Christian Pipe Smokers

Why are so many "non denominational" churches so dark? I'm a recovering protestant and feel that our earthly worship should mimic our future heavenly worship. I can't even read the words in my Bible in some of these places.

For the same reasons bars keep it dark. Promotes an intimate atmosphere and distracts from how bad the carpet looks.

It also discourages the flock from reading the verses surrounding the passage to gain context.

JimVH wrote: ↑12 Mar 2023, 11:54 For the same reasons bars keep it dark. Promotes an intimate atmosphere and distracts from how bad the carpet looks.

Tough to judge in text format, but I sense a healthy dash of sarcasm in the latter half of your statement, but not quite sure about the first half.

I'm convinced that carpets are the reason there have been so many baptist divisions.

Darkness promotes a private atmosphere not an intimate one. Corporate worship is about unity of believers.

GaryInVA wrote: ↑12 Mar 2023, 16:32 It also discourages the flock from reading the verses surrounding the passage to gain context.

It does make it easier to form a brand new theological concept or spirit given prophecy when you just flash one verse from shiver the new living "translation" up on the screen.

joegoat wrote: ↑12 Mar 2023, 16:57

GaryInVA wrote: ↑12 Mar 2023, 16:32 It also discourages the flock from reading the verses surrounding the passage to gain context.

It does make it easier to form a brand new theological concept or spirit given prophecy when you just flash one verse from shiver the new living "translation" up on the screen.

I actually like the NLT. It's one of the multiple versions I typically have open when doing study.

I think there is a time and place for darkness in worship (especially when using candles), but I hear what you are saying. I've attended some that not only shut off all the lights and spotlight the stage, but they also had fog machines, concert lighting, and a table full of earplugs (ironically placed next to the bibles).

It's a tactic. They think the best way to reach the 'unchurched' is to basically mimic the world. It's a way to remove real and perceived obstacles.

As an evangelistic tool? While it's not really my bag, I can't exactly say it hasn't worked, (even though there are some serious pitfalls to avoid), I know a number of people who God has drawn to Himself who began going to one of these goofy churches. Circuses are good at drawing spectators. But pragmatism isn't everything and I just can't get on board that these tactics can be good in the long run as a normal weekly gathering for the edification of the church.

Maybe you should try a denominational church.

jruegg wrote: ↑12 Mar 2023, 17:51

joegoat wrote: ↑12 Mar 2023, 16:57

GaryInVA wrote: ↑12 Mar 2023, 16:32 It also discourages the flock from reading the verses surrounding the passage to gain context.

It does make it easier to form a brand new theological concept or spirit given prophecy when you just flash one verse from shiver the new living "translation" up on the screen.

I actually like the NLT. It's one of the multiple versions I typically have open when doing study.

Opening and comparing for study is fine in my mind. Saying, "I like how the New Living Translation says it" as it flashes in the screen doesn't jive with me though.

FredS wrote: ↑13 Mar 2023, 06:02 Maybe you should try a denominational church.

My wife likes where we are. She wants kids programs. She knows people there. She doesn't want anything with a liturgy. I want us going to a church as a family. That's another topic though.