In other words, do you think the whole idea of going to church on Sunday (or Saturday or Wednesday) is kind of not what Jesus intended?? Do you think that a lot of practices, traditions and ideas in the churches today are unneccesary and restraining or misleading? Do you think that going to church can hurt you rather than help? Do you think that Jesus intended something totally and completely different?
2007-10-08 05:20:04 · 14 answers · asked by ? 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, when I was studying christian mythology I spent alot of time in churches- and one phrase i heard a few times at one particular baptist church was "you can't sit in a garage and call yourself a car, so you can't go to church and call yourself a christian".
It was interesting, and I think the way that ties in is that in the christian mythology jesus wanted actions to be how believers expressed their faith. Not words, or showy acts of grandoise. Just the simple actions that show enlightenment and belief.
So in this case- if you are just going to church- then yes it would be against God's wishes. If you were just going because you thought you had to, or had to.
2007-10-08 05:27:41 · answer #1 · answered by dougisdumb 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The very early Christians assembled on the very first day of the week, that is Sunday, to worship Jesus as God, that fact is affirmed in the bible and in non-biblical texts. That practice has been around since the formation of the church. There is absolutely nothing wrong with anyone who chooses to worship that way. It is in no way contrary to Gods plan.
However it is not essential to gather on Sunday or any particular day, and yes there are assemblies of Christians who will hinder your relationship to Christ.
Finally, Paul says "do not forsake the assembly" which means don't stop meeting! We have to meet with other Christians so we can be uplifted and exhorted. We are family! Families spend time together, it is essential to their unity. So therefore find a place to meet where you don't feel hindered by traditions and laws of men, though not all traditions are bad. It is when tradition is more important than Christ that tradition is evil. Just like you have traditions in your own family are bad if the tradition becomes greater than the love for your family. Anyways hope there was a little light here.
2007-10-08 12:40:22 · answer #2 · answered by Zalos 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible makes it clear that Christians are intended by God to be a body - a family - a church - a community. That means it is essential to meet together as a body. The Bible tells us that the early church gathered for worship on the first day of the week. And it tells us that we likewise should not stay away from the assembly of the church (Heb 10:24-25).
2007-10-08 12:54:25 · answer #3 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. The fact is that anyone who is a believer IS the church the Body of Christ. They don't GO to a church, they take the church with them wherever THEY go.
I think the Lord wants us to meet and fellowship with other like minded believers, but it doesn't have to be on a Sunday and He sure didn't mean for it to be the confusion you see with all the zillion denominations with a different church building and a different "way to find God" on every corner.
2007-10-08 12:26:48 · answer #4 · answered by goinupru 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Jesus never talked about a one-on-one relationship between Him and us. He said that Peter was the rock and on this foundation, He will build a CHURCH.
The definition of "Church" is a group of believers. Why would Jesus discourage His believers from gathering together to celebrate and worship God? Jesus criticized the religious establishment on many counts, but he never said that believers should not gather together.
2007-10-08 12:25:48 · answer #5 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I definitely do. I think religion has become more of a job to people, or a way for someone to prove they're "morals" by showing up at church. Personally I do not go to church, but I still feel my morals and beliefs are much stronger than most people that do.
2007-10-08 12:24:04 · answer #6 · answered by katesusanne 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
ABSOLUTELY! Jesus didnt make the Churches, Paul and Peter did, who were Jews trying to create a new tradition. Jesus taught detachment from everything in this world (wich most definantly includes churches) and accpetance of the kingdom of heaven which is NOT of this world. Jesus didnt live anywhere, he didnt ask for anything, he didnt need someone else to tell him what to believe, he didnt even want to tell anyone else what to believe, he just wanted to help everyone remember what they already knew and to spread his love and Gods love to everyone he met, then eventually everyone on earth once he broke free of his bodily restrictions. this world is going to hell in a handbasket held by organized religion if you ask me.
2007-10-08 12:29:22 · answer #7 · answered by nacsez 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
though the church in America (assume you are there, I am not but am from there)
you can hang a sign, "God not found here"
it is still biblical and beneficial to congregate for corporate worship (how much can this be wonderful!) and to hear solid bible preaching; to have fellowship with other believers, not just socialize but real fellowship -- sharing what God has been showing you and such and speaking of His greatness and love...supporting one another building one another up...and so on. but yes it can be also detrimental...i see so many churchy christians even here....blah...
2007-10-08 12:27:42 · answer #8 · answered by karen i 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't think going to church "can hurt you rather than help," dear one. God's Word tell us we're SUPPOSED to gather with other believers. That keeps our faith strong. We learn about God's Word. We have someone like-minded to share with. It's all good. And it's all from God.
God bless!
2007-10-08 12:24:31 · answer #9 · answered by Devoted1 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Better would be what St. Paul suggested - to "be" the Church - the "Body of Christ".
2007-10-08 12:28:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋