I know these "Christians" that look down on me for not going to church. I was raised Catholic, but now really practice no religion. I was brought up that God is everywhere. So what's the difference if I decide to pray anywhere instead of going to church. The Christians I know are real big on bragging about taking in poor kids from N.Y. for a couple of weeks in the summer, which is nice, but poor kids in our neighborhood are looked down upon because it's the parents fault. I think that if your going to give underpriveliged kids a little happiness that it should start in your own comminity.
2007-06-12 04:13:09 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm not trying to generalize all Christians, just saying that the people I'm talking about are self proclaimed Christians. To me their actions are not Christ-like. Didn't mean to offend anyone, there beliefs, or claim myself Christ-like.
2007-06-12 05:05:54 · update #1
I agree with you. I am Catholic and I do go to church every sunday but its its my choice. Yes, my parents have influenced me but in the end it's my decision and I go because I want to. You need to do whats right for you. Going to church for somebody else defeats the entire purpose of church. To celebrate your love for God.
2007-06-12 04:21:31 · answer #1 · answered by Becky 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is between you and God whether or not you go to church. You may want to try an non denominational church/ new testament church where there is no religious rituals. It is good to be in fellowship w/ other believers. It is good to have solid teaching from the bible. It only helps us grow to be stronger, in my opinion. I haven't been to church in a couple months and I really feel a void. It is just due to laziness and I need to get back in the habit. As far as people helping children, I think that anyone who helps any child anywhere is to be commended. Their bragging is probably just excitement because they know they are doing something good in this world. I help children in crisis through my church but I also go on mission trips to Haiti every October. Everyone should go to a 3rd world country and experience it for themselves. It helps those you go to help and it definately makes one a different person (for the better) Try it, you might like it.
2007-06-12 04:22:10 · answer #2 · answered by Kaliko 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You make good points. The Christians you know do not represent the whole community. Believe it or not, the majority of Christians are very tolerant and not so much 'stuck up' - Of course, nobody really focuses on the positives. When something happens in the news that even sort of has anything to do with Christianity, they show it in a bad light, like Christians are brutal and foolish and stupid. It's such bullsh.
You should tell these people what you think. You should worship the way that you want and if they want to step in, kindly inform them that it's God's place to judge you and not theirs.
2007-06-12 04:17:39 · answer #3 · answered by Gigazz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all catergorizing most Christians is your first mistake. I am a christian. I do not look down upon people. I visit my church only a few times a year. I help others out when I can. Yes there are those who judge and act better than anyone else. I say we are not to Judge the Bible says that. We are to love one another. Hmm another Bible saying. Just don't put Most Christians in your Questions it is Judging as well.
2007-06-12 04:21:01 · answer #4 · answered by MysteriouslyMisty 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a christian and I go to church every Sunday and on most Wednesday because that's what works for me, However I do not look down on people that do not go to church, I wholly believe that as long as you worship God in your own way weather that be you praying at home and reading your bible or whatever it is that you do, that it is not a big deal if you go to church or not I'm sure other people will think I'm crazy but whatever.
2007-06-12 04:19:42 · answer #5 · answered by punkgirl1977 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just like the other guy you're judging all Christians and sterotyping them. I Catholic as well and I have alot of friends like you who were raised Catholic but for one reason or another they don't attend mass, that's fine that's their thing, so you shouldn't lump everyone together as doing that. What is wrong with helping people you can only help were it's needed and if it's a group that organized it, you can't control were you go to help people.
If it concerns you so much why don't you help the underprivledged kids, go to a soup kitchen, or volunteer somewere, donate food and/or toys. Just a suggestion if you can find a group or organization in you're area maybe it would be cool to join.
2007-06-12 04:22:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know the Christians you are speaking of, but it's safe to say that there are Christian and non-Christian hypocrites. Just as there are Democratic and Republican hypocrites. There are also African-American, Caucasian, Asian & Latino hypocrites. Hypocrites come in all shapes, colors, races, religions, nationalities, etc. Many times people are very critical of others, but have a difficult time seeing the fault in themselves. It's easier to point a finger at another person.
As for how this relates to your faith, you should pray anywhere and everywhere. However, if you are a follower of Christ, you are also called biblically to worship in fellowship with other Christians. (I can't speak for other religions.) Look for a Christ-centered, church that encourgages faith, growth and service!
2007-06-12 04:21:10 · answer #7 · answered by Apple21 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think you should have to be in church to pray, but Jesus did caution His people not to forsake the fellowship of the brethren. Christians need to be amongst other Christians because only with our own can we find the support we need for day-to-day living. The world doesn't know our God, and doesn't care about Him, and thinks we're all deluded fools for believing in Him. We need the support of other believers to keep our spiritual fuel tanks full. That's why there are churches, and why we should go.
2007-06-12 04:20:44 · answer #8 · answered by Steve 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to say I am a CHristian but it doesn't mean I agree with everyone who professes Christianity. I agree with you. They should begin with kindness in their own neighborhood. It is a nice gesture about the poor kids in the summer but what about the poor kids right under their noses. Hospitality begins at home so to speak. I'm sorry your having such a bad experience with them. And they shouldn't "look down" on you for not going to church either they should pray for you and encourage you to go. That's what the Lord would want us to do.
2007-06-12 04:17:10 · answer #9 · answered by lisaandpathailey 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probably because most Christians recognize that value and importance of serving God. Its not just about prayer. If you avoid church and by your own admission dont practice your faith, what are you? You are not doing the things Jesus said to do.
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." -Matthew 28:19
2007-06-12 04:27:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about you read the Bible and do what it says there and quit worrying about what other Christians do.
It says right there in the Bible that you need to go to church... just praying "anywhere" is not good enough ok?
Most christians are NOT hypercritical... maybe only the ones you know.
When you've read the whole Bible and you understand it for yourself, then you can talk about about hypercritical christians... until then quit talking about what you think christianity should be like.
hint:
The Bible doesn't define christianity as "people who are just nice to everybody".
2007-06-12 04:24:20 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋