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20 somethings.talk to me?

I attend a very liberal progressive Church. (The United Church of Christ) We are the ones that had the advertising that was banned from some major networks. (see site www.stillspeaking.com)

I just went to a workshop where I learned that 80% of people in thier 20's do not attend Chruch. That number was staggering to me. Can you young people tell me why you don't go? Is it boring? Do you not feel welcome? I'd like to work on this with my local church. Give me you're ideas. What could I say or do that would help you feel welcome? And, how many of you have attended church in the past? What was missing for you?

10 Answers

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  • 2 decades ago
    Favorite Answer

    I don't go to church, even though I believ in God, and Jesus Christ, because I was tired of going to church and listening to people talk about how they are a better christian than someone else. God is the only one who can judge us. All these people talking about how good they are... I don't need that. Also, I feel that we need to read between the lines of many things in the bible. Ways change. Just because it was like 2000+ years ago, doesn't mean that it has to be that way now. Many things in the bible are the way they are for societal reasons. Not because God "said so." The bible was written by men, and is then questionable. The easiest way to get people to do or not do something, is to make it "Holy Law." If I'm passing on, orally, the bible and I feel like saying you can't eat pigs, because I think they are dirty. Whose to stop me from saying, "God, said this!" If God is everywhere why do I have to go to church to worship Him? Can't I go up to the mountains where I can see His work, and worship on my own there? I have a beautiful wife and a baby boy. I can see God's work right there. I don't need to go to church have someone tell me, about His work. Why am I going to give money to the church "for God?" God doesn't need money. Does anyone else think it odd that televangelists and some real preachers are driving around in Cadillacs and Mercedes', and BMWs? While their "flock" drives clunkers. I know not all are like that, but you get my idea. I believe in God. I've lost faith in the church.

  • Anonymous
    2 decades ago

    The probelm is that this is the information age and people are being exposed to other religions besides Christianity. They now can look beyond the answers that Christianity doesn't give.

    So it's not about how inviting the church is, if its CHristian, many young people aren't interested.

    I am 29 now, but in my early 20's I left Christianity because it didn't answer the questions I needed it to. Or at least not to my satisfaction. I went in search of something else and found it. The last time I stepped foot in church was at my sister's wedding. And unless I get invited to another wedding, I don't have a reason to go back.

    Source(s): www.religioustolerance.org
  • boris
    Lv 5
    2 decades ago

    Why don't we go? Because we are intelligent - we know how to think for ourselves, don't need to be told what to think, and how to interpret our religion.

    A system of morals should be created using rationality, not dogma. Religion creates more harm than good. Religion seperates people, divides people on arbitrary lines, seperates their souls from one another until they are in hostile contact with one another fighting over who's God is the true God when they are all the same God - a figment of the human imagination.

    Look deeper into history - don't go by what a book tells you at face value. The bibles are very useful historical texts, but only once you realise our ancestors had greator technology than we do today.

  • 2 decades ago

    I'd have to combine your first 2 answers. By the way, I'm 29. I'm an atheist. And I don't need an organization to tell me what is right and wrong, I have figured that out and live by my own morals.

    Is church boring? No, I think it is entertaining to watch mindless brainwashing.

    Do I not feel welcome in church? No, I always find nice open people there.

    What could you say to make people feel more welcome? -- that you won't push your ideas on that. You have to assume that people have seeked you/ your church out. You can force people to go to church.

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  • 2 decades ago

    Because there is so much doubt about Christianity and the bible that disbelief is rising. There is no real proof except that book and faith. Anymore just having faith isn't enough we want proof to believe.

    I would never go back to Christianity, I have a different faith now. Through my own research and search I found I no longer believed it. Add to that the way some act it's disgusting to me. Then there is the shoving the faith down peoples throats who don't believe as they do and I'm all done with it.

  • 2 decades ago

    As a hard-line atheist, I don't really see a place for myself in church.

    I've noticed that you've gotten several responses like mine, and I'm not entirely sure that you were expecting the faithless to turn out in such numbers. Don't be fooled, though, we are still a minority.

    I think it's interesting that the faithful have not shown up to answer this question.

  • 2 decades ago

    Because most of them are out there enjoying life..clubs..dances..whatsoever .. (not me in particular)..but 20 somethings are just figuring out what they want and don't want others to tell them what to do or to feel tied down. and they are very hyper to the extent of not wanting to sit there for sooo long listening to something they could read for themselves.lol..and some are just not into it. plus 20s are the most crucial point in a man's life..so there you have it...and some just don't believe in God...blabla blahh..and so on and so on...

  • 2 decades ago

    I don't go (and never have gone) because I'm an atheist so I have no belief in a god. It has nothing to do with whether or not I'd be welcome, but because it would be meaningless for me to be there.

  • 2 decades ago

    We are smarter than our parents were at our age. Religion is loosing its grip. One day we will all be sane.

  • 2 decades ago

    I don't go because I'm Atheist.

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