Bipolarization of Church?
550873
It probably means that a church is being split into two different groups or sides with no middle ground.  For example, the church members may be extremely liberal or extremely conservative with no members that fall in between.  I'm just guessing, though.
856629
Clericalism, intolerance and hypocrisy.
997860
I have met many pastors who complain about this very thing. What the younger adults are attracted to is a more liberal, contemporary service. My church has two services. The first service is a traditional service and has hymns and is for the older generation and the second service has contempary music in the worship. The pastor gives the same sermon though. While this solved the solution of which kind of service one prefers, it has caused a huge gap in the generations and we really don't know each other at all. Our pastor has said that it sometimes feels as if there are two churches there. \n\nMaybe I'm a cynic but there isn't anything that's going to start attracting the younger generation. My church is a fundamantal, evangelic church but I'm a lot more liberal so I'm not always comfortable there. My husband prefers a fundamental church. My reasons for not  being so attracted to church as a whole is that I feel it's a very shallow experience at times. All we do is sing songs then listen to a sermon. It's very intellectual and not mystical at all. We don't have any rituals like say the Catholics so it gets quite boring at times. I also think that the way the Christian church as a whole treats women and gays is just horrendous at times. I've also attended a church in the past that believed any other denomination weren't really Christians. Fundamantal politicians sure aren't helping make the church look attractive either.
79719
I am.  And since I am on the praise team, I am there three times a week: twice on Sundays and once on Wednesdays. My pastor has ingrained a teaching into my stubborn brain called the "WOWSE" Principle.  That stands for "With Or Without Somebody Else.  Another one is "KOKTD" which stands for "Keep On Kicking The Devil".  God is starting to really move in the Adult Midweek service and although it is a new thing for some of the adults, it is a plateau that I had reached a some six years ago in church camp.  \n\nI used to live my life as a double-headed person.  Sundays I would act like a Christian and I was so good, I fooled many.  Looking back I realize that being double minded is not only hard, but not what Christ had intended for me.  Our worship leader is currently teaching on true worship and how to apply it to daily living.
845193
Preachers hiding their own scandals under a cloak of righteousness? This sure seems to be the case! I'm beginning to wonder about the chicken and the egg.  Does preaching hate against a group mean you're covering yourself, or does obsessive hate turn into compulsive behavior of the type you hate? Either way, it's another compelling reason to keep religion out of politics.
44228
If this is a serious question, then it deserves a serious answer.\n\nThe religion itself is not the source of the problem.\n\nThe problem lay very much with the institution of the church and its relationship with society.\n\nTo 'believe' and follow the religion requires a strong faith in teachings that cannot be proven by facts (even a google search won't help on this one!).\n\nA follower depends on the teachings of the church.  The church, in practicality, becomes the center of moral authority.\n\nSo, when someone with a human failing becomes a priest, he not just a priest, he is part of the moral authority mechanism.\n\nThere was (and in some cases still is) a huge misplaced loyalty to the institution of the church.\n\nAny challenge to the authority of the church was interpreted as a potential challenge to its position and therefore its teachings.\n\nIndividual children and parents were powerless to challenge the authority of the church.  Bishops and Cardinals faced the issues with total denial, or, even worse, simply moved the offenders to new areas to begin an new series of abuse.\n\n(You may recall an incident when the Irish singer Sinead O'Connor tore up a picture of the previous Pope on live TV (over the church child abuse issue), she was vilified for years afterwards - hardly anyone took any time to even ask what she was protesting about!  Radio stations and stores were too busy boycotting her music)  \n\nThe links that the church had in society often meant that a priest or Bishop could have a quiet word to the police, lawyers and judges to reassure them that the abuse was simply the figment of an overactive imagination.\n\nThis aspect reasonably explains the high abuse incidence.  The church, in effect, allowed its latent abusers to abuse, whereas out in society latent abusers were restrained by less opportunity and a far higher probability of being caught. \n\nHaving said all that, the situation has been turned around.  The lone voices built up into a giant roar and finally attracted the attention of very many church followers who genuinely did not understand what had gone on.  They have forced wholesale changes and cleared out the gatekeepers who were complict in hiding the abuse.\n\nWhy stick with the religion?  Well, if you believe in its teachings, then you believe that it is the right path to take.  Good did finally triumph over evil.\n\n(Having said all that, I didn't stick with the religion because it just doesn't ring true for me any more).
1047727
I am a Christian and I totally know what you mean.  I got away from my believes for a while because of all of the "rules".  Yes there are certain rules you should follow, but Christians these days take some things overboard.  I beleive that church today has gotten away from the heart of the ministry and more into the rules.  It is blinding Christians and it is very sad!  How are you supposed to witness to somebody if you are to worried about what they arre wearing, their music, what they do for fun and all of that???  Christians today need to let that go and realize that they are missing the chance to witness and care for others who are hurting just because of their uptightness.
394230
They are control freaks and their view-points come straight from the Puritanical Movement in America. If you remember how the Church was like the first Communism during the Middle Ages, it makes sense. If you feel free to do anything you want, you might not need them to help 'guide' you. This looses them money, power, and influence in your life. Its not enough for them to be decent, honest people. They feel the need to force you to be that way too, 'for your own good'. How patronizing! Let them know that you are an adult and make your own choices fully aware of the consequences and that you dont need their 'help'.
1012819
Read the info on below site. It is a fusion of religion (with lots of info about Jesus) and latest info from positive psychology. It deals with the new science of happiness and old teachings from religion and Jesus.\n\nAfter reading that, click on "natural healing" on how a minister with bipolar and depression was able to cure it with mostly change in diet. Amazing story and you moving closer to his diet may help you.
902746
It seems like there is so much discord in the church today,and every one is pushing their opinion.I believe the only way to over come this is through pray and the word of God,a lot of patience and kindness toward them all.And lets not forget love,it never fails.1 Cor.13
182976
these rules you cite are part of the reason my catholic faith is lapsing (is that a word?)  \n\ni don't feel it is the church's right to say what i must believe about social issues in the world: i reserve that right for myself.  apparently many people have similar ideas... just look at church attendance.  the women in the church issue, and the position on abortion... how many current (and potential) catholics are 'turned off' by catholic teachings regarding these alone.  having said that, i know the church is not out to win 'ratings points' for being popular...\n\ni doubt if the vatican will reconsider theses issues.  it would almost be admitting a mistake, and you can imagine  how that would go over.  perhaps it would take the election of an enlightened pope willing to go out on a limb.
263428
Very well put.\n\nIt is true that in America secularizm has crept into the church an we're no longer holding fast to the teaching of Christ. Jesus said concerning these people, "I know your deeds, and you are neither cold nor hot, I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out from my mouth." (Revelation 3:15, 16)\n\nKeep praying for revival, keep praying.
1091257
Why are you in this mode? Your a Christian? Have you talked with your Pastor? How have you been going to church faithfully and get rebellious?\n\nI wouldn't seek advise on the Internet about this. There is nobody on this forum going to lift you up, as much as others to tear you down and keep you down.\n\nGood Luck.  When you go to church wednesday night, share this problem.
239495
A Church I would like to see\n\nI don't get excited about being a spectator and hearing only what some elitist has to say ... a paid professional ... a "money changer" so to speak. But that is what churches are these days. I would prefer that everyone brought their own message in their heart and a song on their lips, and that the worship was led by the Spirit, and not by some sheet of paper. So the type of morning worship that I would get excited about is if the clergy kept quiet unless they were either led by the Spirit to speak something and then shut-up right after. So it would be a place where all people could suggest a song, or stand up and share what God has taught them .. and how God has delivered them from evil that week.\n\nI also don't get excited about a church with million dollar building budget. To me, that is sad to see a pristine building with plush landscape in a decapitated neighborhood. What a slander of Christ's message! I would prefer that the church building be the least of the buildings in the community. Does every member and every neighbor have air conditioning? If not, then the church should install it in their house BEFORE they install it in the church. Do all the homes have a new paint job and cut grass? \n\nThis would be a church building that I could really get excited about ... the one that is the least, and the last to be upgraded. Because I know that in that building are people that put themselves last, and they shall be put first by the Lord.\n\nWhen the people are sick of the condition of the church building, or the leaders of the church's homes, then they can just make sure that everyone else around there has it better off, and then do the upgrades to the church properties last.\n\nWe can call it Last Baptist Church in __ (your town here.) Want to come?
649514
I'm not sure when it comes to other countries, but being in a large city there may be an archdiocese that can help or maybe another church in the area. Let me know how it turns out.  Congratulations!!!
652223
The more eccentric a religion is the more they need to "push" it onto others.  If you feel that you are constantly being "convinced" about religion, maybe it is time to revisit your faith.
182743
Because it's the best they've got?  I don't believe any religion, including Christianity, is inheriently dogmatic, misleading, or manipulative.  I do believe that some of the people who have had power and influence in the church over the years have made it so.  It's a drawback of the hierarchical setup.  I think there are many aspects of Christianity which are very valuable, and from which all people could learn - such as forgiveness or being of service to fellow human beings, (believe it or not) of being accomadating and non-judgemental.