Imagine this question: Why is it that most people - guys most of all - have absolutely no problem at expressing their excitement at a Rugby match, but seem not to have the same amount of passion for their walk with Christ?
At a recent gathering at a relative's house, this question cropped up in casual conversation between some of those present. I sat in the background, listening (eavesdropping, I guess) as the topic of conversation unfolded. To be fair, I was itching to get my word in, but the opportunity that was knocking initially passed me by. The women discussing this seemed perplexed; I was the opposite.
Let's start with the obvious: the world of sports, stereotypically, is a haven for the male temperament. Be it ball sports or anything involving motors, most guys get a buzz out of seeing their favourite sports team or profiler compete. I have been to many games at the now AMI Stadium cheering on Canterbury. One thing is indisputable: the place ERUPTS when Canterbury score a try!
Now for the guests' question: Why not be passionate about Christ?
That depends on how you want to view the question. Most guys that I know of are passionate about their walk with Christ. However, their way is not necessarily the church's way. In other words, the typical sports-loving male will find God in sports, but not in church. Why? Because the operation of a typical church service seems to be structured more around the women, children, and the elderly. Churches these days are a quiet place to meet God, and ministers the world over have created such an atmosphere. Can you imagine what a crowd 0f rowdy, on fire for Christ Rugby lovers would do? The exact opposite of what is expected behaviour of a church attendee. In short, males by implication are required to leave their manhood at the door. To be rowdy would be to upset the status quo.
I am therefore not the least bit surprised that the women of the gathering were perplexed by this "phenomenon". What they seem to be asking each other is, "Why don't guys seem to worship Christ the way we do?" The answer is obvious: Guys are not expected to. Nor should they be expected to. Yet for some unknown reason, churches and their congregations do.
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2 comments:
Hey there
Interesting blog and thoughts. Just a thought about the rowdy males - have you ever been with a group of girls shopping or at other times when girls get rowdy? Or with a bunch of kids when you give out candy? Maybe church is just for the elderly or it is a place where we all have to be orderly so that new comers can come to Christ without being freaked out or knowing that we respect and honour our Lord. Just a thught.
Hey Catherine. Very good comments indeed :)
I fully know the sound of girls at malls (or the All Star Cheerleaders on NZ Got Talent when they made it to the Semis).
I am not against the idea of being in orderly manner at a church service. But on the other hand, the 'have to be orderly' can come across for some folks as a need to conform to a pattern or a mould that some may find alien.
Perhaps the 'rowdiness' though, of the males, the shoppers, and the kids with candy, are all expressions of excitement? Respect and Honour do not necessarily need to be synonymous with silence, order, and conformity.
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