I am Catholic and although I believe in God (or there being a higher power), I disagree with people going to Church. As far as I know, there was no Church during Jesus' time and nor did it exist in the bible.
2007-06-01 02:15:56 · 18 answers · asked by Crystal D 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I honestly don't believe that you need to meet in a certain building to worship God or to connect with that energy. I also think that religion separates people from each other which is really a shame. The Church has taken to much power over the people and even denies them all the information. Like leaving out certain books in the bible. Picking and choosing what should be included and editing. Just do what feels good and right to you and that is the best you can do.
Love & Light
Sharon
One Planet = One People
2007-06-01 02:28:05 · answer #1 · answered by Soul 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, you might want to dig a little deeper into the new testament. In Jesus' time his followers worshipped in the synagogue- as did Jesus himself. As christianity spread across Asia and the middle east by the preaching of Paul and the apostles, christians did meet in churches. These churches were in peoples homes due to the underground nature of the faith at that time, but they were organized churches. Pauls letters are addressed to those congregations.
I do believe in the church system because it ultimately exists to protect christians. Find a denomination that you mostly agree with. The governing body of that denomination gives you some power as a church member if your pastor or elders are leading the congregation astray or are committing flagrant sins that involve other members. There are many good independent churches, but as you will occasionally see on this forum, those independent churches don't answer to any governing body and they can lead an entire congregation into false relgion and you as a church member have no one to complain too if that happens.
2007-06-01 09:26:13 · answer #2 · answered by anne p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very clear throughout the Bible that we are to attend church. In fact, many of the letters written by the apostles are directed at specific churches.
To the person who claims Catholics do not read the Bible: The Bible as we know it (including the bulk of the Protestant Bible excepting their exclusions) was compiled by the Catholic Church. Also, if you ever attended a Mass, you'd know that the Bible is read there. Also, readings for the week from the Bible are listed in most Catholic bulletins so that Catholics can further the study of their faith. I'll agree that many Catholics don't read the Bible as much as they should, but there are plenty of Protestants who do the same thing.
2007-06-01 09:26:41 · answer #3 · answered by kenrayf 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Correct as far as you go...no church but Jesus did attend at least some synagogue/Temple.
I do not believe that the church system is the only means to God nor that it always represents God well. It does have one advantage though: having to rub elbows with people who have varying views and experiences with God. This can help with the tunnel vision that can develop when your only way to discern God is you or people who already believe as you do. There's nothing like having one other person at Bible study mention five or six words that are the most important words you hear all day.
2007-06-01 09:32:41 · answer #4 · answered by Pastor L 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Church is not the building, church is the people who worship God
Jesus and god both said it that way.
There is no system so to speek exept that which is made by man.
God refers to the human body as his temple.
If you do not feel comfortable going to mass, there is nothing wrong with staying at home and worshiping your creator, but the down side of this is you may miss out on the social scene and also any teachings that the priest may have for you.
2007-06-01 09:24:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're right. The bible never metnions going to church. However, it does remind us that we should be in the habit of meeting together in Church - the body of believers that compose thebride of Christ. In today's world, there is no better place to do this than in the church setting.
2007-06-01 09:19:20 · answer #6 · answered by capitalctu 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES! Begun as TEMPLES to worship Jesus, God and The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, it has come to be a pulpit of polital stance in many Churches, instead, today.
Find one that WORSHIPS JESUS and God (Jehovah-Jireh, Yahwey) and the Holy Ghost!!
2007-06-01 09:23:04 · answer #7 · answered by thewordofgodisjesus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like going to church. Simply because the setting and the listening to the priests talk about different things. Listening makes me see things different when Im not reading them. I like taking my kids because they walk out asking questions. And that's the point, and my motive when church is over that something sinks in their head.
Other than all that your right, you don't have to go to church to pray. It just helps.
2007-06-01 09:22:30 · answer #8 · answered by SDC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hebrews 10:26 "Let us not neglect our meeting together as some are in the habit of doing"
I'd say that's pretty clear
As long as what the church is doing lines up with the diagram in the book of Acts.....it's all good
2007-06-01 09:21:26 · answer #9 · answered by primoa1970 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It gives you a sense of community with like minded people. No, religion can't be crammed into four walls. But it makes people feel better, so what does it hurt? I'm Pagan and I got to a UU church because they accept us and I get to meet people who think like me. It's nice.
2007-06-01 09:21:41 · answer #10 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋