Posted on 02/19/2010 7:13:39 PM PST by hiho hiho
Real men don't like going to church because they don't want to "sing love songs to a man", because the "vicar wears a dress", because they feel like "mongrels on parade at Crufts" and because they want to be waited on by women rather than queue for coffee after the service.
Instead of the usual flowers and statues of the Virgin Mary, they suggest, "How would it go down to decorate with swords, or pictures of knights, or flaming torches?"
"Maybe it's not 'politically correct', but men quite like the attention of women! They also like to be waited on - so long as they are not made to feel guilty. Instead of having to queue for coffee, why not ask some of the women to go round with trays of coffee and biscuits or chocky bars? Coupled with a charming smile, many men would find that very attractive!"
Then there are the hymns, or modern worship songs, themselves.
Quite apart from the sheer embarrassment of having to sing out loud when the tune might go too high or be in an unfamiliar key,
"Jesus, I am so in love with you," or "Beautiful one I love, beautiful one I adore," - many men wouldn't sing that to their wives, let alone another man, the charity advises.
Among the changes recommended by Christian Vision for Men, a member of the Evangelical Alliance, is to use the World Cup to boost falling congregations. The charity wants vicars to erect big screens above the pulpit during this summers World Cup in South Africa and even serve beer during games.
The charity, which also recommends subjects as "pornography" are discussed in church men's groups, has also launched two Christian-themed mens magazines in a further bid to lock into male culture.
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
“Did Reagan need a crown and scepter? I personally think his status was apparent by his actions and by his words and not by his apparel.”
Agreed, but I think the symbolism of the vestements is important. If you can just pull some random guy from the back and pull him to the front and have him preach, that’s a problem. The issue is one of authority. It’s like in the armed forces. There’s a heirarchy.
“In the church of Christ, there’s not a priest, by that name, serving as the worship leader.”
Worship leader? That’s a girly term. Priest is in scripture.
“Stained glass windows and a darkened sanctuary are atypical. The architectural style of a soaring cathedral is rare as well.”
I consider that to be less manly. You think that architecture is something that men aren’t consciously drawn to, or the timeless beauty of stained glass windows. Sanctuary is a much better word, than worship area (ugh!) or auditorium (double ugh!)
Sanctuary means place that is holy.
“And given the autonomous nature of each congregation, there may (or may not) be some where the preacher wears more formal attire.”
But why should each congregation be autonomous? Shouldn’t they all be related to one another through the heirarchy of the church, from the pope, down to the bishops and the priests. Here’s what Rick Warren doesn’t offer. The pope is a way more manly figure than him and he claims to be the Vicar, in acting in the stead of Christ. No how radical is that? Christ talking through a man!
I’m once again readng through the Bible and am in Judges. Talk about blood, gore, masculinity, and war! Wow, it’s sometimes difficult to read. (I’m female.) Both Old and New Testaments are inspired Scripture, so we have to read and understand it in totality. The artists’ renditions of a sissified Jesus and disciples are just plain fiction. It was no wimp who braided the whip, upturned the tables, and ran the moneychangers out of the temple. Most of us couldn’t endure ONE DAY of what those early disciples, apostles, and Believers did.
I have been in many churches of various denominations in my eight score and more years, and I have never seen what you see. Perhaps there were some individuals, but I failed to find them.
My experience is that the pews are filled with loving, caring people who love God in Christ and His people.
I suppose we all find that for which we're looking.
Did Reagan need a crown and scepter? I personally think his status was apparent by his actions and by his words and not by his apparel.
But Reagan understood the importance of his office. He always wore a suit and tie in the oval office. This is the “uniform” or “priestly garments” expressing the authority of the office of president.
*Headline Only*
REAL men, recognize the living, breathing God........and not carry purses and twist their fannies...
Just got home from church. BUMP
You’re over 160 years old!! WOW!!
A “score” is 20. Four score = 80
The term “score” was a commonly-used Middle English word, from the Old English “scoru,” which meant “twenty.” More than likely this, in turn, came from the Norse skor.
When a shepherd counted twenty sheep they would make a mark (or score, or skor) on a piece of wood. Four scores would be 80.
I luv this Google search!!!
Ironic, ain't it?
May I steal that?
I like it!
Yes, I agree...and too many distractions that have little to do with worship of God...Old saying..”Give me that old time religion, it’s good enough for me”..I miss how churches use to feel when you walked in the door....you knew you had stepped into a different place...and there was respect for the “house of the Lord”...
Understood...and eight score (as in your original post) would be 160.
In the beginning Christianity changed the secular culture. Even pagan locations, celebrations, and nations were adopted and transformed into a Christian ethos. What has happened today is that the secular culture has transformed and changed Christianity. Churches are no longer congregations but audiences.
Who’s talking about the married ladies? I’m told there’s supposed to be way more single ladies than single men. This is true, except they won’t talk to you...
Excellant Nosterrex...sums it up nice and tight and worthy of pondering. I realize Christ said we would see this happen within the church I just didn't expect it would be so in your face and during my lifetime. We use to have special music or programs, but they were specific occasions and you could attend or not. They did not overwhelm the worship service...My sons church even has a bookstore and restaurant! Figure that!
Why won’t they? Do you speak to them first?
They don’t stick around. Kinda hard to talk to them when they take off.
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