Does Christianity become sinful when one spends more time at church than they do with their family?

Answer 1

Faith is something that is excluded from, and not dependent upon, the exercise of church attendance; what faith would consider it a good thing to become an obstacle between one and their family?

The relationship between individual and faith is not defined by an action of observance, though that observance be an outward, accepted sign of one's religiosity...

In short, church attendance not only might become an obstacle, if allowed to do so, but isn't even necessarily required for the exercise of one's faith. Attendance is only an outward manifestation, and has no bearing on the state of one's faith and spirituality.

As Jesus said:
"For man looketh on the outside, but God looketh on the heart."

Answer 2

I think that the "sin" label is used way too liberally, I also think that people confuse the Church with, their relationship with God.
most of the time I spend more time on the job, than I do with my family, but I concentrate on spending quality time with my family to make up for it.
when I go to church, my wife goes with me, and when my children were home they also went with me, most of the time, not because I made them, but because they wanted to.
.
it is all a matter of choices, when or if I have to choose between the church, or work, and my family, then my family will always come first.

EDIT: I just read Jack's answer, and he is right on.

Answer 3

No - when God comes first in your life you become a better parent - not the answer you wanted, I know - There is nothing you will ever do serving God that will be a detriment to your children. I know what you're going to say - yes there are kooks out there who do things they think serve God and alienate everyone else and empty their bank accounts. Following a false religion or ministry can do that. Read the Bible, do what it says (not some person) your family will improve because of it. Not the answer you were looking for I'm sure. You're question sounds like you already have a strong opinion on this subject.
God comes first Luke 9:57-62 - everything else will fall in place when He does.

Answer 4

I do believe religion can be taken to the extremes yes. I grew up in a situation with an extremely religious dad. he abused me, and put church before the family. I don't think God would want you to forsake your family for the sake of religion. I tell people this all the time: if your faith isn't making you a better person, and is making you hurtful, you don't need that religion. better you drop it.

Answer 5

Yes.

There's even an incident related to this in the New Testament - the religious leaders of the day were robbing their parents of financial help & they were saying all the money that they would have given to their parents they were going to give to the church. Jesus rebuked them for this and basically said that they should take care of the responsibilities they had to their families.

It's the same with Pastors who get married and then neglect their families to serve the church. Paul warned us for a reason if you want to serve God with no distractions you have to stay unmarried. If you're married you have responsibilities that take you away from doing God's work. But you still must fufill those responsibilities to your family. (Such as not neglecting your spouse and children!)

Answer 6

I would not call it a Sin - I would call it an advoidance of responsibility. It is a good thing to go to church and be there with other people, but to take the word to others is what is needed as well as performing your normal day to day responsibilities.

Answer 7

Not necessarily, it depends on the family.

I suppose it could be, but spending time at church definately does not make someone a better person, or a better Christian.

To bad more people don't figure this one out sooner.

Answer 8

I wouldn't say sinful.. but I'd say that you need to do everything in moderation, even your religion. Just like you can't eat all the time (or you'd get fat and out of shape) You can't be doing religious things all the time or you will be unbalanced.

Answer 9

shouldnt the family be there too? a church starts with a family, sunday is a social event where other families socialize and encourage each other's faith. i feel sad the others dont understand their loved one's commitment.

Answer 10

Yes, Your family comes first before anything, the scriptures says that a man that has not taken care of his family is worse than a man without faith.