I was raised a Christian but read the Bible. In it I found the passage Matthew 6: 1-8. It seems that quote makes it wrong to go to church (or synagogue) or to brag about loveing others and doing good or making any "show" of being a christian.
2006-11-19 13:06:48 · 13 answers · asked by Mad Mac 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
For "Lostmystic" Here are the pertinent verses of the Biblical passage mentioned.
Matthew 6: 5-8, And when you pray you shall not be like the hypocrites, For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly I say to you they have their reward. 6. But you when you pray go into your room and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place and your father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7. And when you pray do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think they will be heard for their many words. 8. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask him.
2006-11-19 14:01:26 · update #1
No, you are not wrong, coz I am not a Christian so I dont have to go to church....
2006-11-19 13:15:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you are not wrong. you do not have to go to "church" to feed your soul . you do have a hunger for knowledge of God and Jesus as A true believer and should not reject the fellowship of other true believers but even Jesus didn't go to church( at least not in today's tearms of a Church).There are many churches today that make my bible believing skin crawl. If you can find a good ,solid church you should by all means attend,but church is not always where the answers are, that's why we have prayer, faith and the bible.Braging and and showing off show are prideful and that is something to be careful of because pride can be a sinful act.
what the passage is trying to say is do these things but do them because it is what i ask and what you need to grow but not because you want mans kudos.
2006-11-19 13:24:43 · answer #2 · answered by misstress 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The purpose of church is to fellowship with other Christians, grow in your relationship with Christ, learn from other Christians, and to have support when you're going through a rough time.
The passage you refer is a specific consideration of the pharisees. These men often made a big show of their fasting, giving, etc. Jesus was instructing other followers to be different. When we tithe or give an offering, we're not supposed to make a big deal about it. It's our call from God, so we should do it with just God and not as though we're searching for a huge audience. The pharisees were making church into a big show, when it was supposed to just be an intimate time with God.
2006-11-19 13:18:42 · answer #3 · answered by hiccup_snickup 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The scripture is saying we aren't to be showy and prideful and be like the Pharisees were acting. Not to go into church and make sure everyone knows what a great Christian you are letting everyone know how much you put in the offering and that kind of thing. And yes you are wrong to think you don't have to go to church but you aren't alone. I've been trying to tell myself I don't need church but I know I do. Just remember if you go you go for God and not for the people or denomination.
2006-11-19 13:14:40 · answer #4 · answered by Brianne 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I enjoy the fellowship of our Church. I enjoy the bible studies. I love the things we do for our community.Took our family a few tries to find the right Church home for us. The difference is we want to go to Church...doesn't feel like a "have to".
2006-11-19 13:14:29 · answer #5 · answered by <><><> 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Me personally, i think that you don't have to go to a building to pray and worship God. You don't have to go to church just to be around positive Christians, because the majority of them aren't positive people. I believe when you have your own quiet time, that should be the time for you and God. I dont go to church because I think a lot of people who go are hypocrites and aren't doing the right thing in their lives.
Sorry if i have offended anyone, just my opinion.
2006-11-19 14:53:00 · answer #6 · answered by Miss A. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not at all. You don't have to go to physical building to say your prayers. If you feel you need to donate make a donation to a woman's or homeless shelter. There you know you are helping someone and not supporting a building and preachers. Help others do good deeds, have good thoughts for others and you will doing your share. Peace and love be with you.
2006-11-19 13:51:04 · answer #7 · answered by free spirit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The church is for sinners and the bible does say fellowship with other members. So it is good to attend church.
2006-11-19 13:10:44 · answer #8 · answered by JoJoBa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must empty yourself to be filled with Christ. Sometimes that emptying means getting out of a warm bed and going to Church.
2006-11-19 13:12:47 · answer #9 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really a church on Sunday, but you got to get together with other believers.
2006-11-19 16:14:43 · answer #10 · answered by Zach 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋