Going to Church for the Right Reasons

Emile Durkheim was a secular scholar who claimed that religion emerged out of social gatherings.  Although Christianity is a relationship, not a religion, there is some truth in Durkheim’s claim, even for Christians. 

There is a characteristic of the flesh that gives us an impulse to participate, not only in secular activities, but also in the spiritual realm.  It’s a sociological phenomenon, where mob-mentality takes over, and we’re more comfortable in a crowd, and we adapt to the natural leaders in that crowd.  This can coerce people into feeling something beyond themselves, and then attributing that force to the divine.  Studies have shown this child-like phenomenon to be true, even for adults. 

When we go to church, we need to do so because of obedience and allegiance to God, regardless of what others are doing.  Christianity should never be reduced to social gatherings.

2 Responses to “Going to Church for the Right Reasons”

  1. Nick says:

    Hi

    Im just wanting to know, is the blog above your views or from Emile Durkheims study?

    Kind Regards

  2. admin says:

    Nick,

    Thanks for your comments. Yes, these are my views.

    Thanks,

    Owen

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