There is a church about a mile down the road from me. It has been sold at least twice in the almost 14 years I've lived here, and I assume Seventh Day Adventists were the last purchasers as they have church on Saturday. I see children and teens walking past my house on Saturday regardless of the weather; there can be snow on the ground, and there they go.
The marquee reads, "Home of god." However, since they put up a high metal fence around the parking lot/church with gates which are locked when there are no services, I am assuming that god is not hanging around to watch the premises. It's kinda funny as this is a low crime area.
So much for putting trust in god.
Home of Self Delusion.
@Gwendolyn2018 So true. And as to "they think god is..." that's where it all breaks down. They DON'T think, because thinking, especially critical thinking, is anathema to religion.
If churches were genuine to their proclaimed word of God, then they would not have locks on the door. They would have cots and soup kitchens for the homeless where it is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Instead of Hugh salaries and churches that are modern architect wonders costing millions, there could be simple housing units for the elderly and staff to care for them. Who am I to judge...just making simple observations but the good book does say...by your fruits yea will know them. The truth is always self evident to those who are willing to see.
There are a handful of exceptions. The RC church my parents belonged to helped people with bills and food based solely on income and zip code. I respected their program enough that I volunteered a few times and continue to donate. Yes, they are an exception.
probably just trying to keep inconvenient questions out
i've always thought that there is potential in studying the economics of the downturn in christianity and what will happen to all that real estate that christians own and use for churches as they realize that the mir religion has a lot of outright nonsense to it even if arguably some humans can get a lot out of weekly.community meetings
@Gwendolyn2018
I love the old church in Star Idaho that was bought up and turned into a coffee shop/bakery. Talk about soul soothing sustenance...