[December 26, 2022] Rule 49 of my new book (see link below) says, “Remember Your Faith.” In just over 300 words, I wrote about the importance of connecting with your religious origins and why I believe you should. The chapter is one I get many comments about, and today, I’ll address this issue from a different direction; should we go to church?
I am not going to shake my finger at anyone and say, with a deep, authoritative voice, “Go to church,” as if that would make any difference. I am not a Catholic, but I attend mass and occasionally attend one of my community’s many Protestant churches. What I find is that attending church is unbelievably soothing.
Over the past few years, especially since my days of military combat, where I gained a new appreciation for the spiritual, I have studied more about what is happening in the rituals themselves and the meaning contained in some of the popular Biblical stories. Indeed, my wife has helped me immensely with that more profound understanding and transformation.
Interestingly, many modern folks say, “I don’t go to church because I don’t believe that.” I think who cares what modern people believe about the church or religion? Who appointed them as the savior of the world? Do they even know what they believe? And, how is that working out for them, this non-belief system they have? Do they have an accurate understanding of religion? Besides, are they a great, brilliant philosopher? Are they Plato?
These modern folks seem to think their thoughts are superior to that of the church leadership. Well, no, they’re not. And they don’t want to be because maybe the church is corrupt, chaotic, unsophisticated, and decadent in some fundamental way. That now gives them something noble to do, something that makes them pursue a dream that has dogged humankind since we walked upright.
If the church is broken, and they are the modern folks who are the geniuses to see it, then they should fix it. Why not? A common reaction is often to abandon the church. I hear this often. Then if we are doing that, are we also getting rid of marriage, funerals, Christmas, any sense of the sacrosanct, dispensing with the entire history of Judeo-Christian thought, or that the individual is sacred? How far are they willing to go with this?
“Our culture, which is threatened today, is primarily a Christian culture; if it had not been for the Roman Catholic Church, we should still be barbarians.” – Carl Jung
I believe what Carl Jung is saying, and Jordan Peterson in his series of lectures on the Bible, is that religion pushes humans toward the recognition that the individual is sovereign and that faith is the instrument that allows our flourishing in the world. As humans, our entire liberal Western philosophical foundation is based upon religion; without it, we would still be fighting off snakes with sticks.
The solution is not to throw out religion because we should be very wary of what may come to replace it. We found out in the 20th century where that experiment led, and the result was the horror of tens of millions of deaths at our own hands.
Should we go to church? Yes!
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Thanks Gen. S. Great article.
Another super article by Gen. Doug Satterfield and one that has convinced me to attend church too.
Yeah, it should …. or continue attending. Great article with sage advice. 😉
While the obvious answer is yes, I would like to have a little more on they why we should attend church. I know that The General has given us an explanation but I’d like more. thanks all.
More than comfort, more than gaining intellectual development, more than a caring community of like-minded folks, more than camaraderie, more than getting any kind of help any time you need it and right away, and …… What more do you actually need to convince yourself, Arena of Fools? I think Gen. Satterfield has given a very convincing argument in a short article.
While I would say that the answer to the question “Should we go to church?” is common sense, I know that there are people who have been sucked into the socialist propaganda machine and are anti-Christian. They can be saved thru some basic education and kind help.
“….religion pushes humans toward the recognition that the individual is sovereign and that faith is the instrument that allows our flourishing in the world.” Wow, well said.
Silly Man, this is the main reason I read this leadership blog. Gen. Satterfield has the ability to put his finger on what is most important for us and advises us to keep our focus on God, Country and Family. Without those three, we are lost and there is no way we can survive with peace. Pay close attention everyone. This article today is one of those that you should take to heart.
This is a major point of General Satterfield. Let us never forget it.
Excellent, Gen. Satterfield. I attend when I can. I have even attended services in the middle of combat in Afghanistan. Don’t let your snotty attitude prevent you from doing good.
Be humble my friends. That is one thing you will learn from attending church services. Go there this Sunday. You will see I am right.
I hope everyone had a merry Christmas. And I pray the new year will bring peace and joy to you and your families.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you Rev Michael Cain. Please continue to pray for the world. We need it now more than ever. When evil is allowed to grow, we all lose. And our political leaders are allowing it to grow and too many stupid folks with no soul are voting for them to allow it to occur.
Once again, another spot on article from this leadership website and one that makes perfect sense. But I will politely add that there are many reasons to attend church services and that is not just to meet folks and feel comfortable from the services. You might actually learn something important to you. Biblical stories, as Gen. Satterfield has pointed out, tells us a great deal on how to handle situations that are not easy to handle. Attend church. You will be better for it.
DocJeff, well said. 👍👍👍👍
I attend mass every Sunday regardless the weather and have been doing so since I was 10 years old. Except for when the government shut down churches. The shutdowns were unncessary and we are beginning to learn that now. Too bad about tyranny, for it may attempt to destroy faith, it never will.
Me too. And I am a better woman for it.
Hi everyone and best wishes to everyone for this upcoming new year. A little prediction here. There will be a great upswing in energy prices due a bunch to the Ukraine War. Many will starve for it. I recommend that Gen. Satterfield address this issue when he gets an opportunity. Or at least get his ideas on the subject.
Hi LM. See previous updates on the Ukraine War from Gen.S.
Another great article from Gen. Satterfield and right after Christmas. Thank you, sir.
[W]ho cares what modern people believe about the church or religion? Just like Gen. S. to say that.
Yep, that’s him all right. That is also why – just like Gen Satterfield – that modern people think they know a lot but they are primitive in their thinking.
Yesterday, my family and I had a wonderful Christmas day because it was about FAMILY and Christ and being together. I also got a copy of Gen. Satterfield’s book “55 Rules for a Good Life” from my wife. Hint, I already had downloaded it. Any way, now I can mark up my copy and think.
Good for you. 👍
“55 Rules for a Good Life”
https://www.amazon.com/55-Rules-Good-Life-Responsibility/dp/1737915529/
Once again, Gen. Satterfield has asked and answered a question so many of us ask ourselves and ponder the answer. He is saying that we will be better off sitting in the pew of a church or whatever religion we are, than if we sit at home an watch tv. Go to church, even if you do not believe. That is what will set you on the right path in life, regardless your privileged thinking.
So true, Max, and we appreciate your thinking on this matter. Go to church, not because Gen. Satterfield recommends it, but because it is something that will help make you into a better person. Plus, you will get to know many folks and add to your network of good friends.
Yep, go to church and you will be free. It will also be an adventure.
YES … nuff said.