[OneOneTwo]

Alright...

As usual, I agree with Doggystyle on this one, and to take it a step further, the commercialization of the church is probably one of the main reasons men don't go.

I have noticed that in some Black churches in particular that there is a lot of pettiness, backbitting, and UNgodly things that go on in the church already and we SEE this on a regular. Like the episode on 'Soul Food' that came on Tuesday on BET (thats the only time I watch it now, but that is another thread) where the preacher was cussing and just bad mouthing folks IN THE CHURCH. Now why would I, or any other MAN want to attend a place of worship where I am not wanted. And how many times have we seen two or more WOMEN (supposedly they are women, I don't know) greet another sista or brotha only to talk about them when they think they are two steps out of earshot of them. Bullshit I tell you, bullshit.

Back to the commercialization of the church... okay, how come most of the young male gospel singers look like they retired from being centerfolds in a Playgirl magazine (see the PORN thread)? In order to sell gospel records these days, it doesn't take skill alone; you have to have the looks (remember I'm talking about GOSPEL) and the stage pressence of a circus act. Most of the people who you hear on the radio don't even look like people I go to church with (not hating on them), but if we were really going to have gospel singers who truly are doing the Lords work, then why can't they look like you and I?

And another thing, these plays... most of the subjects appeal to women. I can't even get a religous, faithful, 'every Sunday I'm going to Church' brotha to say that they have been to one or want to attend one. Again, the commericalization of the church. And who does the church reach out to... women. Most of the time, I have noticed that there are alot of topics and discussions that pertain to women. Alot of the social groups that pertain to women. It would be nice if I could get the pastor to watch a basketball game or shoot some hoops with me now and then. Or can we go to a REAL PRISON and do some work?

To sum it all up, the BEST reason men don't go to church is the crucifiction and witchhunts that come with going to church or not going to church. Most of the people who go would rather talk junk about the people who don't go than invite them to attend their meetings. And if a brotha don't or can't afford a good suit at the moment, folks act they don't want him to come with him anyway. WTF.

As far as me is concerned, I have found that I like to go to the REAL EARLY SERVICE... the one that begins at 7:30 am. And if I don't make it to that service, then I just don't go. And the best part of the 7:30 service is that everything is on time and you don't have too much of the bull...