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?
2007-12-13 02:49:44 · 34 answers · asked by ? 4 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
Well, I partly agree and partly disagree. I do believe you can have a personal relationship with God and not go to church. That said, the fellowship that you get is very important and it does encourage you to do so in the Bible: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1).
So I am a Christian, I feel very blessed to have found a church home where the leader is very dynamic and well educated. I do not agree with everything he says, but his overt message is that he wants the church body to be known for who we love not what we are against. I have attended churches of specific denomination in the past, but I have chosen a non-denominational church as my home.
2007-12-13 03:06:29 · answer #1 · answered by Proud Navy Wife 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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.
2007-12-13 03:11:29 · answer #2 · answered by cooldaddy25 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christianity isn't a religion and does not include rituals. And yes, you can have a personal relationship with God without going to church... but it is not advisable only because we need to fulfill our purposes on earth and in the church. I am not going to go into detail about this, but I am going to refer you to 1 Corinthians 12. Read that and then decide for yourself. If you still require info, I will gladly reply when you mail me.
In the end, it is not the church that will open the gates to heaven, but your believe in Jesus Christ . Some church goers might not ever see heaven. I'm not judging now, it is not my place, but I have seen hypocrites in church and true Christians who never go to church.
Still I think it is important to go to church. For your own personal growth. We all need 'spiritual 'food' from other sources inspired by the Holy Spirit. And that you will find in Christian communities. Commonly known as churches.
2007-12-13 03:17:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many people think that if you can quote Bible passages left right and centre and attend church regularly then you must be "holy".
When Christianity began 2 thousand years ago or so, many of the early Christians were illiterate and were unable to read the Bible and quote from it. It's not your knowledge of the Bible or things religious that makes you a Christians- it's your relationship with Jesus. Faith is not measured by knowledge, but by what is in your heart.
2007-12-13 02:54:27 · answer #4 · answered by jofrancisc 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. Many Christians denounce organized religion because they do not like the way a particular organization interprets the Bible, or perhaps they do not approve of the causes that church supports.
There are many fine nondenominational churches .
2007-12-13 03:03:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel that way, yes. I have lived that way for many years. I feel that organised religion seems to separate and divide rather that to bring us together as the Lord intended.
I know that God speaks to us through each of our hearts, His words are in the Bible, but they can be felt when studied when the heart is open and not being judged. Alot of the Church is about judgment, which is not fair...We as humans have no place to judge, nor should we want that kind of power. Great question! Love and light!
2007-12-13 04:28:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh sure, I am a living example. The only reason I still go to church is so I can sing with the choir, otherwise, I have come to the conclusion that I am not cut out to belong to a church. The BS level is just too high for me to take, and to me it has very little to do with God. So I pray and talk to God, read the Bible, and also try to get out and enjoy nature, where I feel I'm closer to God.
2007-12-13 02:54:51 · answer #7 · answered by mom of 2 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes very much so.. In fact the Church is not in a building but inside of you! I am not part of an organize religion anymore.. growing up here in Los Angeles in one of the larges Churches in America..
I believe God wants all of us to have a personal relationship with him.. and fellowship with one another for brotherly love..
I may have not answer your question right but hey.. you feel where im coming from.. I know you do!
2007-12-13 02:54:20 · answer #8 · answered by ☻Jay ™☻ 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course! And you'd be right in doing so. Organized Religion was developed as a control mechanism. Some good things have come from it, but it's passe now! Those who follow, need it! Those who don't, well let's just say we don't! Doesn't make us bad people, we just don't need the control of some cleric telling us god will punish us if we don't believe as others! I feel sorry for those who think that way.
2007-12-13 03:03:20 · answer #9 · answered by da_zoo_keeper 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its possible. Your idea of church is probably tainted by a bad experience. If you find the right church then you would enjoy going and would probably agree that going there and helping others is brings great joy to your life. i could stay home and never attend church and still feel as if I had the same relationship with god. however I know that by going to church and helping others in need. I am doing his work. What he would want me to do.. Do you agree?
2007-12-13 02:55:22 · answer #10 · answered by RE 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋