A recent Gallup study revealed that evangelicals go to church more often than non-evangelicals. Seems to me a more interesting exploration would be why we go to church. ... Reminding me of PBS's Colonial House--a reality show based on life in the 18th century. In one jarring episode, contestants are penalized for skipping the community's 3-hour church services. In an age when it is not considered a social convention in most circles--and even some evangelicals are questioning the importance of church "attendance"--why go? It could be argued that earlier generations attended church out of commitment to maintain social cohesion. Some traditions emphasize the need for church (e.g. mass must be performed by a clerical professional in the context of a structured liturgy). Many contemporary churches emphasize the benefit of church attendance, as though appealing to the savvy consumer with a tangible product. But what happens when we remove these three factors?
# posted by Matt Green : 8:15 AM
A recent Gallup study revealed that evangelicals go to church more often than non-evangelicals. Seems to me a more interesting exploration would be why we go to church. ... Reminding me of PBS's Colonial House--a reality show based on life in the 18th century. In one jarring episode, contestants are penalized for skipping the community's 3-hour church services. In an age when it is not considered a social convention in most circles--and even some evangelicals are questioning the importance of church "attendance"--why go? It could be argued that earlier generations attended church out of commitment to maintain social cohesion. Some traditions emphasize the need for church (e.g. mass must be performed by a clerical professional in the context of a structured liturgy). Many contemporary churches emphasize the benefit of church attendance, as though appealing to the savvy consumer with a tangible product. But what happens when we remove these three factors? 
