Christianity Under Fire: Why Fewer People Identify With The Faith

crosswalk.com ^ | March 9, 2009 | Tony Beam

[Red Boots]

I had not heard that, but I am not surprised.

[Lizavetta]

LOL!

[arielguard]

I made the same journey three years ago. You will not regret it.

[HungarianGypsy]

There are plenty of “Christians” that turn me (and especially my husband) off of Christianity. However, the people that are routinely the nicest most self-sacrificing people I know are strong Christians. They are humble and kind to everyone. To me, they are strongest witness to Christ by their behavior.

There it is. The "Christians" that turn you off Christianity are the loudest and those are the ones people see as examples. Which is what turns people off to the idea of a loving God. Sadly, until known on a personal level, the hunble strong witnesses aren't always as noticeable.

Perhaps my expectations of a church are too much. I want the country, basic Bible kind of church, without tons of fire and brimstone. I believe in confessing my sins straight to God and not to a priest or minister.

[luckystarmom]

My church rents space on Sundays at a local school. It’s small, but very personal. I like it like that. I miss some of the activities of a larger church, but I like knowing almost everyone in my current church.

[HungarianGypsy]

Is it a non-denomination or ?? Many times I have asked people their religion on here and they think I am baiting, but really want to know. Both because I am looking into such a church as I described and because I generally have been studying different religions for a few years (in reading for interest). It might be noted that H.G. Wells even said the religion that made the most sense was that of Jesus Christ.

[luckystarmom]

It’s non-denominational. It used to be related to the Vineyard movement, but it became independent last year. Our minister thinks men should be head of the church, and the Vineyard movement was moving away from that.

I’ve never been to another Vineyard church, but I’ve read that they are very charismatic. My church is not that way. For example, they believe that people can speak in tongues, but in over 5 years attending I’ve never seen anyone speak in tongues at our church.

[DungeonMaster]

The Bible also says that the Lord wishes that no soul be lost. Remember the Parable of the Good Shepherd? I prefer to believe in a loving God, instead of a wrathful God.

I believe in the God of the bible, not the God I prefer.

[RedDogzRule]

You’re obviously twisting my words, and you know it. You should be ashamed.

[DungeonMaster]

You’re obviously twisting my words, and you know it. You should be ashamed.

I'm not and you know it and you should be ashamed for complaining and for your original statement.