Why do North American christian's build a parallel society?

Jesus told His followers to be in the world but not of it. Yet it seems to me we've not only accepted the worlds approach, we've even created a cloned parallel world where we take all the things we see as bad away and isolate ourselves from the very work we're sent to do.



The kingdom parables in the Bible speak of being integrated in the world (wheat and weeds for example) but it seems we have put ourselves aside in an ivory tower of our making and wonder why the world is going to hell in a handbasket.



Why do we have this parallel world of christian bookstores, authors, schools, vacation resorts, publishers, musicians, recording labels, software companies.... and the list just goes on and on?Why do North American christian's build a parallel society?
I think what you are saying is right and wrong depending on your 'school of thought' There are Christian churches and sects that have retreated from the rest of the world because they have become so sensitive to the outside world, its influences and criticisms. However there are Christians who are out in the community and world at large doing the work of God. They are people who ask for no credit or huge reward they just are who they are and do what they do. To me this is what Chrisitanity is about and these are the people who the rest of us should look to. They accept, have no judgement and just try to 'better' lives without trying to convert or have any other agenda than serving the communities they live in in a simple self effacing way.
First

You need to comprehend your scriptures better. We ARE called to be separate we ARE called to Shine the light not blend it in with other "Lights" We are called to be a city on the Hill. WE are called to live/speak/acts as if in the presence of Christ Himself. That does not mean hiding or dissociation it means we love the lost in word and deed and yet we do not become like them.





Romans 12

1I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.

2Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].Why do North American christian's build a parallel society?
wow. that is really good insite. i never saw it that way.
I have often wondered that myself and I can't help but blame those like TBN to be the cause of it and behind it all.



They are turning the gospel of Jesus Christ into a circus of money making,self rewarding entertaining enterprise.Why do North American christian's build a parallel society?
I don't happen to look at my world as being parallel of the "world". I live here, try to keep away from things I view as harmful to myself and wonder why someone would ask why Christians desire to be with Christians? Is something supposed to be wrong with that? When we all get to heaven, wouldn't you think we should get to know each other down here?

Jesus was criticized for hanging out with sinners. We do that too. What lifestyle do you want? Do you think you have to approve of everyone? My opinion... God loves diversity. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. How are we to love our neighbor as ourselves if we have to look over our shoulder to see who is going to criticize us next? Maybe you live in a different world than I.
Since so much of modern entertainment is basically just porn, there is an alternate movement going on to give Christians another option.



You make a good point though.