Clergymen take religion to a nightclub!

I was just trying to make a point to a few that the Clergy cannot be compared to "Jesus" as there "Flesh is Weak" and to be in Bars and Strip Clubs would be distracting and would take away from preaching any gospel message....

Yep... and I agree with you. That's a very good point.

I think it would certainly be disrespectful (not to mention distracting for all concerned) to hold a worship service, Mass, or something along those lines in a crowded bar, but I think all we're talking about is some form of witnessing or theological lecture. Are you saying that higher matters should only be discussed in church (or under a bushel basket, for that matter)? That when someone holding a beer in a bar or a flashlight in the sewer mentions the sacred, every Good Christian present should quickly change the subject to sports or sewage, out of respect for God?

Of course everyone who is saved in the end is saved by God. But I don't see how the potential for misguiding people is increased in a bar versus a streetcorner or a church for that matter. There are lots of wrongheaded preachers out there, and they will misguide people whereever they go. The good ones wont, even in bars and sewers.

You know full well what I am saying. You keep on trying to find a diversion - so I assume your purpose is not to discuss points of view.

Mock me if you wish. Seems you enjoy such.

Again, to clarify. Wonderful to spread the word anywhere, anytime. To set up church in the midst of a bar or club where the people are to "worship" God while partaking of their pleasures seems a mite off track since the whole purpose is to bring people to know and love God and follow Him - not to bring God to people so He can seek what they wish of religion and adjust His plan accordingly.

As another illustration of this point - in my church they often sing songs saying "Only He is worthy of our love" (paraphased). This sticks in my craw because it is backwards and puts man in the position of judging God as worthy instead of the other way around. We don't judge God. The posts here have hit me somewhat the same.

Who is giving the salvation here - man or God? It is God and man needs to realize man is not the one deciding what is needed for salvation - it is God and only God because He is the one that gave His Son to die on the cross and He is the one that judges us.

I'm certainly not mocking you, and I apologize if you took it that way. I am also not trying to create a diversion. I thought we were discussing the appropriateness of holding religious discussion groups or lectures in bars. I agree with you that bars are inappropriate venues for worship services (see my post #64). I see no problem with discussions, though, and I'm trying to figure out what you find problematic with them. Is it that such groups may begin and end their meetings with a prayer (thus crossing the line and becoming worship services)?

I know what you mean about music, there's some bad stuff out there. My pet peeve is songs that have the congregation sing the "part" of God. They send a weird mixed signal similar to the one you mention (e.g., are we lifting ourselves up? or each other? etc.)

Glad to hear we were misunderstanding only.

I have no problems at all with discussions, even prayer. Hate that you got that impression. In looking back at the article I got the impression they were talking about setting up a church - not just discussing, visiting, teaching.

We are having a little of this at the church I attend where they are progressive and willing to try new things to get people. I love the minister, his work, the aliveness of the congregation and they are doing great things.

The problem is I find myself constantly worrying that the church is being swayed, changed, altered. I am always justifying what they are doing and the changes. Many discussions on the way home. I have gone through all the rationalizations, the fact that each generation changes, what is the difference - all of it and I agree change is ok.

Yet, the next week there is something else. So, I sit there time after time judging, watching, checking and worrying. I am not doing anything, I am worrying and watching. They are working freely and I am worrying about the safety of the church in these hands and doing nothing.

I have come to realize I need to try another church where I can trust that the elders are doing the watching, the directing and I don't have to be bothered. Maybe then I will get about becoming an active working member instead of a worrier.

Now, I would have never thought these things should have worried me - but - you don't want to see your church overtaken and the teachings, goals, purposes changed on the whims of a few.

I've been in the same situation (worrying at the expense of working or even in my case worshipping) and it's not good for anyone to be torn that way, to say the least. Best of luck in your search, and God bless. Progessive "marketing" can very easily go too far, and I hope I didn't encourage you to doubt your instincts in that regard.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.