Say you did everything Mother Theresa did, but didn't ever go to church? Would you be less worthy of the Christian name?
2006-09-27 10:52:16 · 20 answers · asked by C P R 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am not Christian but would like to respond.
"Going into the garage doesn't make you a car."
"A cat can have kittens in an oven, that doesn't make them biscuits."
I think a Christian is someone who lives a life that is becoming to Christ. Some people just don't like the politics of church, not attending does not diminish their love of their Savior.
Blessings )O(
2006-09-27 11:14:13 · answer #1 · answered by Epona Willow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, one would be "less" of a Christian if they never attended or set foot in a Church. The reason why is the building serves as a sacred place and time for a people who believe in a God. God does not need the temple or cathedral in order to be worshipped; we need them to worship Him! The reason why is that we cannot possibly interact with God on God's level. Therefore, being a people in time and space we have to have location and time in order to respond in worship to Him.
Also, it is stated in scriptures that Christ frequented the synagogues to teach and worship (that is His humanity is what worshipped and not His divinity). If our Lord set such an example then why would any Christian refuse to follow and imitate?
Finally, one does not receive better knowledge of what the Church is (I am not talking about the building---that is a church and not the Church). The Church is the corporate body of Christ. As scriptures tell us He is the Head of the Church and we the body. Therefore, if a Christian never sets foot in a Church (that is be with the community and worship and serve with them), could they even be considered Christian? Since it is in Christ, through the Holy Spirit, that we are all gathered as one body, would a Christian believe they are faithful if they alienate themselves from that body (Church)?
Therefore, this whole nonsense of, "I just worship God on my own and don't need to go to Church" is against the nature of Christ and His Church.
Lastly, you forget that Mother Theresa did go to Church and she prayed the liturgy of the hours and served the people as she should. But she always attended the Mass. It is in the Mass that she received the strength to do the great works she did.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He let the light of His face shine upon you.
God's and your beast of burden
Fr. john
2006-09-27 18:13:34 · answer #2 · answered by som 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Christians are asked to fellowship with other believers-preferably within a church because that is what it is there for but if you can find a group to fellowship with outside of the church, you are okay as well. But going to church is a way to fellowship with others believers and a place you are supposed to get sound Christian doctrine, but some just wont goto church for whatever personal reasons and they still can discuss Christianity with you and you know God is in their heart,soul, and mind.
You have people who sit in church all the time who are not Christians, they are only there because they have been taught to goto church every Sunday.
Christianity is in your heart. Learning about God and the bible should be within your heart to do. Otherwise, whether you step into a church or not, if you dont have it within yourself to ever want to learn, you never will.
2006-09-27 18:12:36 · answer #3 · answered by â¤??? ?å???? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but you may be a better Christian if you DO set foot in a church and actively participate in the life of the church.
2006-09-27 17:58:16 · answer #4 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do not have to go to church to be a christian, God is everywhere. Not just in church..If u lead a good life and help others u are as much a Christian as anyone..
2006-09-27 18:01:16 · answer #5 · answered by larry B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a Christian is not defined by going to church. Actually you can't "go to church".
Christians are people who love and follow Jesus.
His Church is the people who belong to Jesus.
We are asked not to forsake the assembly. Because we need each other for encouragement and strength. We are the family of God. We need to meet together to praise and worship Him. However, worship is a lifestyle of obedience and love for Him.
If you will search, you can find a group of Christians to worship and meet with who can be really good friends for you to help in times of trouble and for them to love and help you. It's really neat.
2006-09-27 18:07:18 · answer #6 · answered by 4HIM- Christians love 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mother Thressa was a Catholic and they are not christian. I can only hope that she accept Jesus as her savior at some point of her life before she died. Going to Church is an important part of nourishing your spirit. That is where you get your spritual food for your spiritual growth.
2006-09-27 18:04:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Church is simply a way of forging a religious family of sorts. I have no use for organised religion as they are usually fashion shows or places of gossip. I think God cares more about what your heart and soul reflect than what church they did or did not attend.
2006-09-27 17:56:11 · answer #8 · answered by mortgagegirl101 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian. Bible does say do not forsake the gathering of yourselves. Fellowship is important to your walk and fighting the enemy. But going to church doesn't make you a Christian.
2006-09-27 17:54:31 · answer #9 · answered by James C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You would be less Christian if you didn't participate in the Christian community. Christians are not called to be loners, but active contributing members of the Body of Christ.
2006-09-27 18:18:21 · answer #10 · answered by barbara m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋