News1 min ago
The Future Of Religion In Britain...
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This article reminded me of recent comments on another thread concerning more Mosques being given planning consent and the decline in Christian worship. Can the two issues be related and are the trends and reasons in this article a justification for building new Mosques?
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Lost my train of thought there for a mo.
Anyway, churches have long since ceased to be the highlight of most peoples' week. Short of competing with nightlife venues, they're going to struggle to draw the crowds. People are more independent minded and not willing to be preached to any more. They're not going to let anyone tell them how to live their lives, although they may thrash out their own set of cultural values and behavioural norms via debates online and in the media.
Rather than extort money through menaces, the various religions obtain it by charm and persuasion. They set up a command hierarchy and exert power, not just over the populations of nations but the leaders and monarchs of those nations.
Then again, it's easy to see threat of disbarment from heaven as menaces of a sort. So basically just a twist on the protection racket.
The future of Religion in Britain I cannot begin to guess about but if there were more signs of that reservoir of wealth coming back to those in critical need of it, that would be a good sign. At least it would make it seem like they've read their own book. ;)
Anyway, churches have long since ceased to be the highlight of most peoples' week. Short of competing with nightlife venues, they're going to struggle to draw the crowds. People are more independent minded and not willing to be preached to any more. They're not going to let anyone tell them how to live their lives, although they may thrash out their own set of cultural values and behavioural norms via debates online and in the media.
Rather than extort money through menaces, the various religions obtain it by charm and persuasion. They set up a command hierarchy and exert power, not just over the populations of nations but the leaders and monarchs of those nations.
Then again, it's easy to see threat of disbarment from heaven as menaces of a sort. So basically just a twist on the protection racket.
The future of Religion in Britain I cannot begin to guess about but if there were more signs of that reservoir of wealth coming back to those in critical need of it, that would be a good sign. At least it would make it seem like they've read their own book. ;)
I thank you Mamya for your lone voice in the wilderness.
I am not sure of the position all over the UK,but I am assuming that it does not vary to a large extent,to the position here in Edinburgh.
Catholic churches are pretty full every Sunday,often having three or four services. Our problem is a shortage of Priests,and even more regrettably, a lack of students coming through the seminaries. Many of our Priests are from Poland,and are doing an excellent job.
I am not sure of the position all over the UK,but I am assuming that it does not vary to a large extent,to the position here in Edinburgh.
Catholic churches are pretty full every Sunday,often having three or four services. Our problem is a shortage of Priests,and even more regrettably, a lack of students coming through the seminaries. Many of our Priests are from Poland,and are doing an excellent job.
Does this suggest the tide is turning, slowly, in Italy:
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I forget where and how I came it but can any who know their bible inside-out confirm whether there is a New Testament passage instructing that people worship in private and NOT make an outward show of their faith?
This stuck in my mind at the time because of the contradiction with the whole idea of church gatherings.
The original context might be one of setting themselves (Xtians) apart from Judaism, or it may have been a short-term plan to evade persecution, in Roman times.
Whatever the case, it was clearly abandoned as it failed to serve the purpose of 'spreading the word'. (Over and above merely passing it on to your children).
This stuck in my mind at the time because of the contradiction with the whole idea of church gatherings.
The original context might be one of setting themselves (Xtians) apart from Judaism, or it may have been a short-term plan to evade persecution, in Roman times.
Whatever the case, it was clearly abandoned as it failed to serve the purpose of 'spreading the word'. (Over and above merely passing it on to your children).
SirOracle, // I am pleased that your views are reasoned, and not your more usual anti religious, pro atheistic /agnostic ones..//
That presumes that my "anti-religious, pro-atheistic/agnostic" views aren’t reasoned which for those harbouring pre-determined and immutable notions is no more than a poorly argued, self-deceiving, conclusion. Your contention that there is hope for me yet is unworthy of a considered response.
That presumes that my "anti-religious, pro-atheistic/agnostic" views aren’t reasoned which for those harbouring pre-determined and immutable notions is no more than a poorly argued, self-deceiving, conclusion. Your contention that there is hope for me yet is unworthy of a considered response.
Hypognosis@
Actually, the Bible advises one not to isolate himself with regard to worship. Proverbs 18 v 1 reads:
"Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."
The scripture you refer to is with regard to praying. Jesus was particularly directing attention to the fact that the religious leaders made a big thing out of praying in public - making a show of their so-called piety when in fact they were hypocritical.
Matthew 6 v 5 & 6: ‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Actually, the Bible advises one not to isolate himself with regard to worship. Proverbs 18 v 1 reads:
"Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."
The scripture you refer to is with regard to praying. Jesus was particularly directing attention to the fact that the religious leaders made a big thing out of praying in public - making a show of their so-called piety when in fact they were hypocritical.
Matthew 6 v 5 & 6: ‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
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