for Christians only: a debate?

Question

online chuches vs. going to church - does it go against the gathering together of Christians in a traditional church setting?

do you think, as a Christian, that listening to churches online is just as good as going to church? or is it wrong? any scripture verses to support your argument

Answer 1

I don't think it would be wrong to watch church on the Internet. I do think it's a bad idea to not go to church. We need the fellowship of people of like faith.

Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Answer 2

I don't think online churches can ever replace the physical gathering of people. There is something intangible about people being together in the same place at the same time with the same purpose, and I do mean PHYSICALLY.

Having said that, I have attended online bible study before and have gotten quite a bit out of it. But as much as technology brings together people from all over the globe, there is a lot that separates us. Lag issues, if nothing else.

Answer 3

I think that God wants us to be with Christ-like people to learn and be a part of a Christian family. I also believe that God wants us to set a Christ-like example to others.

To answer your question, I think that people should attend (physical go to) a Christ Driven - 24 hour/7 days a week church and church family. I saw something about this on the morning news and I thought to myself, was this asked about when all the TV churches came on board?? Just be CAREFUL and make sure that the statements are supported by the BIBLE!!! I do watch some religious programs that are on TV, because they are Bible-based and I have participated in some of their bible studies. The WORD is LOVE!!!

Answer 4

I don't think it goes against fellowship principles, but that is really up to each believer to decide.

Benefits of going to a traditional church is that you meet people in between the praise and worship and the sermon. You have the opportunity to make friends and get prayed for and ask people to hold you accountable. Free coffee, cream, and donuts. You can also check out all the hot women in church and get somebody to actually pray with you.

If you can do that via online church, go for it. If you want to, you can try it, but like the user below me says, the need for fellowship is still there, so I would recommend supplementing it with a physical attendance of a weekly Bible Study in your area. Otherwise, I think virtual church is a great idea for people who just cannot make it, but want to hear the sermon anyway. Our church records the pastor's sermon on video and then posts it on the internet.

Answer 5

When you absent yourself from an actual (as opposed to a virtual) Body of believers, you are denied, and you deny, the various gifts that each member brings to the Body.

When we gather together as believers, we are part of a living organism, the Body of Christ. He is the head, and we are the members. A virtual church cannot give you the same fellowship.

Further, if you are struggling in an area, others who have gone through the same thing can encourage you in a real church, whereas a virtual church guarantees you anonymity.

Jesus came to reconcile to Himself a people, and builds relationships with us. To deny that to yourself and others by being away from a genuine church is not what Jesus intended.

Answer 6

Hebrews warns against not meeting together as a church. One of the core purposes of the church is fellowship. Throughout the Bible we see the positive aspects of Christians assembling together. This is what helps with accountability, as well as many different other facets of the Christian faith.

While it may not necessarily be a sin or wrong to not go to church, it can lead to some problems in someone's life in my opinion.

Answer 7

There are many things that Christians believe or have been taught to believe from a young age. By this i mean by face value, some dont fully understand aspects in much detail but follow their peers in belief. To me religion is about self acceptance and understanding it your own way. I have looked into Christianity in many ways and in alot of detail, I admit I was an atheist back then but part of me believes there is a God, its the minor details that hold me back so I cannot say I am 100% Christian. I have to say, atheists have the power of common sense and science behind them, but Christians have the power that humans do not understand science to its fullest. There was a point when scientist believed the world was flat. Christians believe that there is a heaven and hell. How do we know who is right or wrong and if Christians have been right all along, hell will be quite a busy place!

Answer 8

It's not wrong. My opinion is that you can't fully experience worship and the Holy Spirit as intensely as you can at church or in the physical presence of other believers. Verse?: Jesus said, "where 2 or 3 are gathered there I will be also".

Answer 9

For me, I enjoy the personal aspect of going to church. I have made dear friends at my church and enjoy being able to study and worship with them. They are also the ones who seem to always show up when I am needing a hand with something.

I guess it would all come down to one's personal decision. I may listen to someone on the radio or watch a program on tv like Charles Stanley. . .and I can get a lot from that and enjoy it, but I love going to church.

Answer 10

We need to assemble together. The Bible says that it also mentions that iron sharpens iron. U can't be sharpened by other believers while sitting at home and watching it on t.v. ALso when u get sick or need counsel what u gonna do call the pastor on t.v.? I think not. Find a church k?