Personal relationship with God vs. organized religion?

Question

To all religious denominations (particularly Christians): Do you think it is possible to have a personal relationship with God, yet denounce organized religion?

For example, do you think it is possible to pray regularly, read the Bible and embrace a personal relationship with the Lord, but not go to Church on a regular basis, disagree with some pastor's or reverand's teachings, and/or not be part of a particular religious denomination?

Answer 1

You have just described me to a T.

I am a born again, spirit filled Christian, yet I'm not part of any particular denomination.

I denounce most organized religious organizations.

I disagree with lots of Pastors, lots of Reverends teachings.

I gather together with other Christians for fellowship regularly, but not in a church building.

Pastor Art

Answer 2

I think its much more important to have a personal relationship with God than to just show up at church once a week. Lets face it, some people are in church for reasons other than worshiping. You can disagree with the pastors point of view on something. You and I could read the bible 15 times a piece, and still have a different opinion about a certain chapter or verse. I think of the pastors message as conformation rather than the perfect interpretation.

Answer 3

¬Absolutely! The most important thing about religion and spirituality in my opinion is the personal relationship with God. In order to understand ones faith, one must find it on their own. Some old guy that has memorized the Bible cannot possibly tell you how you can relate to, or understand God, only you can figure that out for yourself.

As long as you pray and keep God and his/her teachings in you heart, you are religious, and spiritual. That is the most important part. That is much more important than going to church every Sunday and not putting your heart into it.

Sure you go to church and tell the priests/pastors etc that you agree with them, but what are YOU getting out of that? how does that improve your relationship with God?

Answer 4

I'm sorry to be so blunt, but I'm sick of people not being able to think for themselves and blaming "organized religion" for not attending church or for not "believing in God."

"THE CHURCH" is me.... and it's the guy next door who attends...and it's the pastor....and it's the church's bookkeeper ------What do we all have in common??????????????? We are all HUMAN, therefore we will make mistakes, judge each other, let each other down and have different opinions!!!! THERE ISN'T A CHURCH ON EARTH THAT IS PERFECT!!! So get over it and go learn the Truth according to the Bible and if you don't agree with a teaching or an idea here and there, let it go. But don't be so delusioned to think that you can "stay" connected to the source without help!!! You are human!!! You need help!!! That's what chuch is for... and to give thanks and praise, etc.

Some people think that you please God by good works or by "doing whatever it takes" to get to heaven. It sounds like you know better than that though .....Accepting that Jesus is your saviour and has already "earned" your right into heaven and your job is to accept that, love him and follow him.




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Answer 5

Different people have different needs. Some need the rules and regulations of organized religion, others feel constrained by them. A relationship, a family relationship with God He as Father, we as children is what counts.. The Holy Spirit is a better teacher than any man no matter how many degrees he possesses.. Jim

Answer 6

You absolutely can be a Christian and not a member of a particular denomination. However, the bible does say, "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together." This is for the purpose of admonition and exortation. Additionally, all Christians are a part of the "body." That includes you. What part are you. Can the body live without a head, a hand, a foot? Gathering together strengthens us and allows us to mature as Christians.

Answer 7

That all depends on how the religion organizes itself. Is it organized based on man's traditions or what the Bible really teaches? What sort of fruits are they bearing? i.e - Do they live double lives? Are they truly following what the Bible teaches all humans? Are they applying ALL scriptures and not just picking out the ones they like the best?

Those are some of the questions you can ask yourself to gain a better understanding of what you ask and seek. If you want to discuss about this or anything else regarding learning what the Bible REALLY teaches, feel free to contact me by e-mail.

Answer 8

It's difficult to give a clear answer for this question when the Scripture says "Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some men is", yet it also says, "Try the spirits and see whether they be of God." We're not to totally forsake churchgoing, but we ARE to question what we're being taught when it doesn't seem to line up with what the Bible says. I suppose it dates back to the OT in the days when animal sacrifice was required for sins. The problem was that ONLY the high priest was allowed behind the veil of the Temple in order to anoint the corners of the Mercy Seat with the blood of the sacrifice. IF that man had SIN in his own life, he was STRUCK DEAD and the people had to tow him out from behind the veil by the rope he had tied to his waist dragging behind him into the outer courtyard! How then did the people get absolution? How did they receive spiritual guidance? The LAW was set aside for man to see how IMPOSSIBLE it was to live by God's exacting standards concerning blood covering for sin, but was also intended for man to get absolution from his sin when carried out to the letter! We can't rely solely on the word of a man due to the sin that may exist in his own life, yet it's the responsibility of man to bear that burden to people so that they may have the chance of salvation! This is why we "try the spirits" in order to find the truth behind the teaching, preaching and etc. We can't be trusted to find it on our own for fear of our individual morality clouding our judgment, yet cannot totally forsake churchgoing for the same reason? Tough to swallow, isn't it?

Answer 9

Hello and the last verse of Acts 2 says Jesus Himself added daily to THE CHRUCH as such as should be saved okay if Jesus Christ said its needed to belong is that good enough besides you gain power from numbers, alone a sheep is much easier a target then when in a group and satan is like a lion seeking YOU to devour. Find out more free bible lessons www.amazingfacts.org and not seeking to be apart of a religion is sort of like okay i belong to the team but must i go to the ball park? God bless.

Answer 10

Yes, I do. I personally would miss the relationship and love I feel when I attend church. But yes, you can have a personal relationship even if you don't go to church.