Churchified

Had a loong loong talk with a friend today.

She brought up the topic about how often times, Christians are so wrapped up in their own 'church world' that they simply forget about the (real) secular world out there. The innocent view they hold of their surroundings, friends, people, human beings in general... it's astounding, really. She was just telling me (innocently) of how much of a 'culture shock' she suffered when she eventually had to mix with the real world (which all of us have to, eventually, no matter how protected or sheltered your church attempts to keep you). Pornography, sex outside marriage, open relationships, lying and cheating for survival (and for fun), betraying trusts to fulfill your own selfish desires.. the list drags on.

Heck, it happens. What shocked me was that this friend of mine NEVER knew about it, and had the impression that such 'evil deeds' are few and far between.

Which brings into question, what is the church of today sheltering us all from??? Yes, we're not to be involved in all these. But to be innocent/naive of it all? Does the church really expect us to remain 'churchified' our whole lives?(Indubitably producing 'churchified' Christians whose lives merely revolve around their respective churches without venturing out would be the devil's greatest joy, me thinks.) Needless to say, it is impossible to remain within the 4 walls of the church for our whole lives. Aren't we supposed to be OUT THERE? Did Jesus choose to remain in some temple during His whole 33.5 years of living? Were all His followers found in a church/temple?

Frankly, I find this attempt to completely shelter rather dangerous. I've met kids who had parents who really protected them from the world. No going out with friends without proper chaperons, no watching certain types of movies, no reading certain types of books, no taking public transport, no walking... all with noble albeit paranoid intentions, I'm sure. But some end up as innocent as babies that they simply cannot penetrate the social circle when they leave their parents' nests. Or end up being conned by the less-innocent people. And some others? As the 'forbidden fruit law' goes, everything that was banned during the vital stages of their lives is suddenly indulged in greedily, without a sense of control. Of course this doesn't apply to all kids..

Likewise, a church who attempts to shelter Christians from all these 'worldly stuff' may just find her plan backfiring.

Or maybe, it just comes down to the nature of a person. Some just grow up innocent, others don't.

I don't know, really.

Still, good food for thought, eh? ;-)

God bless,
Jo