[immoceefe]

Yet many of the more demanding protestant churches in America are growing rapidly. Theologically bizarre many of them, yet they demand things of their flock that we do not. The Churches that are in a state of decline are the worldly churches that talk politics a lot, and spend a lot of effort scolding society for its sins, but they never use the "s" word internally. They are smarmy in their attitude of moral superiority.

The concept of the Church not meeting our needs can be interpreted a number of ways. In the Way of the Pilgrim, the man goes on a pilgrimage because the Church is not meeting his needs. I need a good kick in the rear, frequently. The Church should call us to a state of sorrow for our sins, should goad us into a strong desire to repent and to change our sinful ways, should teach us how to practice the virtues, and be far less interested in institutional matters.

It is true that many feel good churches are growing in America. But many of them are more demanding of their flock than we are. They push tithing and getting involved in helping the poor. I have a cousin whose protestant (Methodist) church is very involved in a foster parenting program. He is theologically as confused a Christian as I have ever met. But he is extremely attracted to a church that makes demands on him. The Church is meeting his need to serve God in some meaningful way by helping others who are in dire need.