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I think we can improve on our opinion of church as a club.

Some churches are like clubs. When I first moved to this city a certain church was recommended to me because of the fine exercise facilities.

But this is far from how I see my Church. Allow me to extol a bit:

The Church has preserved and protected scripture and teaching of Christ's message. By being an continuous entity, it provides me with two millennia of religious writings and knowledge and art and music.

The Church has developed and transmitted guides for spiritual growth and health and continues to provide me with valuable teachers and help on my way. The Church was built by martyrs, they didn't give their lives for a rec hall.

This and much more. And I haven't even discussed the Sacraments because I know you don't see the same value as I do in them.

Thanks AG for your prayers.

Thank you so much, Quix, for joining in the prayer!

And, D-fendr, I'm fairly confident hosepipe means "club" as an association of people who are likeminded gathering together for a purpose, i.e. not as a pejorative.

When I first moved to this city a certain church was recommended to me because of the fine exercise facilities.

Is that what they mean when they talk about "work-outs righteousness"?

OMG! That is just PRICELESS. I want the advertizing contract!

Feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Join St. Christopher's! We'll give you the strength to carry ANYONE across ANY river, yes ... even (dramatic pause -- organ arpeggio dissolving into harp arpeggio) HIM!

Let's throw it in the stove and see if we get any white smoke, whaddya say? I think I can get what's his name, you know, the kid from Titanic to play the role of Jesus! And that babe, yeah, you know, the one with the ....., yeah! I think she'd be great as Mary Magdelene. I see whole ad series here. "Rotator cuff injury from all those stonings? At St. Christophers we can make you so strong you'll ALWAYS cast the first stone!"

Wow, I think I've got a new career here.! And it will only cost me my soul! Is that a deal or WHAT?

"Club" is not just vague, it completely misses the point.

Christ said: "Like my Father sent me, I send you". St. Paul asks, "How can they preach unless they are sent?". Christ again: "Forgive them their sins". And then, "Gates of hell will not prevail against my Church". Also, "Preach the Gospel to all creation".

The Church is people on a mission, to break the gates of hell. Communal, clubby exclusivity is donatism, -- it is expressly un-Catholic. If you want secular comparison, try "army".