[Kagan88]

So I am doing this research paper on Christian's in the Church these days... And I was just looking for some thoughts and views on just that Christian's in the Church and how they are viewed? I just need all thoughts in opinions... Please no arguing amongst each other this is all for a research paper. I have my thoughts and views I need others from anyone! Religious or not... in the church, use to be, never was...

Thank you

[HistorianChick]

First of all, I think you should narrow down your topic... "Christians in the church" is very broad.

What about focusing on a specific group or character trait. Like, Sunday School workers, choir members, people that attend on Sunday mornings vs. those that attend every service. Or, Christians in the Church that tithe, work in church ministries, etc.

That's just my thoughts! :)

[Kagan88]

HistorianChick thank you so much I wish I could but that is literally the topic they gave me... I guess I am suppose to go with people who say they are Christians that attend church regularly and how others view them... I guess if outsiders view them a specific way... I agree the topic is quite broad but I feel if I try to narrow it down any I might get deducted on points. How would I narrow it down but also hit on the topic in general.

[450donn]

Christians in the church.
A group of people who are dedicated to serving God and winning souls for the kingdom of God.
As good a start as any I guess.

[J_9]

Living in the Bible Belt I can tell you that a good number of "Christians" are what I call Sunday Christians. They sin all week long then go to church on Sunday to get the latest town gossip.

[Kagan88]

J_9 I guess my next question is how are people like them viewed then? I'm taking a religious studies class in school and I guess we are trying to figure out why the youth today that has grown up in the church are now leaving them?

[HistorianChick]

I'm a church-goer, myself. I am actually in church Sunday morning, evening, and Wednesday night. I am in the choir, sing special music, work with the drama team, and am a children's worker leader on wed. nights.

I'm one of those "always there" people... and I try to live my life in such a way that it's not a show... i.e. that the person they see in church is the same person that they see in my "regluar life."

I try to be real - transparant. I was brought up that way... and I guess it's just "how I roll!" :)

[TUT317]

Hello Kagan88,

I would go along with HistorianChicks first thought. Even though the topic is broad you need to state a thesis in the introduction. In other words, you need to say exactly what you will be looking at and why. If you don't then you paper is in danger of becoming a rave. That is, statements about what ever seems like a good idea at the time.

Any type of factual writing needs to be tightly structured

[paraclete]

So I am doing this research paper on Christian's in the Church these days... And I was just looking for some thoughts and views on just that Christian's in the Church and how they are viewed? I just need all thoughts in opinions... Please no arguing amongst each other this is all for a research paper. I have my thoughts and views I need others from anyone! Religious or not...in the church, use to be, never was...

thank you

Not sure what you mean in the way you have framed this topic.

Some Christians are not viewed well by the Church for various reasons and these differ from Chruch to Church. For example;the Catholics view those among their numbers with Pentecostal/Charismatic views with some suspicion

[arcura]

Kagan88,
You asked a good question that would take much work to answer well.
Here's my short version.
Most Christians in the church are very much the same though there are differences.
The basic Christian beliefs are viewed very much alike.
They are that Jesus was born the son of God from a virgin mother.
Also that he came with a mission, that he was a perfect person who taught about God, the after life, love, peace kindness, service, and redemption by word and deed.
Also that he died on a cross and returned to life and rose into heave.
This was to prove that God had control over life and death and that Jesus was a redemptive sacrifice for the sins of the human race.
There's a bit more to that but that's generally what most Christians in church believe and the go there to hear more about Him and to worship God together in a brotherly and sisterly way for they are a Christian family in so doing.
There are differences of belief and activities by Christians in the Church.
As example many of the different churches teach and worship within the activity of sacraments that bring for the grace of God while some others do not believe in sacraments.
Most believe that Jesus is God the Son while a few others do not.
Most believe that God almighty is a one God made up of three person, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while a few others to not believe that.
To list all of the beliefs most believe and worship would take uo much room.
A list of the differences would much shorter.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[I Newton]

Hi Kagan

You ask a very interesting question
> why the youth today that has grown up in the church are now leaving them?

My quick answer is:

It is a combination of first, a breakdown of the family unit causing young people to lose their way, overreact negatively to authority and second the blatant contradictory conduct of church that claim they were placed in their position of authority by a loving God.

I do not see it as much as the younger generation are smarter than previous generations, thereby seeing the contradiction between what the Bible says and what churches do, BUT that the trend to abuse authority means the powerful fear that churches held over people does not exist for the current generation.

Young people are expected to rebel against the authority of their parents, so they are not as concerned with the pressure from their parents if they choose not to follow the same religion they do.

And of course they can plainly see the hypocrisy of the teachings of the church and do not feel compelled to put up with their abuse.

I suppose you could say the sins of the church is quickly catching up with it.

1Peter 5:3
Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
(Their churches have been very poor examples for them)

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
(Their churches have not been known for their kindness and tenderness)

Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord [is] at hand.
(Their churches have not been known for their gentleness)

Romans 08:25
But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for [it] with perseverance.
(Most churches do not have enough faith so they build statues for people to bow to)

James 2:10
For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one [point], he is guilty of all.
For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
(Their churches break many laws and still claim they are God's church)

Matthew 23:6
They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
Greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.'
But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, [fn] and you are all brethren.
Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
(Their church LOVE to put on a show and they actually require people to address them as 'Father')

Revelation 2:2
"I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;
(Their churches do not allow them to put them to the test)

Matthew 15:3
"Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?
(Church tradition should not be included let alone above the Bible)

2Peter 2:1-3
They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, …
Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.
(THIS is the sad part, because of the actions of their church, the young ones are not just leaving their church but blaming God for the filth of the church)

Romans 02:21-24
You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law.
No wonder the Scriptures say, "The world blasphemes the name of God because of you."*
(The churches are to blame for the young people turning against God)

Mark 13:13
And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

This generation knows that to be a Christians means you will be persecuted; but most churches either instigate or retaliate persecution.

Basically the sins of the church are opening the eyes of the young people and they are not held prisoner of set on fire for not obeying and funding the church.