churches-why?

[sojourner]

I'm not sure it's clear in the scriptures that church buildings anger God. There were no church buildings that I know of in Bible times; Christians in the New Testament met in members' homes.

What about the Tabernacle that housed God's presence? What about the Temple? Big building -- lots of gold -- the place where God dwelt? What about the synagogues where Jesus taught and worshiped? The houses Christians worshiped in early on were not like the spec houses of "Levittown" that we think of today. They were large, noticeable, edifices of usually wealthy and socially predominant citizens.

 

[sojourner]

then why are people continualy dissobeying jesus' orders by going to church instead of praying in private/secret, it would make more sense to me and be more compasionate to spend money spent on churches helping people dying every minute of world hunger and disease, i resent anyone who would rather give money to their religion then help those who need helping, religion doesn't need or deserve money, other humans do!:yes:

Jesus prayed in the Temple. Why would he "order" his followers to not do that???

 

[jewscout]

What about the Tabernacle that housed God's presence? What about the Temple? Big building -- lots of gold -- the place where God dwelt? .

finally someone else got it!:yes:
frubals!

 

[darkpenguin]

i just find it disgusting that money is spent to maintain and build these buildings when there are people who could use the money more but obviously wouldn't be entitled to it because they are the wrong religion, then money also gets spent on missions to countries to convert people instead of helping them out in a real way i.e. food, water and medication, heaven forbid these people on missions had some humanity!

 

[ayani]

dark- what on earth makes you think that the only reason missions exist is to convert people? most of the work that missions do consists of getting free food, medication, education, and clothing to the very poor over seas.

churches need money- to pay for space, resources, food, building supplies, religious objects, etc. unless these things are donated.

 

[darkpenguin]

dark- what on earth makes you think that the only reason missions exist is to convert people? most of the work that missions do consists of getting free food, medication, education, and clothing to the very poor over seas.

churches need money- to pay for space, resources, food, building supplies, religious objects, etc. unless these things are donated.

but why should they need that money when god never specified that she/he wanted to be idolised in a building?

 

[jewscout]

but why should they need that money when god never specified that she/he wanted to be idolised in a building?

What about the Tabernacle dark? He instructed as to it's construction...obviously He wanted it built.

your arguement makes no sense in light of the Mitzvah of construction of the Mishkan (tabernacle)

 

[MaddLlama]

but why should they need that money when god never specified that she/he wanted to be idolised in a building?

Where do you get that from? You seem to be ignoring one thing a few people have pointed out - the tabernacle. Hello?

You seem to like to make a lot of claims about what the Bible does or doesn't say. That is something I suggest you stop doing because you're making it quite clear that you've never actually read the book. Or, only read small bits and pieces here and there.

Should all non-profit organizations get rid of thier offices? After all, the money they pay for rent and the things that make thier organization work could be put to better use.

 

[James the Persian]

but why should they need that money when god never specified that she/he wanted to be idolised in a building?

You are labouring under an assumption that simply is not true. I'm a member of our parish council and so I see our finances and I can tell you that the amount that goes on maintaining the Church is minuscule in comparison to what is donated to people in need and, frankly, given the look of relief from some of those self same people in need on coming to Church, any money we spend on maintaining its existance and function is money well spent. It's strange how I never see members of the Church complain about teir donations being spent on the Church. Maybe it's because they know hat if they're ever in real need the Church will be there to help them? You seem to be viewing Church buildings as vast rich museums. They're not. They're a lot more than that and the fulfill several very useful purposes.

James

 

[darkpenguin]

Where do you get that from? You seem to be ignoring one thing a few people have pointed out - the tabernacle. Hello?

You seem to like to make a lot of claims about what the Bible does or doesn't say. That is something I suggest you stop doing because you're making it quite clear that you've never actually read the book. Or, only read small bits and pieces here and there.

Should all non-profit organizations get rid of thier offices? After all, the money they pay for rent and the things that make thier organization work could be put to better use.

personally from my point of view everyone should be equal but i guess thats too much to ask of a 'god', im guessing thats my communistic side coming out!

 

[MaddLlama]

personally from my point of view everyone should be equal but i guess thats too much to ask of a 'god', im guessing thats my communistic side coming out!

I don't see how that applies. How are people not equal? And what does that have to do with what I posted? You're just avoiding the arguments against your position because you lack the knowledge and fortitude to defend it.

 

[shema]

i'm intrigued as to why various religions namely christianity and catholocism pray in churches when in the bible 'god' protests against being prayed to in a building specificaly built for him/her, why would people pray in churches when it would obviously upset their god as 'god' is everywhere and doesn't need a building in his/her name? just a thought!

The bible says your body is a temple, so don't go all week without praying and then when you get amongst other people, start praying. you should be praying all the time, so when you do get amongst other people you will be more receptive to what the word of God is trying to tell you.

 

[darkpenguin]

i just have an issue with religion in general, surely any god with fortitude would have built their own shrines and churches for people to pray at and wouldn't remain hidden, i have an issue with religions who pray to different gods but can't prove their existence but still preach that 'they have the right religion and they must be right because their god said so.' did he/she really? having said that i'm guessing any god would be wise enough to be afraid of showing themselves what with the state they let the world get into!

 

[shema]

i just have an issue with religion in general, surely any god with fortitude would have built their own shrines and churches for people to pray at and wouldn't remain hidden, i have an issue with religions who pray to different gods but can't prove their existence but still preach that 'they have the right religion and they must be right because their god said so.' did he/she really? having said that i'm guessing any god would be wise enough to be afraid of showing themselves what with the state they let the world get into!

Actually, The God of Abraham, Isssac and Jacob instructed Moses to build a tabernacle, and instructed him how people should come in and worship. at the time, only the most holy preists could enter the most Holy place in the tabernacle, and even then he had to have a long white rope tied around his waist. If his heart was not pure, then he would perish. however God was preparing the world for Christ. How we came to God in the physical temple is how we are supposed to come to god in the temple of our bodies. We believe that we are spirits who have souls and we live in a body. so our body is just a shell. They are carnal in nature because they are directly here on earth.

 

[Quiddity]

i just have an issue with religion in general, surely any god with fortitude would have built their own shrines and churches for people to pray at and wouldn't remain hidden, i have an issue with religions who pray to different gods but can't prove their existence but still preach that 'they have the right religion and they must be right because their god said so.' did he/she really? having said that i'm guessing any god would be wise enough to be afraid of showing themselves what with the state they let the world get into!

Take a deep breath and take each issue one at a time. Your objections with this god you paint in your head is just that "in your head". If you really want to know what people on this forum think and believe, try taking each issue as a learning experience. Or you can continue to have beef with religion in general and what kind of results you get. Good Luck.

~Victor

 

[retrorich]

The primary use of churches is to teach religions, and that is the way it should be. Religions should NOT be taught in public, tax-supported schools. Praying can be done anywhere. In some places, such as public schools and government facilities, praying is best done silently.

 

[cardero]

I have often wondered why there is a need for churches. The verdict is still out on the subject of whether GOD needs or deserves worship. Some religions will explain that the need of a church is to keep the congregation organized but I find it kind of redundant. I once started a thread about religion and money and what it took to keep these buildings afloat but it seems some people were very proud of these structures and I could not argue the beauty of such architectural developments. Another thing I had trouble understanding, if people of similar faiths wanted to congregate, I would think that each individual who attended a church must have some dwelling that they returned to after church. Couldn’t these same people open up their homes and invite a few people to carry out their worship or instruction in their own house? This would certainly free up the funds and the responsibilities of many designated structures. I have attended a few services that were held at people’s houses and they are downright homey and comfortable. I am also of the belief that GOD is everywhere, whether it is just one or whether there is more people. If everyone can agree with this statement the question remains; what do we need churches for? Ceremonies, worship, gatherings? Ghandi once said that are bodies are our temples, I would think that this would be enough to enter and maintain a REAlationship with GOD.

 

[darkpenguin]

I have often wondered why there is a need for churches. The verdict is still out on the subject of whether GOD needs or deserves worship. Some religions will explain that the need of a church is to keep the congregation organized but I find it kind of redundant. I once started a thread about religion and money and what it took to keep these buildings afloat but it seems some people were very proud of these structures and I could not argue the beauty of such architectural developments. Another thing I had trouble understnding, if people of similar faiths wanted to congregate, I would think that each individual who attended a church must have some dwelling that they returned to after church. Couldn’t these same people open up their homes and invite a few people to carry out their worship or instruction in their own house? This would certainly free up the funds and the responsibilities of many designated structures. I have attended a few services that were held at people’s houses and they are downright homey and comfortable. I am also of the belief that GOD is everywhere, whether it is just one or whether there is more people. If everyone can agree with this statement that question remains; what do we need churches for? Ceremonies, worship, gatherings? Ghandi once said that are bodies are our temples, I would think that this would be enough to enter and maintain a REAlationship with GOD.

well said!

 

[ayani]

i see what you're saying, cardero. and as someone else pointed out, the thing with meeting in houses is that those meeting places will often get too small for a congregation. the number of believers will grow, and the community will seek the building of a house of worship where they may go specifically to worship and congregate. it's the whole idea of a sacred space. which could be argued around if one supposes that no one place is less or more holy than another. yet there is something in the human nature which tends towards longing for a home-space. whether a nation, homeland, house, or temple. it is a way we can draw closer to one another, use our creativity and skill to build a place that reflects something of the magificence we understand God to be, something of His grandness and wonder, and it is a way to gather in His name. if one is so inclined.

 

[Bishka]

personally from my point of view everyone should be equal but i guess thats too much to ask of a 'god', im guessing thats my communistic side coming out!

What does this have to do with the thread at hand?