Do a lot of Christians go their own way, rather than going to a church and doing what others tell them to do?

Question

Another question and its answers made me curious about how many Christians out there don't attend church but rather worship in their own way, on their own terms. Is that a popular form of Christianity, the individualistic path?

Answer 1

Most Christians go their own way. The fact that there are over 30,000 different Christian denominations should demonstrate that most Christians don't just "believe what they're told."

Answer 2

No more so than people of other religions. The basic tenent of Christianity is salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Christians are under no law that says they have to worship in any specific way. However, the New Testiment makes it clear that as Christians we should worship together, we are part of one body and cannot fuction fully without the rest of the body. As far as authority, different denominations have differeing opinions. The doctrine of the Roman Catholic church puts the most emphasis on the authority of church officials (i.e., priests, the Bishops, the Pope), but scripturally, their role in the church is as shepherds, to guide the congregation. I guess the simplist answer is, in my belief, is that you are saved through faith in Christ and that the Bible is our only source of Authority (capitalized on purpose). You can be a Christian and not attend church, but you lose out on the benefit of being part of the body. Pastors, priests, bishops, etc. have been ordained by God to play a role and a part of that role is to serve as a shepherd. However, scripture also makes clear we are all a priesthood of believers. I know that really does not give you a definitive answer, but maybe something to think about. I suggest that you find a church that preaches God's word and where you can get support from others in the body of Christ.

Answer 3

In a way yes. If one cannot find a church home that spiritually feeds them, they may quit going or searching. I've been through this, but I really wanted to be part of the body of Christ, and not try to be an island. I found a church that meets my needs at the moment.

The key that many are looking for is: Does it teach the biblical truth? So many churches are just social clubs today and have diluted the Word of God in its teaching. Does the church reach out into the community or is it exclusive? I want to be a part of an outreach church.

Some people settle, but if you want to grow spiritually, you need to not get to involve in church politics, but just do as Jesus did. I think that is why some, do follow their own path while still adhering to the teachings of the Word.

Answer 4

I prefer my own way. There are very few churches that I've been to that share my views of how a church should be ran. The closest one I know of is over an hour away. Quite frankly, I don't care to travel that far several times a week.

Therefore, I don't attend church. I know it is good to share in fellowship, but I feel to many churches these days have become havens for social events and money mongering. So I tend to stir clear.

Answer 5

I do attend church regularly....not every Sunday, but regularly. I don't, however do what 'others' tell me to do. They, too are only human. What makes them any more right about God's word than I am? No, I do what I think God wants me to do, not what someone else tells me what God wants of me. One doesn't have to be affiliated with any particular church to be a good Christian. There are too many Christian denominations out there to choose from, and my beliefs aren't 100% with any one of them. I pick the one that is closest to what I believe, and I follow my own heart.

Answer 6

Christ called us to fellowship w/ other believers, there are no "lone rangers" in the body of Christ. Now that is why in Prov. it says "Iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens the countanence of his friend." The Word also says that it is the traditions of man that make the Word of God inneffective. Each Christian must walk out their own salvation, at the same time being sure they are interacting with fellow believers. I have been in Church all my life and never allowed the Church to govern my Walk with God. It's my relationship, but a hand cant do much when it's not connected to the body type thing... Worship is in your heart you can worship anywhere...not just at church...So hope that helps you better understand.

Answer 7

Im sure they stray everyonce in awhile just like everyone else does. I thought about doing that but i joined a non denominational church which is all kinds of religions but you worship in your own way. Its awesome. people with mohawks,peircings, and they pretty much play rock music with christian lyrics. I think that will bring more people into the church and that it doesnt matter who you are as long as your there for a reason!

Answer 8

I don't do what others tell me to do in church.
In 'my own terms' means, by Gods word.
The Bible is my guide and I enjoy hearing Charles Stanley give his sermons, he sticks directly to passage...
Some preachers get way off path and tell the congregation what is right and wrong by his own opinion instead of the Bible. I have been to many different churches that does that..
At my church, the Pastor reads scriptures and teaches us the Word..

Answer 9

Yes, many worship in their own way, following their own set of religious rules and edicts.

I think it's kind of crazy myself. Imagine if we were to all live by our own rules in our homes...every one does whatever they "feel" is best for them and what they like.

Or on a larger scale, with our local and state laws. I might say I want to help animals...so I think I should be able to have 150 cats and dogs running all over. No, I don't have to get them rabies shots...I don't believe in that.

One might argue that the laws are for the common good and belief in God is individual. But in reality, the laws of God are also for the common good...our common spiritual good.

Answer 10

I would consider myself a christian, but I rarely attend church. I think I can figure out what the Bible means on my own. Although many christians would tell you I'm not a christian.