part One".

I also think of buildings with large interiors, and yet, not a single comfortable seat in the entire thing, and also far to many people, and not a single book, either, except for the (self proclaimed) "Good Book". Ladies and gentlemen, this is one book you CAN judge by it's leatherbound cover. It is boring, just like the cover of most Bible's I have seen, and it's full of death, just like how the cover of the book is, in fact, a dead animal. Especialy in the Old Testemet, which is mainly concerned with the Big Guy punishing group C for what group A did to group B. For example: Death of all the firstborns (Group C) for the Egyptians (Group A) not letting the Israelites (Group B) leave Egypt.

2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church

One is the uncomfrtableness of it. Like I said: Too many people, no comfortable seats, no good food, no good books, you're not allowed to talk, and you have to sit like this for an ENTIRE HOUR.

Unless, of course, it's a Christian holiday.

THEN YOU GET TO SIT LIKE THAT FOR THREE HOURS! Aren't you lucky!

The second reason is most preachers I've run into. They just talk on...and on...and on...and on...in a single... long... monotone... sentance... constantly... praising... a... guy... who... has... not... shown... up... in... over... 2000... years...

3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church?

Hmm...design my own Chruch? You're on.

Let's see...gothic-style architecture. That means tall roofs, thin walls, large windows that let in a lot of light. However, rather then squared, the church is round, or at least decagonal.

And from there it basicly takes on the aspects of ancient Greek temples. Lots of fun, partying, wine...oh, so much wine...lots of decadence...

[Cora Jane 2]

[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]

[font=arial]Well I suppose since I am dragged to church, I am credible to answer this as well. I also thought about just skipping over this post due to it's title, but I figured why not. I would like to put my answers down too.

[b]1.) What thoughts or words come to mind when someone says, "Church" [/b] My response is that when I hear the word church, I think "Oh gawd, another service to sit through. I also want to curl up in a ball and sleep!

[b]2.) Give two reasons why you don't go to church [/b] Although I do go to church, since I am required I will answer this on how my life will be after gradutation. I will not be attending church, because 1- I don't want to. 2- People in the church are rather "clique-ish" and rude! 3- I'm sick of being judged by people within the church.

[b]3.) What qualities do you think a church needs to be a "good" church? [/b] A problem that I have with the church is that the people within the church are extremely judgmental. I do not think it right that if a person is a "Good Christian" why they judge people. I would say that a church would need to have good leaders, things for the different age groups, and people would be accepting, and not so judging.

~*~Frogger~*~
[/font]