is it ok for someone that believes that there is really a God to:
-not go to church every sunday.
-pray on special occasions.
-believe that there are such things as ghosts.
my parents are not very religious so i've decided to take the religion more seriously as i get older. i am also an only child. sometimes when i am very confused or angry about something i will pray to the lord, but not during mealtimes or anything, and i'm not sure whether or not it says anything about ghosts in the bible.
i would really like someone's opinion on this. what do you think? thanku!!!!
2007-08-30 06:42:37 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
WWJD?
2007-08-30 06:47:19 · answer #1 · answered by S K 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
A Christian can be a Christian without subscribing to the beliefs of the modern church. Attending church is not a requirement set forth by Jesus but rather a requirement set by the churches that profit from attendees. Although there are some great benefits to a church and the community that it provides to support others in faith, there is no requirement that you join or attend.
Prayer is important, but don't think of it as the little speaches you may hear before dinner or that we are told to say every night before bed. Prayer is a reaffirmation to yourself that you have given your life to God and that you will live in Jesus' example. People often miss the mark on prayer by asking for material items or for someones health or a miriad of other things. When praying, ask for strength to overcome the obstacles in life, or strength to deal with not having those things that other people may pray for.
Love everyone and judge no one.
It sounds like you are on the right path and are questioning yourself based on the beliefs of others. Whether you believe in ghosts or psychic powers or whatever does not diminish your belief in God. The Bible is far from explaining everything in this world and is only a guide down the path to enlightenment. While it may be a story of God, it was written by man and could only be explained using the concepts that man had when it was written.
2007-08-30 07:06:00 · answer #2 · answered by Frank N Furter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are a christian if you want to be, you don't need to go to church for that. it is something that you fel in you heart and mind.
A better question is why do you want to become christian?
There are a lot of better religions out there that you could follow. I would suggest buddhism but it is up to you. and actually buddhism is more a way of lif than a religion. BUt you shouldn't be too anxious to find any religion or at least to follow any religion. Sometimes they can be a problem when you get too serious.
Don't put too much stock in what they say too or you will become brainwashed before you can make a decision based on a logical chioce. You really should wait until your older to make that choice for yourself. You will have a better understanding of the universe then and you can make an informed decision about what to follow.
That is why I like buddhism, because they don't try to scare you into beleiving or brainwash you and they base their beliefs on desention and debate and aren't afraid to change their minds. The christians have been around for a long time and they have been proven to be false many times but they refuse to chang to the new information that is discovered continually. this is a problem cause it shows that they are definately wrong but they have no idea about it.
If you do become christian you should follow the ten commandments and that will help you to become a good person.
2007-08-30 06:58:36 · answer #3 · answered by beachbum 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Christian, by definition, is a follower of Jesus. Only you can answer that question. But here's some "my opinion" points to ponder.
Church attendance is a direct indicator of a person's relationship with God. If you don't go to church, and therefore don't have much interaction with other Christians, it is difficult to grow spiritually. Some people say they can be just as good of a Christian without attending. Well, I can't. And if that person would come to church to teach me, I'd be better off. Either way, Christians need to attend services on a regular basis.
Prayer is a direct indicator of your relationship with God. Those who pray often usually have a stronger relationship. Those who pray less usually have a weaker relationship. But it's completely a growing process. Interestingly, the more a person prays, the more he or she realizes they don't pray enough.
The Bible mentions spirits on a number of occasions but there's no indication they match our modern perception of 'ghost.'
2007-08-30 07:08:07 · answer #4 · answered by starfishltd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Christian" is just a label, don't get hung up on it. If you have accepted that Christ died for us in order that we could have a chance after Adam & Eve's big screw up then you are ok. And no, you don't need to go to church every Sunday or pray before every meal to be "christian". I believe in Christ and God and everything they have done and continue to do in my life and I believe in "ghosts". I believe they are part of Satan's attempt at getting man to not believe in God. It seems you are seeking some sort of answers, go to some different churches and talk to the pastors and attend a service. When you are seeking, God will lead you to where you need to be. Once you find someplace that you feel comfortable in and are learning, hang out for awhile. Remember, since we were created by God, we have a desire for some sort of "spiritual" guidance. Listen to that small little voice you have inside of you, I believe that's God letting us know he's there and helping us along the way. Good luck with your search.
2007-08-30 06:53:23 · answer #5 · answered by im here 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian. I do not regularly attend Church or pray. I do not believe in ghosts, demons, devils, satan, angels, spirits, fairies, elves, or bigfoot. I do not believe in eternal punishment in hell, and I do not believe that people die and spend eternity in a magical palace in the sky. I do not believe in miracles (as violations of the natural order). I do not believe that the Bible is the Word of God. And I do not vote Republican.
And no, the Bible does not say anything about ghosts. The Apostles once thought that Jesus was a ghost, but he quickly dispelled the misconception. The New Testament teaches that there is one God, and that's it.
2007-08-30 06:50:43 · answer #6 · answered by NONAME 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You certainly need to work out your own way of relating with God. However, Christians gather together in order to help and encourage one another. Attending worship and/or Sunday School will give you a chance to be exposed to what other Christians think about issues that are troubling you. I would recommend attending a variety of different churches, until you find one that you feel comfortable in.
2007-08-30 06:50:15 · answer #7 · answered by Stranger In The Night 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have accepted Jesus Christ into your heart, then yes you are a Christian. This doesn't mean that you're perfect. No one is. Christians fall short of doing God's will every day. However, that doesn't mean that it's okay to not try. You should try to attend church as regularly as possible and try to get in the habit of praying every night. Even if it's just to say thank you for the day, it's good to show your appreciation and praise.
2007-08-30 06:49:29 · answer #8 · answered by Materhead 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
hey!im a Christian & I believe in ghosts! my parents are also, & my dad grew up on a haunted farm! (sweet) we just dont believe ghosts are what most ppl believe they are. 2 believe theyre what other ppl believe is contradicting the Bible. 2 believe what we DO believe is, ino, far-fetched, but it makes when it duznt contradict the Bible.
but ya, i would say youre Christian; i havent gone 2 church since i was 13, am planning on getting back tho(im 18 now), & i do pray here & there when i think about it. i am also an only child-w/ the exeption of a half brother & sister from my dads 1st marriage, but they are about 30 now. hardly evr see them. i dont think u hafta b strict 2b a Christian.
2007-08-30 06:55:26 · answer #9 · answered by Tiff 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
is it ok for someone that believes that there is really a God to:
Q: not go to church every sunday.
A: It's fine if you're a non-Christian
Q: pray on special occasions.
A: Absolutely! And prayer is for all other times as well.
Q: believe that there are such things as ghosts.
A: I don't believe in ghosts myself.
2007-08-30 06:59:47 · answer #10 · answered by Dolores G. Llamas 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you pray to the Lord Jesus Christ, you're a Christian. If you believe Jesus dies for your sins, you are a Christian. There are things that God wants us to do as Christians, but it comes with time. You are a baby Christian and as you grow and learn more about your faith you will develop the other things to live a more complete Christian live.
Be blessed Sister and keep praying to Jesus. He'll supply all your needs, including answers to questions.
Take care.
2007-08-30 06:53:52 · answer #11 · answered by dvl_h8r 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋