This happens to be my situation. I'm absolutely convinced that the claims of christianity are bogus but I love the folks at my parent's church (I'm living on my own BTW). Should I go anyway?
2006-06-12 09:19:37 · 29 answers · asked by mikayla_starstuff 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
And why or why not? I want to know your reasoning please.
2006-06-12 09:23:11 · update #1
Sure, plenty of non-believers go to church for social reasons.
I once had a teacher who told me that a church isn't about the building, the sacrements, the preaching, or even the dogma, its about the people. A church is a congregation of people, if you want to go to church simply to enjoy the company of the people there, and so that they can in turn enjoy your company, where's the harm?
You are bringing light into the lives of others, and that's what really matters, not belief in a set of laws or ideas. It doesn't matter what you believe, what matters are the lives you touch.
A person who spends his entire life in a dark building praying is as useless as a pile of dust, but a person who spends his life in the company of others, making their lives better, is more usefull than anything else on this earth.
2006-06-12 09:32:30 · answer #1 · answered by thenetnomad 3 · 8⤊ 5⤋
When You say: "I'm absolutely convinced that the claims of Christianity are bogus ... ", do you mean the claims of Religions that: Claim to be Christian, Claim to teach the Bible, yet Mis-Represent both? ... That was what sent me searching for those who Both teach & live According to what the Actual Bible teaches. At first I Didn't believe I'd found them, but after Checking Everything out, I Am. To that end, you might like to compare what they say with the actual Bible:
Why Believe in God? :
... Why They Go to Church
...... The Right Reason for Believing
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2003/12/1/article_01.htm
Is There Sound Basis for Your Beliefs? :
... Your Right to Believe
...... Why Do You Believe What You Believe?
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2001/8/1/article_01.htm
"Can I Worship God In My Own Way?" :
... A Need All of Us Share
... Why Are People Leaving Traditional Religions?
... Is "Private Religion" the Answer?
... The Best Way to Satisfy Your Spiritual Needs
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2002/4/22/article_01.htm
Why You Can Trust the Bible
http://www.watchtower.org/library/t13/why_trust.htm
"Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine." (1Th 5:21)
http://www.watchtower.org/bible/index.htm
New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
2006-06-12 10:56:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's the rub of where Christian churches of today have evolved into: From being a meeting place for worship and the spirituality of a congregation, into a social organization for fellowships, outings and Bingo nights, which, in MLM [multi-level marketing] parlance, would be considered merely as "Opportunity Meetings". LOL.
So, go right ahead and enjoy the company and free snacks if that's all you're really after.
And if you do need guidance for your own spirituality, then I suggest that you seek elsewhere...
Peace be with you!
2006-06-12 09:35:28 · answer #3 · answered by Arf Bee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Church is for sinners, not saints.
Go if it pleases you, just don't be a hypocrite. And, don't be obnoxious about your non-belief.
And, consider that half the people you are with don't really believe it, either.
Go and enjoy yourself.
Additional comment:
The primary purpose of a church is to provide a place to fellowship, not preach. And going to have fellowship is in accordance with serving the primary purpose of the church.
2006-06-12 09:25:30 · answer #4 · answered by Left the building 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes indeed he should. There is always a chance that this unbeliever may be touched by the Holy Spirit and become a strong believer and perhaps a pastor. Take Paul for example, he become the greatest defender of faith in Christ after his trip to capture Christians and deliver them to die!
2006-06-12 09:35:16 · answer #5 · answered by lonelyspirit 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I guess it would be ok if you are honest with the folks there about WHY you are attending. As a spiritual atheist, I would not attend without being honest with the folks at the church about my reasons. It won't be fair to them if I was not honest.
Are you ok with your conscience about going? If so, then by all means, go. :-)
2006-06-12 09:24:30 · answer #6 · answered by Nikki 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you should. I don't believe a darn word of it, but I take my daughter to a Christian church because I like the values, the friendships and the activities she gets there.
You don't even have to discuss what you believe or you don't. It's no ones business but your own!
2006-06-12 09:23:53 · answer #7 · answered by WiserAngel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go ahead. No harm will come to you from attending church. Non-believers aren't struck by lightning when trying to enter.
Even confirmed non-believers can benefit from God's message.
2006-06-12 09:36:56 · answer #8 · answered by caylinn1996 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would probably be best if you could spend time with these people in a different locale. To enter the house of God with fellowship only as your purpose is well, disrespectful. To God, and to those you're fellowshipping with. If they were to find out your beliefs, you would look hypocritical. I do pray that you will somehow find your way.
2006-06-12 09:28:19 · answer #9 · answered by manatee lover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes if you like the company. My kids go to a Roman Catholic school and I'm a pagan. Everyone knows and we're all fine and dandy about each others preferences.
2006-06-12 11:34:59 · answer #10 · answered by samanthajanecaroline 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋