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Church Or No Church?

standing_alone

Well-Known Member
Ophiuchus said:
I was just wondering, would it be best for me to join a religious community or Church? Or just stay the same and keep plugging away at it?

I think you should do whatever feels best to you. If you are interested in going to a church though, visit various churches in your area of different denominations and see if any of them are a good fit for your beliefs regarding Christianity.
 

Buttercup

Veteran Member
I am a Christian...and see nothing wrong with you not going to church. My mom is one of the sweetest Christians I know and she hasn't been to church in 40 years. She prays and reads the bible on her own. She just doesn't like crowds and doesn't feel the need to socialize.

I wouldn't worry about it in the least. Someday if you feel the need for socializing with groups of Christians..it's always an option to go shopping for a church that suits you. :)
 

jeffrey

†ßig Dog†
Ophiuchus said:
I am what we call a "Christian" but I have never gone to church. I read the Bible, and I practice what it teaches in my day to day life. For further understanding of its hidden meanings I do a lot of research, and make my own conclusions as best as I can.

I have found that most non-religious, and or non-christian people are not a great source of support for my lifestyle. This is because they just dont know what I stand for. On the other hand I have also found that Religious or christian people can be very set in their ways, and sometimes even closed minded to new points of view.
I was just wondering, would it be best for me to join a religious community or Church? Or just stay the same and keep plugging away at it?

Thank you for your time.
I was once a "Christian", still hold some "Christ" views, and some, not all, just some christians tend to shun you for not being one of "them" anymore. So be it. As Standing Alone stated, do what you feel is best for the path you have chosen. Some need organized religion, others don't. But be prepared that if youtr views very slightly from the church you join, to catch hell for it.
Church can be a great place for fellowship in making your faith stronger. Some churches have bible study which can be a great benefit. Just go into it, if you choose, with an open mind, don't become a sheep and do not be afraid to question which does not make sense.
Good luck, and Blessed be!
 

lunamoth

Will to love
Well, from a different point of view than you've heard above, I think that going to church for the liturgy and the Eucharist is an important part of Christian practice. Socializing is a nice side benefit, but being part of a community is a way of being part of the Body of Christ. Of course this is not for everyone, think of the desert fathers who isolated themselves, and some types of hermit style monks. But at the very least it is meaningful to partake in the Eucharist, and perhaps also have a spiritual 'friend' or director to help you take stock now and then.

2 c,
lunamoth
 

lunamoth

Will to love
Ophiuchus said:
Jesus did all his teaching outside of church, so maybe its not all that bad that i havent been a church going fellow. Maybe Jesus still does his teaching outside. ;)
Oh, I'm sure you are in good company. :flower2: I just figured that since you asked you wanted to hear from more than just people who see it the way you do.

lunamoth
 

Sunstone

De Diablo Del Fora
Premium Member
Ophiuchus said:
I am what we call a "Christian" but I have never gone to church. I read the Bible, and I practice what it teaches in my day to day life. For further understanding of its hidden meanings I do a lot of research, and make my own conclusions as best as I can.

I have found that most non-religious, and or non-christian people are not a great source of support for my lifestyle. This is because they just dont know what I stand for. On the other hand I have also found that Religious or christian people can be very set in their ways, and sometimes even closed minded to new points of view.

I was just wondering, would it be best for me to join a religious community or Church? Or just stay the same and keep plugging away at it?

Thank you for your time.

You might want to check out the Unitarian Universalists while you're checking out churches. They're an eclectic, open minded group.
 

Squirt

Well-Known Member
lunamoth said:
Well, from a different point of view than you've heard above, I think that going to church for the liturgy and the Eucharist is an important part of Christian practice. Socializing is a nice side benefit, but being part of a community is a way of being part of the Body of Christ. Of course this is not for everyone, think of the desert fathers who isolated themselves, and some types of hermit style monks. But at the very least it is meaningful to partake in the Eucharist, and perhaps also have a spiritual 'friend' or director to help you take stock now and then.
I'm glad to see somebody voicing the opposite point of view. I, too, believe that church attendance is important, and for pretty much the same reasons you do. I don't go to church to socialize. I go to worship, to receive the Sacrament (i.e. Eucharist, the Lord's Supper), and to learn things I don't think I would learn by just reading the scriptures. No, I'm not always "in the mood" to go, and I miss occasionally, but if I miss more than a couple of Sundays in a row, it seems like something is missing from my life. (Actually, I'm not going to go tomorrow. Instead, I'm going to the 4000th consecutive live Sunday broadcast of the Tabernacle Choir's "Music and the Spoken Word." It should be really, really good!)
 

Buttercup

Veteran Member
Squirt said:
I'm glad to see somebody voicing the opposite point of view. I, too, believe that church attendance is important, and for pretty much the same reasons you do. I don't go to church to socialize. I go to worship, to receive the Sacrament (i.e. Eucharist, the Lord's Supper), and to learn things I don't think I would learn by just reading the scriptures. No, I'm not always "in the mood" to go, and I miss occasionally, but if I miss more than a couple of Sundays in a row, it seems like something is missing from my life. (Actually, I'm not going to go tomorrow. Instead, I'm going to the 4000th consecutive live Sunday broadcast of the Tabernacle Choir's "Music and the Spoken Word." It should be really, really good!)
I certainly do think it a good idea to go to church for the reasons you state...but only if someone is ready to go. My kids have gone to church pretty much since the day they were born and fortunately they still enjoy going, are camp counselors and have gone on mission trips to Mexico. We all go. I was mostly counseling Opiuchus to not worry about it at this point in time...which is what he seemed to want to hear. I am assuming one day he will want to go. I know when I first became a Christian I did not go to church for quite some time afterwards.

Maybe I should ask Opiuchus.....how come you haven't gone to church by the way? :)
 

dawny0826

Mother Heathen
Ophiuchus said:
I am what we call a "Christian" but I have never gone to church. I read the Bible, and I practice what it teaches in my day to day life. For further understanding of its hidden meanings I do a lot of research, and make my own conclusions as best as I can.

I have found that most non-religious, and or non-christian people are not a great source of support for my lifestyle. This is because they just dont know what I stand for. On the other hand I have also found that Religious or christian people can be very set in their ways, and sometimes even closed minded to new points of view.

I was just wondering, would it be best for me to join a religious community or Church? Or just stay the same and keep plugging away at it?

Thank you for your time.

I think it's your call and I'd advise that you pray about it. God may want you to find a church home and you know...He may want you right where you are...studying and walking with Him without the influence of "church".

We're told in the Bible, not to forsake the assembly and from personal experience I can attest that it's edifying to worship with others...share with others and learn from others. When you're with a group of people with similar beliefs to your own...and you're praising and praying...there are times where you can feel the Holy Spirit...move and work. Not that you can't feel the Holy Spirit at any time, on your personal and solitary journey with Christ...but it's magnified when you are with others.

You can develop a personal relationship with Christ without going to Church. Clearly, you're studying...researching...living by Christ's example.

However, if you are open minded...I'd say that going to a service or two, to see if you may WANT to be part of a church family may be worth while.

I'm Pentecostal but I also attend my mother's Lutheran church on occasion. I find both churches to be fulfilling...my spirit is fed on Sunday, whether I go to my church her her's.

Since you do research and do like different points of views...maybe going to different denominational church services would be beneficial for you. If you ultimately decide that church isn't for you...nothing can keep you from developing a relationship with your Saviour. And not attending church...makes you no less of a Christian. You never know...you may find a dynamite church family.

Warm wishes on your journey. And God Bless.
 

lunamoth

Will to love
Buttercup said:
I certainly do think it a good idea to go to church for the reasons you state...but only if someone is ready to go. My kids have gone to church pretty much since the day they were born and fortunately they still enjoy going, are camp counselors and have gone on mission trips to Mexico. We all go. I was mostly counseling Opiuchus to not worry about it at this point in time...which is what he seemed to want to hear. I am assuming one day he will want to go. I know when I first became a Christian I did not go to church for quite some time afterwards.

Maybe I should ask Opiuchus.....how come you haven't gone to church by the way? :)

Oh I agree Buttercup. There are lots of good reasons to attend a worship service, but there are equally good reasons to not go. Forcing (or guilting) someone to church, kids, spouses etc. is not the way to go at all. Better for the family to go for a hike together than sit there fuming. My girls look forward to church and I hope they continue to do so. But, there will come a time when it is their decision, not mine.

And hi Squirt! Glad to see you yet about. Thank you for the nod of agreement. :flower2:

peace,
lunamoth
 

Squirt

Well-Known Member
lunamoth said:
Forcing (or guilting) someone to church, kids, spouses etc. is not the way to go at all. Better for the family to go for a hike together than sit there fuming. My girls look forward to church and I hope they continue to do so. But, there will come a time when it is their decision, not mine.
I know what you mean. When my son was about 14, going to church became a battle every week. I finally decided that my relationship with him was more important than making him go when he didn't want to be there. He ultimately stopped going all together, but I didn't drive a wedge in between us by insisting that he go to church.
 

Buttercup

Veteran Member
Ophiuchus said:
You know im not quite sure why i havent gone to Church yet. There has never been any pressure on me to do so, and my whole family on each side doesnt go either. That is probably why i havent gone to Church. My Dad always told me to find god myself and not through anothers ideology.

This is exactly the reason I didn't go. Neither side of my family went to church either.

Like Dawny suggests....I would pray about the issue as obviously it's on your mind. God will give you peace about it and if you ask for direction...it will be given to you. In the meantime...you always have us! :hug:
 

jeffrey

†ßig Dog†
Ophiuchus said:
You know im not quite sure why i havent gone to Church yet. There has never been any pressure on me to do so, and my whole family on each side doesnt go either. That is probably why i havent gone to Church. My Dad always told me to find god myself and not through anothers ideology.
Great advice. If you feel the need to go, go. It's not going to hurt. You can learn. And if you like it, keep going. If not, either search for another church or keep doing what you are doing now.
 

Quiddity

UndertheInfluenceofGiants
Christendom (and other faiths) congregrate for a reason. Simply because it works. It brings in all sorts of "things" you couldn't possibly get at your home (especially in RC theology). Take that away and I'm of the thinking that it will all get even more chaotic then it already is. That's my two cents.

~Victor
 

Lindsey-Loo

Steel Magnolia
I believe that going to church is important. The Bible tells us not to forsake the assembley. You may find church to be quite enjoyable. I know that it's very uplifting to me to know that there is a group of Christians that supports me and always has my back, and I love associating with Christian friends.
 
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