You can’t worship God from a recliner

I was shocked by the photo of people reclining in movie theater seats while allegedly listening to a sermon (“SC churches are thinking outside the steeple to reach new members”).

If the only way to get people to show up is to offer them a recliner and popcorn, something is seriously amiss.

Not only is reclining in church disrespectful, but church is supposed to be participatory. You don’t simply observe passively as if you were at a movie or sports event. You’re supposed to be there to worship God and actively participate.

Church is not supposed to be about being entertained. These new-fangled, touchy-feely churches that cater to people who demand everything be about them have missed the mark completely.

Church is supposed to be centered on God, not man.

If these types of churches are the wave of the future, then I fear for the future of our state and nation.

Churches need to return to gospel, Holy Spirit

Does the present-day church represent God?

The very beginning of “Losing Faith: Why South Carolina is abandoning its churches” mentions the Bible Belt, but having grown up in the church and prepared for the ministry in our hometown Columbia International University, I can tell you that what passes for Bible instruction in most churches is little short of pathetic.

If the words of Jesus, “I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly” are true, ought not the scriptures that describe his life be given a lot more attention?

I also wonder why evangelicalism has almost with one voice refused to teach the biblical doctrine of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

I received that baptism only in my 30s, and it revolutionized both my life and those who were close to us. It would also revolutionize churches today if they would open themselves to it.

In truth many clergy hate it, because it diminishes their power. They have no one to blame for the closing of their churches but themselves.

When people are filled with the Holy Spirit, they are filled with love for God and love for their fellow man, and they will love the gathering of believers.

Churches die without God

While I lament South Carolina’s abandonment of its churches, I think more attention should be paid to the “why” question (“Losing Faith: Why South Carolina is abandoning its churches”).

The symptomatic depletion of church rolls is merely a manifestation of ungodliness in our lives and culture. I believe that organized religion has played a significant role in this evolving demise.

Theologically flawed differences, tribal and controversial doctrines, earthy confessions and general acquiescence and appeasement in the face of rebellious and disobedient congregations have gotten us to today’s sad state of affairs.

We have so watered down and socialized our churches as to neuter them. They have ceased to know and effect God’s will.

Most bothersome is how far today’s churches permit beliefs, choices and behaviors specifically and divinely outlawed in the Bible.

We too much enjoy life on earth and don’t believe in or fear God’s judgment.

The State publishes a cross section of the letters we receive from South Carolinians in order to provide a forum for our community and also to allow our community to get a good look at itself, for good or bad. The letters represent the views of the letter writers, not necessarily of The State.