Why is it that so many people don't go to church, temple or synagogue?

Question

90% of Americans say they believe in a God. The vast majority say God is very important in their lives. Yet, so many don't go to church.

I know some might be jaded because of the scandals in the Catholic church, the apparent narrow-mindedness of the extreme religious right, etc. But, what about mainstream churches that teach tolerance and love and welcome others with open arms?

I'm Christian, but I'm not saying others must be Christian. Attend the church, synagogue, or temple of your choice.

Please don't give sarcastic, bitter, nasty replies. I'm looking for real answers. I want to understand it.

For those wondering where the stats are from:

** Nearly two-thirds of those in a worldwide Gallup survey of respondents in 60 countries say that God is very important in their personal life.

** Overall, 82 percent of Americans believe in God, according to a 2005 Harris poll, which also revealed that 70 percent believe in the existence of heaven, and 70 percent that Jesus is the Son of God.

** A 2003 Harris Poll found that just 9% of Americans did not believe in a God.

Answer 1

I personally think of it this way: many people "believe" in God but they don't really "feel" that they need Him so, they don't go to Him. This self-sufficiency is a by-product of the current culture.

Another reason is that people feel that if they go to any spiritual institution, they might end up having to give up certain lifestyles or might end up feeling bad about themselves...etc.
( Read John 3: 19-21)
Praising God on your own can sometimes be easier because your mind convinces you that there is nothing wrong with you. you only reinforce the messages you like!

Other reasons include distraction by many other things, and being reassured that God is always there (so, when I grow old, i'll go there).

The world is VERY loud today, think of marketers bombarding us with millions of messages daily. But according to the Bible, the Lord's voice is so soft and he does not force Himself into anybody's life without the person's freewill. That's why we can easily get distracted. So, if one does not intentionally put effort into having that as a priority, chances are: he/she will neither listen nor respond (Read Rev 3:20)

Answer 2

Here is an honest answer. I don't honestly believe that 90% or whatever percentage is given that people say they believe in a god and that god is important in their life. I grew up in a religious family, went to church several times a week, later decided it was all bogus to me since the church seemed more of a social requirement. Very very few people I went ot church with were living the lives that were mandated by the religious beliefs they claimed they held.
I think that is the same with most people. You have to say you believe in god, otherwise you are not accepted into society. You have to say god is an important part of your life, to be socially acceptable. But you certainly don't have to follow any of the requirements that the various religions espouse, and that seems ok as well. One former catholic now lutheran person, when I questioned the validity of people being really religious, said that no one was perfect, and everyone sins, so therefore it is ok to do as you want, lie, cheat, steal, etc, but if you pray to a god you will be ok, and it is ok to stray. My religion I was brought up in (baptist) didn;t preach that, you should live a christian life, care for others. I did and I do, but I don't beleive I need a manmade god to do that. I believe I live a more honest, considerate life and am considerate of other people more than most christians I know. Most people think in fact that I am devoutly religious, when I have been an athiest for years. Ironic, isin't it, that I can live a true christian life where others can't!

Answer 3

Some people have been hurt by others in the church, or by what the Pastor preaches. Others just put on a show, and say they don't need a church to worship the Lord. Churches have been split because someone didn't like the color of the carpet. It is Satan that wants churches split. It is Satan that wants people to stay home, and go enjoy life some other way. There are many false pastors out there, but people don't know their Bibles well enough to know when a pastor is on the up and up.

Answer 4

Religion is very personal. A church, synagogue or mosque is not personal at all and expects a certain rigidity in worship.

To many, perhaps even most, the idea of a building full of people worshiping in one assigned way is contrary to their very personal -- and very honest -- beliefs. Not to mention contrary to the entire concept of free will.

One can still be a true believer in a God (whatever you wish to call him/her) and not a member of a "church."

Answer 5

The scandals in the Catholic Church has been going on in other religions for a long time and has nothing to do with me not going to church.

I don't go to church for a couple reasons....one of them being I'm don't think it has anything to do with what kind of a person I am.

Answer 6

More and more people are coming to realization that they don't need an organized religion to practice their belief, whether its in God, many gods or no god.

Free will, an open mind and education is what many people are finding to be a better way than following dogma or being told what to think.

Answer 7

Because they are unable to find what they are looking for in a church. Many find that there relationship with God can be far more fulfilling when no one else is dictating what it should be for them. God is in all things, everywhere, at all times. It does not take a church to find him.

Answer 8

When I was lost I would say that I didnt want to be a hypocrite. Now I know that all are sinners and that noone can be perfect it doesnt bother me to sit in chuch. I thought I had to be perfect to go to church. Maybe thats what some think.

Answer 9

Once upon a time I went faithfully to church, but then my eyes were opened to the hypocritical nature of people in organized religion and decided that I could no longer in good faith go.

Answer 10

first off the bible does not say you have to. it is not a necessity of being christian.

the bible wants you set time aside for god, you can do this a little bit everynight, u dont have to wait till one day to do it. fellowship with christians i said to be good, not a necessity though. you can do this in study groups, or with a friend. u don thave to go to a building to listen to someone preach.

some people dont attend church cause they are corrupt, many have their own interpretation of the church...
some people dont have time on sunday or certain days to go to church.