Is there anyone on here who believes you do not have to go to church to be a true christian?

Answer 1

Yes. Religion today is nothing more than a business...period.

Answer 2

I am a person who believes you don't have to go to church to be a "true" Christian. When I was growing up my family went to the Greek Orthodox church. I know a lot of people who attended and they go all the time, even today. And when they were in church they were very nice, though outside of church they were very snobby and very unchurchlike.
I think there are some other questions this brings up:
1. What makes one a true Christian?
2. What is the role of church in the lives of a Christian?

It is amazing to me if you were to ask each of the denominations, who is a true Christian... they probably would each say they were. The Catholics will say they are the true Christians; they practice the sacraments and have the "fullness" of our lord's teachings. Lutherans would say they are. Baptists might say they are. Even if you were to look at other groups such as the Jehovah's Witnesses, they would say they are the "true" Christians. So I'm not really sure anymore who is a "true" Christian and what really makes one true. Though I do believe that going to church doesn't make one a true Christian, it just means you go to Church.

I think, however... if I really think about it... Church can play a positive role in our lives when we find one we like. The American Heritage Dictionary defines church as: A building for public, especially Christian worship. And the definition I like most is given by Wikipedia: A church is an association of people who share a particular belief system. The Greek term, ekklesia, means a convocation, an assembly. That is what church is really about: It is about an assembly of people who come together with a common belief or goal. And if it feels good to go to church, then go... but it doesn't make one any more a true Christian then the people who don't go to church.

God Bless--Rev. K

Answer 3

Yes, I do believe that you can be a die-hard Christian and not go to church, but the bible tells Christians to support the church... but Paul in 1 Corinthians tells us what a church really is. "A mass of people believing in the same thing and working as one body"... and then he goes on to define what the body of Christ is. Most churches now are straying away from those concepts because of all the people and management and twisted minds, but if you can find one good church, then you should go. (the small ones are usually the best.)

Answer 4

Yep. The Church is the people, not the building. Christ is the sherphard, the ministers are merely just hired hands working for the shephard. Whether you are in a church of 10,000 or on an isolated island with a population of 1, you can be a true Christian.

Answer 5

When a person trusts Jesus Christ for salvation, he or she is made a member of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). For a church body to function properly, all of its "body parts" need to be present (1 Corinthians 12:14-20). Likewise, a believer will never reach full spiritual maturity without the assistance and encouragement of other believers (1 Corinthians 12:21-26). For these reasons, church attendance, participation, and fellowship should be regular aspects of a believer's life. Weekly church attendance is not required for believers, but someone who has trusted Christ should have a desire to worship God, be taught His Word, and fellowship with other believers.

Answer 6

I don't think that going to church makes you a Christian. So technically you can be a Christian w/o going to church. The bible dose state that where two or more are gathered in my name, i am among them. (mt 18:20) I think that this passage shows that it is important to God for Christians to come together for spiritual growth. Now does this mean getting together with friends to learn more or going to church? This is only a question you can answer. There are good churches out there, you just have to shop around.

Answer 7

If at all possible find a church that is right for you.

Besides worship and learning, church is about loving one another and carrying one another’s burdens. We participate to help others as much as for our own needs. There are so many lonely people who attend church who need a warm word or a hug. Reaching out to others is part of being Christian. A good place to begin is at church.

Answer 8

The Word says "DO NOT forsake the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some is, so much more as you see the day approaching." Can you walk in blatant disobedience to the Word of God and stay in Union with Christ? No. If you think "Church" is boring then find a different Church. There is every "style" out there and when your soul is being fed and true worship lifting you up into the heavenlies with Christ, you will NOT be bored.

Answer 9

No, you don't have to attend church. Personally, I believe that fellowshipping with other believers is good for your Christian walk. But you aren't required, by any means, to attend a church on a regular basis.

However, I don't know what I would do without church. It refuels my spirit, it gets me "pumped up" for the rest of the week, and allows me to learn more of God's word ... which helps me in seeking out his plan for my life.

It is your responsibility, however, to study the Word of God and maintain a Christian attitude. I think its easier to do this when you have others to do it with. But its not a necessity, at all, to go to church.

Answer 10

There probably are many that believe that. I dont believe in organized religeorn.Its a money grab. Some churches are bigger then General Motors. And they dont pay taxes. Luckily I am not in charge or they would. Am I a christian. Yes. Where did Jesus build his church. Oh he did not have one. That answers that question. I am sure many will disagree with me but then thats ok. They are allowed their opinion. I have no problem with that.

Answer 11

Yes I think you can be a true Christian without going to church, however I do not believe you can be healthy growing Christian as God intends without regularly meeting with some body of believers (Larger then your family).