There isn't any community in the secular world like the Christian church

solodeogloria

Hi all,

Provocative title, but it's come about after a few weeks of thinking about this. I was at home group this evening, and it is small, but diverse. There are people who are retired there, there are single people in their twenties there, there are married couples with children there, there are people from a number of different countries there. We all go out of our way to care for one another, and we all spend time together without it feeling like there is an obligation.

On another occasion I was speaking to my vicar, and he was saying that there isn't any other place that he knows of where people young and old, kids and adults, from numerous places and from numerous backgrounds would meet together other than because of Jesus. And it's not just that we are together because Jesus says that we have to, it's because we want to be together and love and serve one another.

I'm not convinced that there is any other organisation in secular society like this. I'd love to know if I was wrong. These passages show the model that is set for us as Christians.

Acts 2:42-47 ESVUK wrote:

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

John 13:34-35 ESVUK wrote:

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

jjpep

Lots of diverse groups of people like sports and attending sporting events.

Same with music too.

And going to the beach on hot days.

Manach

Well give the global reach of the Church, then when travelling it is always a comfort in the tradtionial rituals that are present in most churches (political norms permitting). From lighting of the candles to the sacred rhythms of the Mass. Thus knowing that this same action will echo in both different skies but also one's own parish, (in the past, present and future) does provides a air of unmatched continuous community.

StupidLikeAFox

There are lots of people who go above and beyond for each other who have a bond through some club or community. Housing estates, rural parishes, football clubs (sports clubs in general), school groups, ex-army buddies, charity groups and voluntary organisations, business groups, political parties even - these are all examples of organisations where people can come together for one purpose but often form deeper bonds by spending time with each other. Indeed you could probably witness this in almost all other religions too, whether they are christian or not. I think its a human trait rather that just a christian trait.

solodeogloria

Good morning!

Sports clubs usually involve people of the same age. They don't mix older and younger people from experience. The same with most of the other things you've mentioned. Housing estate and rural parishes - I've not seen many examples of people who live on the same street meeting regularly in each other's homes with people who aren't like them. Perhaps families meet together occasionally. But I've not seen families and single people do this as often.

I don't think people who meet in these groups would share with one another as if they were their own family also as the passage in Acts 2 suggests.

As a single person I don't think there's any place I would get to know people in their 70's and families or people outside of my socio-economic background and see them as family (brothers and sisters) other than in church.

Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

ceegee

solodeogloria wrote: »

Good morning!

Sports clubs usually involve people of the same age. They don't mix older and younger people from experience. The same with most of the other things you've mentioned. Housing estate and rural parishes - I've not seen many examples of people who live on the same street meeting regularly in each other's homes with people who aren't like them. Perhaps families meet together occasionally. But I've not seen families and single people do this as often.

I don't think people who meet in these groups would share with one another as if they were their own family also as the passage in Acts 2 suggests.

As a single person I don't think there's any place I would get to know people in their 70's and families or people outside of my socio-economic background and see them as family (brothers and sisters) other than in church.

Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

Sports clubs such as GAA clubs will have people of all ages from infants to 80 year olds attending matches, functions etc. If anything you get a more diverse group of people as members of all regions (or none) are welcome to join.

dulpit

You're basically describing my scout group, or any social/sporting organisation...

Cabaal

Sounds like most sports groups etc, respect shown to others, inclusive (doesn't matter if your a man or women you can be chair person, club members etc). You do it for the love of the club, not always for personal gain.

Tombo2001

Your 'home group' is not the community that most Catholics/ Christians engage in.

The Irish model is - you go to Church, you sit and listen, you chat with some folks at the end for a few minutes, you go home.

Which is not unlike going to a football match in format.

I think what you've described is the experience of less than 1% of Irish believers. I may be wrong.

looksee

A friend and I, facilitated by a socially aware cafe owner, started a group ostensibly for craft workers - knitting etc - its only a small group but anyone is welcome to be there and we have numerous different nationalities, ages, a few men and sometimes children, refugees with no English, holiday visitors etc. We chat, teach each other skills, and make people welcome. The crafts are a common interest and are something to talk about and do, but the social aspect is really the most important aspect. I have no idea what religion most of the group follow, but I do know that the core group are on the scale from 'no interest' through to 'atheist'.

Benevolent Misanthrope

solodeogloria wrote: »

Hi all,

Provocative title, but it's come about after a few weeks of thinking about this. I was at home group this evening, and it is small, but diverse. There are people who are retired there, there are single people in their twenties there, there are married couples with children there, there are people from a number of different countries there. We all go out of our way to care for one another, and we all spend time together without it feeling like there is an obligation.

On another occasion I was speaking to my vicar, and he was saying that there isn't any other place that he knows of where people young and old, kids and adults, from numerous places and from numerous backgrounds would meet together other than because of Jesus. And it's not just that we are together because Jesus says that we have to, it's because we want to be together and love and serve one another.

I'm not convinced that there is any other organisation in secular society like this. I'd love to know if I was wrong. These passages show the model that is set for us as Christians.




Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

Mosques? Synagogues? Buddhist temples? Soccer/rugby fans? Political parties? Tidy towns? Ordinary groups of friends? (I regularly meet with friends and our kids, ages ranging from babies to late 50s)

gctest50

solodeogloria wrote: »

Hi all,

Provocative title, but it's come about after a few weeks of thinking about this. I was at home group this evening, and it is small, but diverse. There are people who are retired there, there are single people in their twenties there, there are married couples with children there, there are people from a number of different countries there. We all go out of our way to care for one another, and we all spend time together without it feeling like there is an obligation.

On another occasion I was speaking to my vicar, and he was saying that there isn't any other place that he knows of where people young and old, kids and adults, from numerous places and from numerous backgrounds would meet together other than because of Jesus. And it's not just that we are together because Jesus says that we have to, it's because we want to be together and love and serve one another.

I'm not convinced that there is any other organisation in secular society like this. I'd love to know if I was wrong. These passages show the model that is set for us as Christians.




Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

You could be describing these lads :

Delirium

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I'm not sure what purpose posting a KKK photo serves other than to antagonise posters/ derail the thread.

Please keep to the topic.

Thanks for your attention.

Mrs OBumble

OP, other people have made the same observation about the valuable community that church can be - so they've created secular church. I kid you not. Sunday Assembly is one example, I'm sure there are others like it.

fwiw, I'm with you that sports clubs are not the same. They're intrinsically open only to people who are interested in the particular sport. Some are all-age - but some aren't too. And there's no higher purpose to them.

Benevolent Misanthrope

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

OP, other people have made the same observation about the valuable community that church can be - so they've created secular church. I kid you not. Sunday Assembly is one example, I'm sure there are others like it.

fwiw, I'm with you that sports clubs are not the same. They're intrinsically open only to people who are interested in the particular sport. Some are all-age - but some aren't too. And there's no higher purpose to them.

The higher purpose is friendship and a sense of belonging.

eviltwin

As someone who was very involved in a church for years I never felt any inclusiveness. They dropped me like a hot potato when I chose a different path. Other people I know get a great sense of community out of their church, Christian and others, so it's horses for courses.

I am a member of a few non religious groups, one is a support group and one is a special interest group. I get a huge sense of community from that as well as from my friends, my family, my neighbourhood. I've always been a very open, friendly, sociable sort so I have a lot of good friends, real friends, of all backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations. You don't need a church for that.

lazygal

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

OP, other people have made the same observation about the valuable community that church can be - so they've created secular church. I kid you not. Sunday Assembly is one example, I'm sure there are others like it.

fwiw, I'm with you that sports clubs are not the same. They're intrinsically open only to people who are interested in the particular sport. Some are all-age - but some aren't too. And there's no higher purpose to them.

And religions are only open to those interested in the particular religion. I have no sense of community with any of the churches around our area, and there's a smattering of denominations. I've no problem meeting different people of a range of different ages, be it in work, schools stuff with the kids, hobbies, friends and family.
Why do you need a higher purpose? Personally I have a much greater sense of contentment since completely moving away from religion. I find joy in the here and now and all the guilt and shame and stress over pleasing God and sticking to the catholic rules is gone.

Mrs OBumble

lazygal wrote: »

Why do you need a higher purpose?

Many people don't. If you don't, then that's great.

But equally, many people do want one. All I was saying is that sports clubs don't offer it.

Benevolent Misanthrope

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Many people don't. If you don't, then that's great.

But equally, many people do want one. All I was saying is that sports clubs don't offer it.

Ah but they do. Friendship is a higher purpose.

hinault

solodeogloria wrote: »

Hi all,

Provocative title, but it's come about after a few weeks of thinking about this. I was at home group this evening, and it is small, but diverse. There are people who are retired there, there are single people in their twenties there, there are married couples with children there, there are people from a number of different countries there. We all go out of our way to care for one another, and we all spend time together without it feeling like there is an obligation.

On another occasion I was speaking to my vicar, and he was saying that there isn't any other place that he knows of where people young and old, kids and adults, from numerous places and from numerous backgrounds would meet together other than because of Jesus. And it's not just that we are together because Jesus says that we have to, it's because we want to be together and love and serve one another.

I'm not convinced that there is any other organisation in secular society like this. I'd love to know if I was wrong. These passages show the model that is set for us as Christians.


Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

Until 15th century Christianity was clear delineated, there was Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox.

Since then Christianity has subsequently smashed in to literally thousands of pieces.

However each of those thousands of pieces could only have derived from what came before. In fact the Orthodox church could only come from what came before namely Catholicism.

In time, some or all of those thousands of pieces may find themselves returning to whence they ultimately derived from.

This priest says it better than I ever could.

Delirium

MOD NOTE

If you is wish to Catholicism/Protestism, please take it to the mega-thread.

Please don't derail this thread.

Thanks for your attention.

solodeogloria

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Your 'home group' is not the community that most Catholics/ Christians engage in.

The Irish model is - you go to Church, you sit and listen, you chat with some folks at the end for a few minutes, you go home.

Which is not unlike going to a football match in format.

I think what you've described is the experience of less than 1% of Irish believers. I may be wrong.

Good morning!

Yes I think my OP is wrong. I can't assume that my particular church experience is typical of all.

To put my colours to the mast I go to a local evangelical Anglican church in England. I have seen similar dynamics in small evangelical churches in Ireland too.

I agree with you that this may be influenced more by a theology which emphasises meeting together as being essential for growth as Christians. (Like in the Acts 2 passage and in Hebrews 10:24-26).

As for Sunday Assembly I'd be interested to drop in out of curiosity. My gut feeling is meeting fortnightly and having meetings for specific interest groups isn't entirely comparable to a church.

hinault - home group isn't our church service. It's a meeting for smaller groups in homes to build fellowship, read the Bible and pray midweek. We also have services on Sunday which are a lot larger.

Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

9de5q7tsr8u2im

gctest50 wrote: »

You could be describing these lads :

You're a waste of air

Delirium

MOD NOTE

LuckyDude12 carded for personal abuse.

smacl

I think the opening post is is clearly incorrect as it presents a false dichotomy between religious practise and secular society. Secular society does not discourage religious practise, it merely seeks to remove any single religious doctrine from the public decision making process. Very many Christians hold to secular ideals, as can be seen from a small straw poll I conducted here.

For example, compulsory religious instruction and an overtly religious ethos in a state run school would be anti-secular, whereas optional extra curricular religious instruction would not. We live in a society of many different religious and non-religious traditions and my take on secularism would be in celebrating that diversity while removing points of conflict.

For what its worth, I find community wherever I see groups of people who get along with each other. No more, no less.

tommy2bad

solodeogloria wrote: »

Hi all,

Provocative title, but it's come about after a few weeks of thinking about this. I was at home group this evening, and it is small, but diverse. There are people who are retired there, there are single people in their twenties there, there are married couples with children there, there are people from a number of different countries there. We all go out of our way to care for one another, and we all spend time together without it feeling like there is an obligation.

On another occasion I was speaking to my vicar, and he was saying that there isn't any other place that he knows of where people young and old, kids and adults, from numerous places and from numerous backgrounds would meet together other than because of Jesus. And it's not just that we are together because Jesus says that we have to, it's because we want to be together and love and serve one another.

I'm not convinced that there is any other organisation in secular society like this. I'd love to know if I was wrong. These passages show the model that is set for us as Christians.


Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

Bruce Springsteen concerts?

I could offer the GAA as an example of similar community but in fairness it owes a lot of that to its roots in the parish system which is christian.
Its hard to separate any secular activity from a christian origen, our laws, political system and even secularism all owe their origin to christianity.
If we want to find examples of community and solidarity that is not christian in origin we have to look to non christian societies. Again most of their communities are religious in origin. Its hard to find examples that don't adopt from or grow from some pre existing model, 9 out of 10 times that will be a religious model either because of religions pervasiveness or because its easier to not reinvent the wheel.
Community is a human trait, we are social animals. The example you cite is a small community, comparing its advantages to large diverse and disperse communities is apples and oranges. Neither model is right, neither is wrong.
People find community where they are and where they want, they find the level of community they need for their needs.
For some that's a weekly visit to the pub (whole other thread as to whether pubs compete with or compliment religion) or following a team or attending mass or home group. Or an annual trip to a Springsteen concert :-)

smacl

tommy2bad wrote: »

Its hard to separate any secular activity from a Christian origin, our laws, political system and even secularism all owe their origin to Christianity.

Without religion there wouldn't be secularism only because secularism is simply the removal of religious influence from the rule of law and running of the state. Outside of school patronage and some involvement in hospitals, Ireland is largely secular, say compared to an Islamic majority country that practises sharia law which we would consider a theocracy. Going to mass of a weekend is no more or less secular than going to a Springsteen gig, as neither are trying to influence running of the state.

The opening post is nonsense because the community that is the Christian church operates almost entirely in secular society, and where it doesn't it tends to get discriminated against as it is operating in a theocratic Muslim society. Outside of Vatican city, there are very few Christian theocracies.

Dog Man Star

Delirium wrote: »

MOD NOTE

LuckyDude12 carded for personal abuse.

You have given him a warning, but a Ku Klux Klan picture is ok.

Delirium

MOD NOTE

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DogManStar, please don't discuss moderation on-thread. Use the PM function if you have a query.

Thanks for your attention.

solodeogloria

smacl wrote: »

I think the opening post is is clearly incorrect as it presents a false dichotomy between religious practise and secular society. Secular society does not discourage religious practise, it merely seeks to remove any single religious doctrine from the public decision making process. Very many Christians hold to secular ideals, as can be seen from [URL="http://www.boards.ie/vbulle

tin/showthread.php?p=95799360"]a small straw poll I conducted here[/URL].

For example, compulsory religious instruction and an overtly religious ethos in a state run school would be anti-secular, whereas optional extra curricular religious instruction would not. We live in a society of many different religious and non-religious traditions and my take on secularism would be in celebrating that diversity while removing points of conflict.

For what its worth, I find community wherever I see groups of people who get along with each other. No more, no less.

Good evening!

Secular government isn't the same as secular society. I am a secularist from a governmental perspective.

I hope that helps you to understand what I mean by secular society.

I'd also ask you to read subsequent posts in the thread.

Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

9de5q7tsr8u2im

solodeogloria wrote: »

Good evening!

Secular government isn't the same as secular society. I am a secularist from a governmental perspective.

I hope that helps you to understand what I mean by secular society.

I'd also ask you to read subsequent posts in the thread.

Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

Solodeogloria you are the backbone representing the one and only Jesus Christ on this forum, if you need any help let me know and i'm here to fight all evil!

MrPudding

LuckyDude12 wrote: »

Solodeogloria you are the backbone representing the one and only Jesus Christ on this forum, if you need any help let me know and i'm here to fight all evil!

Thanks. You just made me throw up a bit in my mouth.

MrP

solodeogloria

Good evening!

LuckyDude12 - I'm just someone who posts on this forum. I'm glad that you appreciate my posts, but let's not over state it.

Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

smacl

solodeogloria wrote: »

Good evening!

Secular government isn't the same as secular society. I am a secularist from a governmental perspective.

I hope that helps you to understand what I mean by secular society.

I'd also ask you to read subsequent posts in the thread.

Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

Good evening,

I wasn't aware of the distinction so googled the term 'secular society' and still amn't too much the wiser. Nearest I could get was one of the Cambridge dictionary definitions which gave secular as 'not having any connection with religion', so I take your meaning of a secular society as a society that is entirely disconnected from religion. Given that, your opening post implies that the community enshrined in your particular religious practise is the most significant one in any given society and that there is nothing really comparable. I would argue the reverse, that competing specific religious practises lead to sectarianism and conflict that weakens communities and society. My take on secularism is that it is fundamental to achieve pluralism, where people are free to practise whatever religion or tradition they choose once it is within the law, and should not be subject to attack (including unsolicited proselyting) by other groups. By stating that Christian religious practise is 'best' what you're doing by implication is attacking every other practise as lesser in your eyes. I find that both unreasonable and uncharitable.

Saipanne

"There isn't any community in the secular world like the <insert religion here>"

There.

solodeogloria

smacl wrote: »

Good evening,

I wasn't aware of the distinction so googled the term 'secular society' and still amn't too much the wiser. Nearest I could get was one of the Cambridge dictionary definitions which gave secular as 'not having any connection with religion', so I take your meaning of a secular society as a society that is entirely disconnected from religion. Given that, your opening post implies that the community enshrined in your particular religious practise is the most significant one in any given society and that there is nothing really comparable. I would argue the reverse, that competing specific religious practises lead to sectarianism and conflict that weakens communities and society. My take on secularism is that it is fundamental to achieve pluralism, where people are free to practise whatever religion or tradition they choose once it is within the law, and should not be subject to attack (including unsolicited proselyting) by other groups. By stating that Christian religious practise is 'best' what you're doing by implication is attacking every other practise as lesser in your eyes. I find that both unreasonable and uncharitable.

Good evening!

That is again, secular governance. When you are referring to "secularism" that is referring to secular governance. We're agreed on that.

Secular society is simply referring to society insofar as it is detached from religion.

I think you should see how the discussion has progressed since the OP also.

Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

smacl

solodeogloria wrote: »

Good evening!

That is again, secular governance. When you are referring to "secularism" that is referring to secular governance. We're agreed on that.

Secular society is simply referring to society insofar as it is detached from religion.

I think you should see how the discussion has progressed since the OP also.

Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

Good morning,

I'm not sure why you think I haven't followed the thread in its entirety. Your OP posited that there was no community comparable to that of the Christian church in secular society. The bulk of the following posts list all of the other communities that are comparable, which of include other religions. To borrow a term from one of your previous posts, your OP is just willy waving, and deeply based in confirmation bias at that. However you choose to use the term, it is also a false dichotomy, as you also get very strong religious communities in non-Christian traditions such as Hindu and Islam among others. I would challenge you to find any definition of secular that meant 'not influenced by or connected to Christianity'. There's rather more to religion than Christianity.

solodeogloria

smacl wrote: »

Good morning,

I'm not sure why you think I haven't followed the thread in its entirety. Your OP posited that there was no community comparable to that of the Christian church in secular society. The bulk of the following posts list all of the other communities that are comparable, which of include other religions. To borrow a term from one of your previous posts, your OP is just willy waving, and deeply based in confirmation bias at that. However you choose to use the term, it is also a false dichotomy, as you also get very strong religious communities in non-Christian traditions such as Hindu and Islam among others. I would challenge you to find any definition of secular that meant 'not influenced by or connected to Christianity'. There's rather more to religion than Christianity.

Good morning!

I respect in full that you disagree with my assessment, and obviously that is your entitlement.

I still think there are numerous differences to going to a Bruce Springsteen concert once a year, to people who meet day by day together in many cases to live in community with a lot of people who are very different to them out of genuine concern for them. It is a lot more like a family rather than a club.

I acknowledged fairly early on that this is an anecdotal experience that many others may not be able to relate to from church experience. However, I think the Biblical model for how Christians should live with one another, is far more intimate than other models that I have seen in society and I would hold to that.

I'm not asking for you to agree with me. I was posting an observation.

Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

eviltwin

solodeogloria wrote: »

Good morning!

I respect in full that you disagree with my assessment, and obviously that is your entitlement.

I still think there are numerous differences to going to a Bruce Springsteen concert once a year, to people who meet day by day together in many cases to live in community with a lot of people who are very different to them out of genuine concern for them. It is a lot more like a family rather than a club.

I acknowledged fairly early on that this is an anecdotal experience that many others may not be able to relate to from church experience. However, I think the Biblical model for how Christians should live with one another, is far more intimate than other models that I have seen in society and I would hold to that.

I'm not asking for you to agree with me. I was posting an observation.

Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

And who are you to say that anyone here is not getting from their social group what you get from a church? Not everyone involved in a church would have your experience. A community is the sum of the people involved. The common theme that brings you together is really irrelevant, it's the personal connections that make it what it is. That's not exclusive to a religious organisation.

smacl

solodeogloria wrote: »

I acknowledged fairly early on that this is an anecdotal experience that many others may not be able to relate to from church experience.

Good morning, and another fabulous morning here! I think the problem I have is you extrapolating from your own personal experience, which you properly appreciate and understand, into relative comparisons of other peoples experience of which you know little to nothing. To reasonably compare the relative merits of your community with those of another community you would need equal knowledge of both communities. Even then, you would have to question the motivation behind such a comparison, as at a glance it would be to denigrate the worth of that community with the hope of absorbing them into your own.

So while saying that you are a member of a community you cherish is fair cause for celebration, suggesting it is better than any other community on that basis is unpleasant and unsupportable.

A better question perhaps, and maybe the one you were alluding to, is whether society has become less kind with increasing religious indifference? My purely personal subjective experience would be the reverse, in that Irish people today are in many ways kinder, more tolerant and considered than they have been in the past.

9de5q7tsr8u2im

eviltwin wrote: »

And who are you to say that anyone here is not getting from their social group what you get from a church? Not everyone involved in a church would have your experience. A community is the sum of the people involved. The common theme that brings you together is really irrelevant, it's the personal connections that make it what it is. That's not exclusive to a religious organisation.

your username explains a lot. absolutely not a christian community is unique far away from social groups and all that jazz.
People often refer to the “Christian community,” but what is it? When people speak of the Christian community, they usually mean “Christians in general” or “Christian leaders.” The term may be in reference to a formal network of denominations, but is often simply an allusion to an informal group of believers.

For some, “the Christian community” refers to networks of churches or Christian organizations. When a particular event is jointly hosted by several groups, or when several groups issue a joint statement, it is considered an activity of the Christian community. This view of the Christian community is probably the most accurate cultural view as it includes the greatest number of people. However, it is also a rather subjective definition. How many Christian groups must be involved for it to be considered “the Christian community”? If Charismatics, Methodists, and Episcopalians attend an event, but no Baptists or Presbyterians, is it still “the Christian community”? Or if all denominations band together to issue a public statement, but 49 percent of their individual members are opposed to the statement, was the statement truly affirmed by “the Christian community”?

Others consider the Christian community to be the leaders of Christianity. When a megachurch pastor, bestselling author, musician, or other Christian celebrity speaks, many consider what is said to be the voice of the Christian community. The media often promote this perspective. For example, a news program may interview one pastor and then quote him as if he speaks for all Christians. When the representative speaks well, many Christians will agree, and the view may accurately represent the Christian community as a whole. However, media outlets often select the “loudest” or most eccentric voices in order to gain attention, and those who might truly speak for many Christians are overlooked.

The Christian Community recognizes Christ’s deed of life and death as the pivotal renewal in humanity’s history. He brought a new relationship between human beings on earth and the beings of the spiritual worlds. Through his indwelling in the sacraments, this revitalizing impulse continues to be available to us individually and in community. Christ replenishes our life in sacramental community, which in turn offers us as individuals the opportunity to find and connect with his regenerating impulse in our own lives, in the life of the whole of humanity, and in the life of the entire earth.

Furthermore, The Christian Community recognizes the Christian way to be a path of freedom. Fostering freeness and responsibility in the individual is seen as crucial in approaching a relationship with Christ Jesus’ deed and message. All who come will find a community striving to cultivate an environment of free inquiry in harmony with deep devotion.

eviltwin

LuckyDude12 wrote: »

your username explains a lot. absolutely not a christian community is unique far away from social groups and all that jazz.
People often refer to the “Christian community,” but what is it? When people speak of the Christian community, they usually mean “Christians in general” or “Christian leaders.” The term may be in reference to a formal network of denominations, but is often simply an allusion to an informal group of believers.

For some, “the Christian community” refers to networks of churches or Christian organizations. When a particular event is jointly hosted by several groups, or when several groups issue a joint statement, it is considered an activity of the Christian community. This view of the Christian community is probably the most accurate cultural view as it includes the greatest number of people. However, it is also a rather subjective definition. How many Christian groups must be involved for it to be considered “the Christian community”? If Charismatics, Methodists, and Episcopalians attend an event, but no Baptists or Presbyterians, is it still “the Christian community”? Or if all denominations band together to issue a public statement, but 49 percent of their individual members are opposed to the statement, was the statement truly affirmed by “the Christian community”?

Others consider the Christian community to be the leaders of Christianity. When a megachurch pastor, bestselling author, musician, or other Christian celebrity speaks, many consider what is said to be the voice of the Christian community. The media often promote this perspective. For example, a news program may interview one pastor and then quote him as if he speaks for all Christians. When the representative speaks well, many Christians will agree, and the view may accurately represent the Christian community as a whole. However, media outlets often select the “loudest” or most eccentric voices in order to gain attention, and those who might truly speak for many Christians are overlooked.

The Christian Community recognizes Christ’s deed of life and death as the pivotal renewal in humanity’s history. He brought a new relationship between human beings on earth and the beings of the spiritual worlds. Through his indwelling in the sacraments, this revitalizing impulse continues to be available to us individually and in community. Christ replenishes our life in sacramental community, which in turn offers us as individuals the opportunity to find and connect with his regenerating impulse in our own lives, in the life of the whole of humanity, and in the life of the entire earth.

Furthermore, The Christian Community recognizes the Christian way to be a path of freedom. Fostering freeness and responsibility in the individual is seen as crucial in approaching a relationship with Christ Jesus’ deed and message. All who come will find a community striving to cultivate an environment of free inquiry in harmony with deep devotion.

Not sure what your comment re my user name refers to, its just a name. I wouldn't read too much into it.

as for the rest, i will have to take your word for it. I can only speak about my experiences as a member of a church and say that I do not share the OP's sentiments. I know plenty of people who do but the various religions can be a tough place if you don't toe the line so its not for everyone. We all need to feel part of something beyond our family and most of us find that somewhere be it sport, faith etc. Its not a competition.

looksee

LuckyDude12 wrote: »

your username explains a lot. absolutely not a christian community is unique far away from social groups and all that jazz.

People often refer to the “Christian community,” but what is it? When people speak of the Christian community, they usually mean “Christians in general” or “Christian leaders.” The term may be in reference to a formal network of denominations, but is often simply an allusion to an informal group of believers.

For some, “the Christian community” refers to networks of churches or Christian organizations. When a particular event is jointly hosted by several groups, or when several groups issue a joint statement, it is considered an activity of the Christian community. This view of the Christian community is probably the most accurate cultural view as it includes the greatest number of people. However, it is also a rather subjective definition. How many Christian groups must be involved for it to be considered “the Christian community”? If Charismatics, Methodists, and Episcopalians attend an event, but no Baptists or Presbyterians, is it still “the Christian community”? Or if all denominations band together to issue a public statement, but 49 percent of their individual members are opposed to the statement, was the statement truly affirmed by “the Christian community”?

Others consider the Christian community to be the leaders of Christianity. When a megachurch pastor, bestselling author, musician, or other Christian celebrity speaks, many consider what is said to be the voice of the Christian community. The media often promote this perspective. For example, a news program may interview one pastor and then quote him as if he speaks for all Christians. When the representative speaks well, many Christians will agree, and the view may accurately represent the Christian community as a whole. However, media outlets often select the “loudest” or most eccentric voices in order to gain attention, and those who might truly speak for many Christians are overlooked.

The Christian Community recognizes Christ’s deed of life and death as the pivotal renewal in humanity’s history. He brought a new relationship between human beings on earth and the beings of the spiritual worlds. Through his indwelling in the sacraments, this revitalizing impulse continues to be available to us individually and in community. Christ replenishes our life in sacramental community, which in turn offers us as individuals the opportunity to find and connect with his regenerating impulse in our own lives, in the life of the whole of humanity, and in the life of the entire earth.

Furthermore, The Christian Community recognizes the Christian way to be a path of freedom. Fostering freeness and responsibility in the individual is seen as crucial in approaching a relationship with Christ Jesus’ deed and message. All who come will find a community striving to cultivate an environment of free inquiry in harmony with deep devotion.

If you are going to take large chunks of other people's writings you might at least credit them - http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-community.html for the first part and http://www.thechristiancommunity.org/about/ for the last two paras.

Delirium

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solodeogloria wrote: »

Hi all,

Provocative title, but it's come about after a few weeks of thinking about this. I was at home group this evening, and it is small, but diverse. There are people who are retired there, there are single people in their twenties there, there are married couples with children there, there are people from a number of different countries there. We all go out of our way to care for one another, and we all spend time together without it feeling like there is an obligation.

On another occasion I was speaking to my vicar, and he was saying that there isn't any other place that he knows of where people young and old, kids and adults, from numerous places and from numerous backgrounds would meet together other than because of Jesus. And it's not just that we are together because Jesus says that we have to, it's because we want to be together and love and serve one another.

I'm not convinced that there is any other organisation in secular society like this. I'd love to know if I was wrong. These passages show the model that is set for us as Christians.




Much thanks in the Lord Jesus Christ,
solodeogloria

100% agree. Witnessed hundreds on lough derg last weel live a profound experience the Catholic faith.

Nick Park

I would certainly agree that a Christian community (when it operates as it should) provides an experience that is quite rare in society as a whole. There is something special about being part of a group where your primary concern is the well-being of others rather than your own needs, and where trusting friendships are built. I have, on occasion, looked around church and seen interactions taking place that make me think, "Where else in Irish society would you see this happening?" For example, a single mother asylum-seeker thrusting her baby into the arms of a prominent local businessman and saying, "Will you hold him while I go the toilets?" I can't think of too many settings where that would be considered a perfectly normal scenario.

Studies do suggest that belonging to, and meeting regularly with, such a community is a very beneficial thing (irrespective of the doctrine or denomination of the community) for both the individual and society as a whole. Indeed, as a church pastor I find that the initial thing that attracts new members to our church is often the yearning for such a sense of community. The 'God stuff' often comes later. People tend to belong before they fully believe!

However, we would be dishonest if we didn't acknowledge that the churches do not always function in such a way. Sadly they have sometimes been coercive and abusive.

Also, there are non-spiritual groups in society that build a similar sense of community. During the Same-Sex Marriage Referendum I spent time with a number of activists in the LGBT community. I found that in some of their organisations and support-groups there was a similar sense of community to what I encounter in church.

evolving_doors

Is this what you're looking for Op?

Familiarity without faith...


http://www.readersdigest.co.uk/inspire/life/inside-sunday-assembly-church-without-god