& they ask you to come but then ask you to join the church even though its not your religon and you feel trapped by cultural differences what would Jesus do? What would you do?
2006-11-17 16:23:10 · 33 answers · asked by Chi-Girli 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Dear Chi-girli,
It is absolutley 'ok' to say no, because there are many many churches that represent Jesus accurately. One of the purposes of being in a body of believers is to receive encouragement and church is also a wonderful place to serve God- it's tough to serve if you're not there weekly- and as you shared (you have your own religion/church).
Saying no to a church is not saying no to God.
You just don't feel comfortable at that church than you don't have to go.
For me as a pastor- there are times when people feel that my church can not meet their needs (ie: we have a lot of college/young adults) but when married couples come- we don't have that many married, older couples, so our church may not be able to meet their needs. The important thing is that people do go to church and have a relationship with God.
Kindly,
Nickster
P.S.: i was reading your other questions- i think Morton's Steakhouse is awesome, Ruth Chris is pretty close... =)
2006-11-17 21:14:20 · answer #1 · answered by Nickster 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is more appropriate to ask yourself if you are giving any church a fair chance for God to use them to reach you with the Gospel. If you are under conviction for your sins by the Holy Ghost, you may find yourself going even though you said "No" verbally. The "church" is not a building but blood bought believers and those folks have a desire to be with other believers to pray and worship God in spirit and in truth the closer it gets to His appearing. I am against peer pressure in or out of the church but I'm sure the inviter either thinks they have your best interests at heart or would like a "spiritual notch" in their belt. I don't know what you mean by "cultural differences". Jesus remained who He was wherever He was and He WAS THE TEMPLE! Big difference. Someone called into ministry will go wherever He sends. If you are certain of who you are then it wouldn't make any difference if you went or not as long as you are honest and up-front about not wanting to be proselyted.
2006-11-17 16:45:06 · answer #2 · answered by Lovin' Mary's Lamb 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you don't feel like going, then say no thank you.
You can reciprocate the invitation by asking the person to join in some other activities instead. Can you find common interests that you share?
If the person wants to discuss spiritual or religious teachings with you, can you study and share ideas someplace else without pressure? Like the library or watching a movie together and discussing the differences you see in people's relationships?
See also http://www.houstonprogressive.org/CHRguide.html
There is nothing wrong with asking and sharing different experiences. If you don't feel comfortable, can you stick to meeting in places where you both can talk equally?
2006-11-17 16:27:39 · answer #3 · answered by emilynghiem 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, it will give you a good idea if that person is really your friend or not. When I was in high school I had a lot of people invite me to church and act like they were my friend. When I went and decided I didn't feel comfortable there and didn't wanna go back and told them this, they lost interest in hanging out with me. I don't think Jesus would do this. He's the guy who said you don't need a physical church to worship God. He probably laughs at all the narrowmindedness that goes on in HIs name.
2006-11-17 16:26:43 · answer #4 · answered by Reject187 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you don't want to go, don't go. That's not wrong, It would be worse to go when you didn't want to, as that is being a hypocrite. If they ask you to join, and you don't want to, then DECLINE graciously. If Jesus were asked to join something he didn't believe in, do you think he'd feel trapped by cultural differences? I think not. Be true to yourself and hold your head high. You have value that you don't quite understand yet, but if you are true to yourself and your beliefs, you will stand out among all others. Your reward will come in ways that you least expect it.
Rock on, Mama!
2006-11-17 16:35:50 · answer #5 · answered by MyPreshus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is absolutely OK to tell someone that you do not want to go or join their church. In our country of free speech, it's OK to ask, but it is also OK to say no. Just tell the person you are comfortable with your own church (if you have one) and don't feel the need to make any changes at this time. If the person persists, then I would have to be very blunt with them and tell them you do not wish to discuss the subject any further. You don't really have to offer any further explanation then that.
2006-11-17 16:32:54 · answer #6 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do whatever you want to. Visiting churches is nice, so you can see what other peoples religions are, but you do not have to join any church you don't want to. If you WANT to join the church, but cultural differences are standing in your way, then ask someone at the church for help in acclimating yourself to the culture.
2006-11-17 16:27:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is fine to say no when someone invites you to church if you don't want to go. And certainly it is your responsibility to tell them that you do not want to join their church because you were raised in a different religion and are not ready to make any change.
2006-11-17 16:28:25 · answer #8 · answered by butrcupps 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When Jesus came, he was no fan of the church. As current church subscribers, do you ever think that he might have the same reaction upon his second return to earth?
2006-11-17 16:32:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should never have to accept an invitation to a church if you do not want to go. Just politely decline.
2006-11-17 16:59:26 · answer #10 · answered by Heron By The Sea 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋