This boils down to, what is the purpose of “church?” (Or more exactly, what is the function of the Church of Jesus Christ in a pagan culture?)
Do we compete with the popular (read pagan) culture? Do we compromise with some aspects of popular culture? Is the Church a “cultural center” where we can take classes in art, go horseback riding, “kill” each other with paintball guns, play basketball, go on field trips...?
“This boils down to, what is the purpose of “church?”” [excerpt]
In light of the article, I think it would be more appropriate to ask,
what is the purpose of a church sponsored summer camp?
“Do we compete with the popular (read pagan) culture? Do we compromise with some aspects of popular culture? Is the Church a “cultural center” where we can take classes in art, go horseback riding, “kill” each other with paintball guns, play basketball, go on field trips...?” [excerpt]
Church, or a
church sponsored summer camp?
How are the various activities I've mentioned that are commonly associated with church sponsored summer camps not aligned with 1st Corinthians 9:19-22?
Shall we ban cars from church parking lots because they are very much a part of pagan culture?
But back to your original question, what is the purpose of 'church'?
A 'church' or a fellowship hall [aka, sanctuary] is just a building where people meet to fellowship, worship God, and receive biblical instruction. (and usually set aside for that specific purpose)
Horses, motorcycles, paintball guns, gokarts, etc, have no religious meaning and to my knowlage, nowhere in scripture are they prohibited from being present where believers gather. (not to say that having those items in the sanctuary would be appropriate by modern standards)
Storing paintball guns in a shed on church property is no different than a Christian owning a paintball gun.
If you can point out scripture that clearly says otherwise, please do!
Tell me, do you think it is scripturally wrong to hold God honoring homeschool graduations in a community church sanctuary?