Mega Churches

Last class we talked about mega churches and we also watched a clip from a normal Sunday mass at a mega church. Before watching this clip I had a much different idea of what this type of parish would be like. I had heard about its size and specific details like that but nothing could have prepared me for what I watched in class. It did not remind me of Sunday mass at all; instead it reminded me of a very loud concert hall. I was a bit torn over my opinion of mega churches. All of the members of the church were definitely physically and spiritually involved in the mass. For this reason, it shows the mega churches obviously get their members to really care and cherish that time on Sundays. Also, the man and his wife who spoke on stage touched some huge topics that not only relate to modern people’s lives but also inspire people to do better. I only got a chance to watch a few minutes but even I felt a bit inspired afterwards. On the other hand, it’s very hard for me to accept that as a church. My personal experience with church and Sunday mass in particular is that everyone is quiet and although it may be somewhat boring on certain days, it is something that everyone must attend. Everyone dresses up and nobody dares to misbehave or make even the slightest sour sound. I’m sure that anyone who attends a mega church would find my Catholic church to be very unbearable, but I guess it’s all about what you get used to.

Miracles in Christianity

One major question to consider when studying Christianity, is whether or not miracles are central in its understanding. Can someone be a devout Christian without believing in miracles? There may be different opinions of this based on whom you talk to, but my opinion is that this cannot be true. Christianity is centralized around the idea that Jesus, the son of God, gathered followers (or disciples) by going around and performing miracles that no one else could even attempt. This miracles and their success set him apart from all others and are key in his acknowledgment as being the Messiah sent from God.