Do you have to belong in church or another religion community just to believe..

@Anouke (61)
Finland
October 28, 2007 10:12am CST
..in something higher? I don´t belong any church,but I´m not atheist either.I do believe in God in my own way,I don´t need church to quide me or to give me some kind of proval for believing.What do you think,is my believing right or do we have to belong in some community to get our prays to be heard?
4 responses
@rdurusan (624)
• Philippines
29 Oct 07
I do not belong to any church,before i was a roman catholic and i even serve in that church.Reading the bible open my eyes to the many lies of most christian churches.I am still searching for the true christian church.
@HighReed1 (1126)
• United States
29 Oct 07
I don't think you have to be in church to believe in God. You don't have to be in a church to be saved, either. Church is to help teach and so you can be with others of your faith.
@missjackie (1357)
• Ypsilanti, Michigan
28 Oct 07
I've went through several churches, trying to find the right religion for me. But, what I've found out, is that I'm truly an atheist. I just think that there is no such thing as a god. But, that's just my belief. If someone wishes to belief in god, then I don't care. As long as they don't push their beliefs on me.
@dcwike (20)
• United States
28 Oct 07
I don't think it's "necessary" to "join" any particular church to show proof that you are a believer or to be approved or accepted by God. Churches are there for those who seek guidance with others who choose to worship God in the same manner. I, myself, have visited many churches of my faith, as I have lived in many different states of the US - even joined one or two. But, that's because I found comfort in that - you know, meeting and associating, being accepted by people who believe as I do and worship in the same way. It was also spiritually rewarding for me to be a contributor in teaching and reaching out to youths, as a Sunday School teacher and getting involved in church community events. But, each of us, even you, Anouke, whom are believers, find our own niche with the Lord, and are guided by Him to our own paths. Just BEING the example of your faith to the best of your ability is all that is expected by God. He knows your heart, and, that's all that counts. So, as a believer, just follow your heart and let the Lord lead you, and don't worry about what others think. Thank you much for starting this topic, Anouke. I'd rather not join a church than join one for the wrong reasons.