> a good church is far more a giant nest of social bonds than it is a cross or creed
History has shown different. Martyrs relied more on cross and creed (and indeed a specific person the cross & creed spoke of) than social bonds. 'Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also' is a sample from a specific slice, but representative of a larger concept.
Of course a martyr may die wrongly, but the point is that a definition of a 'good' church should include considering concepts of before birth and after death, in addition to life. In my experience, that leads to the social bonds.
The lack of this care for cross and creed in many churches I've visited seems to be the precurser to a dying church. There is little to attract new generations if little things are at stake.
History has shown different. Martyrs relied more on cross and creed (and indeed a specific person the cross & creed spoke of) than social bonds. 'Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also' is a sample from a specific slice, but representative of a larger concept.
Of course a martyr may die wrongly, but the point is that a definition of a 'good' church should include considering concepts of before birth and after death, in addition to life. In my experience, that leads to the social bonds.
The lack of this care for cross and creed in many churches I've visited seems to be the precurser to a dying church. There is little to attract new generations if little things are at stake.