Believe in God, but not the church?

[ericamanda01]

Dh and I believe deeply in God but we don't believe that he is more present in any one building more than another. I do however respect the sense of community and sharing of ideas and values that a church has.

 

[Pembo]

To answer OP's question, YES believe but not in church

 

[katedrew94]

I got frustrated with the extent to which most churches are involved in politics, so I stay away from organized religion.

I do, however, believe very strongly in God and consider myself a spiritual person.

 

[Mandabella]

I don't believe you have to show up 1 hour a week at a specific building to be a good Christian. It's more important how you live you life each day than where you show up on Sunday morning. So the answer is no, we do not attend church regularly anymore. A lot of has to do with bad experiences with other church members.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

My answer is no, since I do go to church. I find it grounds me.

 

[Bashful2]

I have a very deep faith in God, but don't go to a church to worship. Most that I've been to have been friendly at first, but then I would start to notice the cliquish behavior. Plus, it always seemed as if they were having a fashion show.

One I went to for years and even served as youth director and on the church council. However, I got disgusted with some of the goings on within the church. When the pastor left, we left too.

There is one local church that I thought about trying, but, from what I understand, it is a more vocal type worship. That's just something I've never been comfortable with. I keep saying that one of these days, I'm going to try it out.

I do miss church. I think it helps me feel closer to God, but I've just been kind of turned off by organized religion.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Great points, Alan! When people say "church is full of sinners" I always think "isn't that the whole point?"

Amen -- and there is always room for one more!

 

[Yardbird]

I have a strong belief/faith in God, and feel that we can be with, and worship God, anywhere. I don't care much for organized religion, my beliefs are more of the non-denominal nature. However, I do love old churches, and the history behind them. What I try to remember is that ALL humans are fallible, no matter how many times a week they attend church, and I've yet to see one walk on water.

 

[Snowysmom]

I believe in God and Jesus but have had no so great experiences attending church. I even taught Sunday School for 4 years. The church just became full of unfriendly, snobbish people who would never say hello or smile at you. Politics also became a big part of the church service. It became a chore to go every week. I pray at home and try to live a good life as much as I can.

 

[simpilotswife]

Yes. I have decided that it is better that I no longer acknowledge myself as a catholic.

 

[jenm2878]

Grew up catholic but couldn't take all the condescension, judging, and "business tactics." Have stronger beliefs since I've left.

 

[ladycollector]

yes...

 

[allie&mattsmom]

I believe in God and the Church. Not that I believe that you must go to church to have a strong faith in God. Just that for me personally, going to Church makes me feel good.

 

[mommaU4]

I guess I believe in God although sometimes it's hard with the things that happen. But no, I don't go to church and refuse to. I've just seen to many phony, self-righteous, judgmental people there. DH takes the kids every Saturday but I stay home.

 

[beattyfamily]

That's pretty much my question..

Yes, I believe in God/Jesus and yes, I believe in my Church. I'm a practicing Catholic and I go every Sunday and all holidays. I love my Church for so many reasons and I couldn't imagine my life without it in it.

 

[Kitty 34]

I believe in GOD but don't believe that a designated place (church) has to be where I worship Him.

 

[JenDaveBrendan]

If someone can actually prove to me that there is a god, then I will believe. Until then, no, I do not believe in god or organized religion. I have several reasons, however I will not get into them.

 

[ugadog99]

Yes. I believe in the spirituality and the idea of a higher being-God. What I have a problem with is the institution of church. I was raised Southern Baptist but do not and will not align myself with them anymore.

 

[6_Time_Momma]

I myself do believe in attending church.

But, I know there is a fellow on the radio. Once in awhile I pause on the station, and he actually believes that it teaches in the Bible that churches are wrong. And that you should practice not as a community. I haven't listened to his whole program, but I find his thoughts interesting. I would love to know his Biblical basis for those thoughts.

 

[6_Time_Momma]

When I had my youngest DD, I wanted to have her baptized. I got really turned off to the church when the local parish priest would NOT baptize my baby because I hadn't contributed enough in the Sunday envelopes!

That actually happened to us as well, with Brittany. Ended up she wasn't baptised until she was 2.