Churches (specifically Christian churches) can be dead center in the culture. Or they can be solidly Christian, and still be countercultural. They might say things like:
You're looking for social unity? Politics isn't going to create that, no matter which side wins. We can show you a real social unity.
You're looking for security? The government's Covid response isn't going to give you that, even if they do it perfectly. We can tell you where you can find real security.
You're looking for happiness (or, more deeply, for joy)? You're not going to find it on Facebook, or at Walmart. We know where you can find it.
Now, you may think that Christianity can't actually supply any of that. But it claims that it can. And the point is, that claim is very countercultural.
Some things that count as churches may have sprung up to make such offers, but I am assuming most churches have been standing since before Covid, before Facebook, before Trump and Obama and Bush.
If say 40% of people are attending these gatherings, it's a tough sell that they are so far from mainstream as to be countercultural.
People have been visiting churches in search of unity, security, and joy for thousands of years.
AnimalMuppet|5 years ago
You're looking for social unity? Politics isn't going to create that, no matter which side wins. We can show you a real social unity.
You're looking for security? The government's Covid response isn't going to give you that, even if they do it perfectly. We can tell you where you can find real security.
You're looking for happiness (or, more deeply, for joy)? You're not going to find it on Facebook, or at Walmart. We know where you can find it.
Now, you may think that Christianity can't actually supply any of that. But it claims that it can. And the point is, that claim is very countercultural.
randomdude402|5 years ago
If say 40% of people are attending these gatherings, it's a tough sell that they are so far from mainstream as to be countercultural.
People have been visiting churches in search of unity, security, and joy for thousands of years.