[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

I'm Methodist so attending church has about the same spiritual significance as watching American Idle these days.

I went to an Evangelical Free church where watching American Idol was part of the sermon "experience." I'm not kidding. I think they used Barna studies to tell them that's what I wanted. When I left a note on their pass-around attendance sheet (they asked for comments) telling them I didn't get why they loved the world so much, or why hollywood is fit to lead their church service, they just got testy with me. Lesson: they don't care what Christians think. They just want flash for cash. They want to replace old Christians with trendy seekers who might part with more money (I guess). In many cases, I don't think real Christians are leading our churches. Maybe Barna should profile what pastors believe and don't believe. That might give more insight into why some people stay "unchurched."

[dukeman]

Maybe Barna should profile what pastors believe and don't believe. That might give more insight into why some people stay "unchurched."

That would be an eye-opener indeed! I've heard some wild beliefs expressed out there which bear very little resemblance to the 1st century teachings of Jesus and the disciples.

[cripplecreek]

They want to replace old Christians with trendy seekers who might part with more money

My grandmother played the organ from the time she was 12 years old until she was in her late 70s. Then they shoved her aside for a stage to set up the drums, amps and guitars. They drove the elderly people who built the Church (in many cases with their bare hands) from the church in their lust to bring in a more modern yuppie style crowd. My grandfather laid the cornerstone for the church that tossed him aside.

The last time I was inside the place, I didn't find hymnals in the back of the pews. I found hard left leaning political literature and save the forest, anti war type stuff.

A couple of weeks back I was talking to my grandmother about the fact that she doesn't attend church any more. She says it ceased to be her church a long time ago. In my opinion she's a better Christan with out that so called "church".