I like to pray on my own, I see no need to deal with the people in churches. The ultra-christians that think they are more christian than you will ever be. Having to deal with money and politics.........i just want to pray to god ,know he is there for me, and just live a good life.
2006-08-17 14:46:34 · 46 answers · asked by darkvale 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's okay with me, Dave. I've just stopped going to church for the reasons you said.
2006-08-17 14:53:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
"is it ok to love god and not like churches?" --Yes, of course.
Saying that - I must point out that you are missing being involved in your community - by being alone. If you are not alone - but involved with teaching, caring, one person or a group, then you are fine.
Churches are people drawn from the community you live, sort of extended family. Money and politics have caused more faithful to leave churches - but not their communities. Find activities that rarely talk about money and help there.
What I do is focus on the people and tune out the money and politic themes when they roll through. If I see a need I can help with - I don't need a lecture to want to help.
I love watching the babies grow up around me, and meeting the regulars.
Try sitting in the last pew and meeting people that don't feel wanted, maybe you can ignite their courage to stay. Sit next to strangers and make them welcome.
Be available to answer questions, or help - keep your focus on the people not the topics of man, (money and politics) in your daily adventures through your town/city.
You may be called to help anywhere.
Lastly, snobs and ultra-christians will have their reward - Just stay focused on being a better you.
(I leave the building when it gets too much, tiny cough - little acting, but return and remain trusting in Jesus will understand.) Homilies can only last so long.
2006-08-17 15:46:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem you have is that you need to find a church that preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ. These churches with politics and money issues is not preaching GODS WORD. Maybe you should try a nondenominational church that belives only what the BIBLE (King JAmes Version) teaches us. These Churches that Preaches doctrines other than GODS WORD is leading people astray. Just continue though to pray for those churches . May GOD BLESS.
2006-08-17 15:04:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you. I find that all those ultra Christians are nothing more than hypocrites. They preach to you about one thing and once the service is over they're doing the exact opposite of what they preached.
I pray on my own in my own way. I know that God is there for me because He's helped me out in sooo many situations, even when I wasn't praying to Him. He always watched over us and knows when someone is doing good or bad. You don't need to go to Church to prove your love for Him, or that you believe in Him.
2006-08-17 14:55:01 · answer #4 · answered by baddest_ladybug 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The short answer is yes.
The long answer is Yes, because that is the difference between being spiritual and being religious. You can be very into your religion and your god at the same time, or you can be into one and not the other. Being religious is what most fanatics really are. Being spiritual requires more personal faith and is what you are describing. The vast majority of Church's, temples, etc. have problems because people have problems and some people like to share them. Personally, I believe if your faith is strong, God approves more than if you talked big in church and had little or no faith. Then again it may just be because my faith is strong and I hate talking to the holier than thou people who think I will and must convert at their say so as I disagree with their religion and follow another path.
2006-08-17 15:13:36 · answer #5 · answered by Moonsilk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I don't believe that God cares what club you belong to or if you have a club at all. Most of the time, I suspect, people try to put their church in place of God and I doubt that's the way to HIs heart.
Some two thousand years ago, a man in the Midde east had a few choice words for the pious church goers who think that attending services and praying at every opportunity are the best way to please God. You may remember his remarks; each clause began with the words, "Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites."
Truly the way to please God is to love Him.
An even better way is to believe confidently that He loves you.
Pardon the sermon. I hope this helps.
Adastra, the Wizzard of Jacksonville
2006-08-17 14:58:39 · answer #6 · answered by jaxwizz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe we ourselves are our own church. We can believe in God and have full faith without going to church. However church does provide a fellowship with common believers. Yes there are some shady churches and church goers out there. And sometimes it is hard to distinguish. So church attendance is a personal choice. And hopefully when you need the strength of a fellow Christian you have a place you can find one. Sometimes just speaking to someone whom has been through the same thing as you makes life a little easier.
2006-08-17 14:56:26 · answer #7 · answered by justthinking 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the truth is: Jesus died for all men--his church is the people who believe and follow him--for him to love the church and you to dislike the church seems odd doesnt it? I do understand how you probably feel though. Give the people the benefit of the doubt. No one is perfect --not even you. What I mean is....would people want to go to a church where there were 100 of you? ARe you the ideal christian? None of us are ....yet....but like Paul said: Phil 3:13 Pray to God to lead you to a church where people obey Him--!!
2006-08-17 14:56:33 · answer #8 · answered by Ken 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that there is nothing wrong with worshiping on your own. I think being on your own when you are praying to god keeps you focused on him & listening for his answers & guideness. I think churches have a way of distracting you from god. They are like high school they seem cool till you meet the people in the building
2006-08-17 15:03:48 · answer #9 · answered by Jessie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that if you honestly feel like you HAVE to attend church to believe in GOD, then that is sad. Do you know how many people in this world who cannot attend church for whatever reason. There are people in this world that have never even heard of GOD. Just be good to people and live well. You will be fine.
2006-08-17 15:03:36 · answer #10 · answered by kimmypoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you believe in God, you believe in omniscience - so you know that your prayers will be heard and your actions observed no matter where you are.
In theory, church is a place for fellowship and combined worship and discussion of the specified religion. Unfortunately, many of these gatherings are more like High School - with many judgmental, gossiping hypocrites.
You can honor your "creator" through living a life of faith and honor -- by being a role model to others, not by judging them or imposing on them with guilt or fear tactics.
2006-08-17 14:50:58 · answer #11 · answered by HearKat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋