Is it morally wrong to go to church if I'm reasonably certain I can never really be a true Christian?

Question

I was raised to find my own way as far as religion and spirituality are concerned. I've read most of the bible free of interpretation from any church. My personal set of ethics and morals pretty much follow what the bible lays out. My mother was born in 1938 and had me when she was forty, so I've been instilled with more old fashioned values. The thing is I'm not entirely sold on the whole Christ died for our sins and our only hope of salvation is through him bit. I believe Jesus lived, I even believe he performed the miracles the Bible says he performed. I'm not sold on the whole resurrection thing, but I don't exactly doubt it either. I believe in/agree with the things that Jesus is attributed to saying. I'm just not sure my interpretation lines up with the church's, any church's. I've spent a great deal of time studying religions and history and I know how the Catholic Church was developed and it was a government project designed for social control. I understand different (Cont.)

sects have broken off in order to get away from that method of social control and what was considered wrongful interpretation, but I don't know that I would fit in with any of them either. So why am I considering going to church? I like the idea of a community of people celebrating God and their spiritual awareness with each other. It is a very powerful thing. I fel like I am stuck in my life right now, and I could really use some advice, help, support, spiritual guidance, comfort. I keep thinking maybe I should go to church, but I don't want to feel like a fraud. Also, I think that when I start dating again, I would be better off with the kind of guy that goes to church than the jerks I usually end up with. At the same time I wouldn't want to mislead someone into thinking I am more religious than I am, because I really am more spiritual. I believe God knows my heart, and He knows I have always done the best I can with the best of intentions and I don't think that even if hell exists..

the God I love would send me there simply because I was not sure what to believe. God knows I'm a good person with a good heart, I think that is good enough, so I don't want to be "saved"
Are there any churches I could go to where my perspective would be okay? I really miss having a spiritual community and I need to have a community that shares my morals and values. At 28 I feel like I am the only person my age who sets such high standards and morals for myself. I know I am not alone, but where can I find others? Help please.. Any advice, suggestions would be welcome. Thanks.

I do believe in the scientific explanation for the creation of the universe, our world, the life upon it and the evolution of that life. I've read Genesis and I don't see how it conflicts with science as long as you look at it more symbolically and less literally (set aside Adam & Eve for a moment here, although I have a theory for that too.) I don't know how long God's days are. I also don't believe that believing in evolution has to mean that you think life was an unplanned accident. The God I believe in is more than capable of doing anything He wants in anyway He pleases. To me there is no conflict. I think it is actually one of the ways people underestimate God by putting Him in a box. Why couldn't the universe be created in a way that fits with Natural Law, didn't God create Natural Laws too. Why wouldn't he work within them, they are His creation. I hope I didn't lose anyone with that one.

Answer 1

That's the problem with government sanctioned religion and the terrible trend in this country towards forcing Christianity upon Americans as though there are no other choices.

Mind you that less than 1/3 of the world practices Christianity.

My suggestion to you is that you to begin to explore alternative spiritual communities that are non-dogmatic and more theosophical. They are out there. But for the most part, they aren't rich churches.

For instance, you might try Religious Science (Einstein's church-Science of Mind) which "honors all paths". RS also embraces all of the great teachers and focuses on assisting you in embracing your OWN spiritual self.

There are more alternatives than dogmatic Christianity. A little effort and you will find them. There are others who see Jesus as a first rate teacher but do not subscribe to Paul's interpretation that accorded Jesus divinity and then control over your eternal soul to the church. Thomas Jefferson called Paul the GREAT CORRUPTER of Jesus' message of love. So, if you are questioning some of the dogma, you are in some fine company in doing so.

As to the Bible, well before you get too wrapped around what the bible says, you might want to figure out which edition you are reading lol. Remember your sources, and the bible is an compiled work, edited by what became the early Christian Church. And if you think they didn't have an agenda that included "control" of their congregants, you will want to think again.

After having read the King James TWICE cover to cover 20 years ago, I put down the book and let it collect dust. I decided that the only thing in it that didn't contradict itself, or have convenient judgments and excuses for atrocities were the words IN THE RED LETTERS. So while I do not consider myself to be a Christian, I am most certainly a Jesus lover of the first order!

Answer 2

I'm not a Christian, but I sometimes attend Church with my mother. I'm not a Jew but I sometimes go to Temple with a friend. There is nothing wrong with experiencing these ceremonies even if you do not believe the tale. I don't see anything the least bit morally wrong with it. In fact it shows that you are open and accepting of different beliefs even if you don't share them.

And if you are not sure how you believe but feel drawn to go to church, go for it. There is not better place to find out if Christianity is a good fit for you than a house dedicated to Christian worship. In fact, don't just draw the line there. Take the time out to visit a few different denominations, and maybe even a few non-Christian "churches." You may find that what you believe is better served somewhere else, or you might just be right at home.

Good luck!

Answer 3

It certainly isn't morally wrong to attend a church whether you fully believe in all of their concepts. You evidently have a few lingering questions or conflicts and will best resolve them by your continuing proximity to others who may assist you or, for that matter, convince you otherwise.

But the basis question is, absolutely NO, that's neither immoral or hypocritical.

Answer 4

If you are confused. church can be a big help. Instead of studying religion, try to experience a few different churches. If you don't think the church you grew up with is right for you then try going to a few others to check them out. Go to God with your confusion. Talk to different preachers, and people that you feel you can trust. Ask God to give you understanding and guidance. You are right God knows your heart and that is what is important. Just have faith that God will help you through it.

Answer 5

I too was not raised with religion and had to find my own way, I did not become a Christian til I was almost 40 years of age. Sounds to me as if you are just confused and that's o.k. keep going to church by all means it is not morally wrong you are not being a hypocrite you believe in God and the bible, you are uncertian about the resurrection, It IS hard to believe that our Saviour would die for US but He did, We are human there is no possible way we can even perceive such a scarifice thank God thast he did, soon you understand His great love for us....Hope this helps....God Bless You..!

Answer 6

YOU are 'too educated'
I personally put no faith in anything with a copyright on it.
I studied religion for a while too, yes roman expansion is the reason for the catholic empire's rise. we both know how they incorporated "pagan" ritual into their own, and basically sneaked the religion on them.
Science has hit the church hard, ever since the whole males have one less rib thing was pr oven false. basic anatomy shattered that myth.
And we're told since childhood that we have to learn to "be responsible for our own actions" then the church tells us "jesus died for your sins" meaning he'll take the heat for us.
My own sense of fairness does not allow me to put my burden on anyone else to carry. Why should anyone else do the time for MY crimes? it makes no sense to me.
Morally I would say your keeping a seat from someone who truly wants to be there.
I follow truths, stones are hard, fire is hot, the sun comes up in the morning regardless of my wishes.
you already know your way. FAITH is not found in a book written by humans. Humans have ego and agenda.
as to the separate sects, they use the same book. . . be it green , golden, red, an apple is still an apple.
Good luck.

Answer 7

Never wrong to go to church,Hon!
If I may suggest it,would you go to churchofchrist.org & visit?
I went to alot of churches & I too was on my own.When i found my way to the Lord's church & obeyed th gospel,it became very easy for me to really live a christian life,because i knew the truth finally,or as close to the truth as we as humans today can get!
There are some sermons you can listen to about alot of different things.I really enjoyed them!They were funny as well as down to earth.
You are totally correct about how the catholic ch came to be.It is the hardest one to tell the truth on because i have so many catholic friends that I love dearly.

Answer 8

You do have some sense in feeling that way, but you are forgetting that over the years, Christianity has been corrupted and Diluted so what a lot of churches do preach do not tally with what has been in the bible for generations. I will beg you to stop looking at churches and look through the bible itself especially the new testament (preferably King James Version-- the translations are still pure in that version). You will find your answer.

Answer 9

I had a strong christian religious belief that lead to many good relationships with christians. Like you, I grew in a different direction that did not require a christian drama with a resurrected savior.

I allow others to choose this path if they want. I am confident that each of us has the resources to make our own decisions based on our own internal reasons. There is no reason to engage a conflict, unless I want to start fighting.

Would you like a good fight? Then debate your beliefs with christians. If you want peace, harmony, and freedom to experience your own growth, then find the best in these people. The very natural law of attraction will take you to the people, places, and things you want to experience.

Answer 10

I personally don't go to the place which I don't really believe in. It is a waste of time.