Greetings,
A very interesting thread filled with everything we've come to enjoy and dislike regarding religious discussions. In my time on this planet, I've lived to see several perspectives. At one point in time, I was agnostic, then a very fervent atheist. But I had an experience which opened my eyes to the reality of God. It changed my life forever. Since then, I've tried to walk the road set out before me. An aspect of religion that bothered me when I was an atheist still bothers me just as much today: people who claim to know God can be arrogant and un-loving toward others. In their struggle to prove they're right, they offend most people and often defeat the purposes they're claiming to represent. To me, this is an original sin: trying to be like God. Yes, I am guilty of acting this way too from time to time (is now one of those times?). As I struggle to overcome my own arrogance and desire to be "right", I've gradually become more comfortable with the notion of "not knowing" all the answers. I leave it to God and just try to love Him and my Neighbor with all of my Heart, Soul and Mind. This is enough work for a lifetime. If Christians make God and the Church so patently offensive that we drive most people away, we have failed in our mission to spread the Good News. That's right, it's Good News, not "you're all gonna go to Hell because you don't believe like I do". Jesus is soooo not like that! We should stop trying to be "right" and let God sort it all out. It has been said that there will be people in Heaven we never would have expected, and others that we thought would definitely make it but aren't there. In my very liberal Christian perspective, I hold out hope that many more will be there than some would try to lead you to believe. I believe it's a big place with infinite room!!!
Now, in answer to the topic question : Christians Playing in Bars?
My band has discussed this and I really don't want to. The argument has been made that this is where we can "reach people". But, I'm not convinced that it's all that effective most of the time. Besides, I have my own issues that God has been helping me with, so it's not a good environment for me personally. But to say to others that they definitely should not, again in my somewhat humble opinion, is like playing God. I have a friend who is doing missions work overseas in Europe. He goes out and plays in pubs all the time. He just plays his music and most people don't get offended or even care about the message. But a few people have come up to him afterwards and asked about God. So, in his experience, it sometimes works. Who are we to say how God will reach people? He reached me and I was NOT receptive!!! Of course, it took a LOT to get my attention! Most people who knew me at the time couldn't believe the changes I went through. But then again, I had something really eye-opening happen to me. I experienced an answer to an unspoken prayer through a call and response with God!
My story is published here :
http://christianity.about.com/od/miracu ... timony.htm
Now, let the flaming begin! Just kidding... or not... Freewill is the best gift of all, eh? Thanks for reading and no matter what you believe, I hope you choose to flee the darkness and seek the light, wherever you may find it. I trust God to work it all out.
Peace,
Paul Britt