Originally Posted by
PostmodernProphet
haven't played with this question for a while, but it was what sparked the thesis for my Theology Masters years ago....
so lets say you believe in a deity......I will speak of Christianity for ease of discussion, though you could follow the same issue whether it was mosque or temple instead of church....
what happens in a church.....
people sing.....anyone with a shower could sing.....
they pray......anyone with knees can pray....or do it sitting or standing for that matter....
they read scripture.....which we can do on the internet.....
they get an education about God, either from a sermon or study......can get that from the internet too.....
community.....but even this mismatched assortment of folks who visit DP is a community.....
but how does one person, in isolation, serve others.......at the barest minimum you need someone who needs to be served......and though I can talk to you folks any time I want, I can't go out and put a roof on someone's house with you.....I can't go work at a soup kitchen with you.....
Gather in fellowship to give aid, comfort and spiritual strength to fellow Christians. To hear a Spiritual leader discuss what is required of Christians and present a gathering place for ALL to hear the word of God and know of God's gift of Salvation to mankind by allowing the sacrifice of his own Son, Jesus as payment/atonement for ALL our sins past, present and future.
And to keep the Sabbath day...-Tyr
18 U.S. Code § 2381-Treason Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.