Googling for the Talk of the Town about Cheney's ratings, I happened on this provocative and revealing comments page, in which Atlanta Journal-Constitution readers responded to the query "Why do you attend a megachurch?" The paper had just run a story on the subject (site asks for registration), and the commenters respond to it and to each other. It reminded me of Malcolm Gladwell's good profile of Rick Warren and his Saddleback Church back in September. Here's one of the 96 often long and thoughtful comments on the AJC page:

By Darrell

February 15, 2006 07:12 AM

I’m an African-American male and I attend a “megachurch”. I’ve been a member of First Baptist Atlanta (FBA), where Dr. Charles Stanley is senior pastor, since February 1986.

However, prior to joining FBA I was a member at a small, all-black church which had been in my family for at least two generations. Why did I leave? Because there was nothing of any substance for my heart to hold on to once I walked out the doors of the church each Sunday. The services were all emotion with no concrete teaching. Another reason is that all the members were old enough to either be my parents or grandparents, so there was no “common ground” from which I could build relationships with others my age.

At FBA I’ve learned how to study the Bible in-depth (even learning to read some Greek and Hebrew), build relationships with others through small group Bible studies and ‘life-application” classes, and just recently, I became director of the single-parents ministry at the church.

I’m a testament to the fact that being a member of a megachurch isn’t all that bad.

Here's another:

By Rudy

February 15, 2006 09:46 AM

The article mentions that megachurches know how to make worship entertaining. That is not a compliment but an indictment. Our culture has become so used to being entertained that even churches aspire to have huge audiences of spectators, not congregations of worshippers. There is a big difference.

And:

By Lina

February 15, 2006 08:46 AM

I’m not really sure what makes a megachurch mega, but I assume that the ones on TV would fit the profile. And I honestly believe that’s why some people attend. It makes them look good to say they are part of a church that is so great and famous that it’s on TV. So they must be the perfect followers. I think the mega churches lose that personal connection and people aren’t as touched emotionally by the sermons because it’s like...well, watching someone on TV. Smaller churches make me feel more comfortable and more willing to talk about my problems and ask for guidance. The Long Dollar churches seem to be out for just that – the long dollar.

And:

By Jay

February 15, 2006 11:27 AM

...It cost to bless others. We (small or large churges) can not be a blessing to others broke. Feeding and clothing the homeless cost. Teaching a man to fish… cost. Gas price in your home cost. So gas in a large or small church, cost. Production to reach the masses, cost. So on and so on. Plus you would be amazed how most Pastors or given these large ticket items from people outside the church their church. Please do understand that Christ is the riches of all. It’s a misconception that he was poor. As far as taxes go... Yeah the church should pay taxes and I think this because then they would be able to touch on political issues. Oh by the way, I do think the church is a business. The business is to save souls and there is presently a war on the church. My point about those corporations is that most people have no problem with the world but will place GODs house under a microscope. GODs children are to not take sides but take over. Please be more aware how our kids are looking at 50 cent driving a nice ride while Christions are more concerned about a pastor driving one. Who is the better example out of the two? Certainly not the one who worships money. Stay focused on the word never mind all the material things. We are currently losing our Civil rights leaders do to time. The head was cut off with Martin, let’s not distroy the body.

Alternately:

By hockeyfan

February 15, 2006 11:35 AM

“stayinvolved” - I believe you have made an error in assuming that all “megachurches” are the same. That’s like saying every small church is the same. I happen to belong to a megachurch that has a pastor who is a “regular guy”. He doesnt live in a mansion or drive an expensive car or wear designer clothing. Our church facilities are functional, not frivolous. And when our neighbors are struggling, both our leadership and membership are there to assist with a clothes closet,feeding the homeless, a food pantry, an emergency assistance fund and a free counciling program. We wouldnt have the resources to do that at a small church, so the neighborhood appreciates that we are here. I think your comments just proved the point of the article...your assumtions of what “megachurches” are is not necessarily accurate.

There's a wide range of voices, opinions, and approaches to religion (e.g. "TAX them, especially the ones that stage Democratic pep rallies from the pulpit. TAX them to high heaven") on the board. Worth perusing.