do you have to attend church to be religious and believe in GOD?

Iowa...I used to think like that when I was younger...Church was rather boring to me, and I felt that I could do just as well in demonstrating my faith, without going. Then I got to know why Church is important... For one, it's the least I can do for God...give up one hour of my time a week, for all the good things that he has done for me. Secondly - Church is like gathering a community of believers together under one roof, to support one another..be thankful together, celebrate our faith together. It is wonderful to be with those who believe as I do, when there are many in the world who do not. Thirdly - when going to the services, I am reminded of what Christ has done for me - willing to be crucified, and dying on a cross so that I might spend eternity with him. Fourth - During the services, we hear the word of God...which is what we need to hear in order to follow in Jesus's footsteps. It would be difficult to understand Jesus' way if we were to never hear what his instructions. It's not always about the good things we do. Finally - Going to church is like visiting my friend's home - when you have a relationship with someone, you often go visit with them. By visiting often, I have developed a stronger relationship with him, and it is with his friendship that I get thru each day.

to be religious and believe in God is to obey God.and how we can do it?by listening to his words.where?in His temple also known as church.why?it is a place where we can acquire more knowledge about Him that can help in our spiritual growth.there we will learn to understand our responsibilities as a Christian and teach us how we can surely glorify Him.and everything follows.

You obviously haven't been to church in awhile! I say that because you are trying so hard. I commend you for your honesty and integrity. Most church people tend to be liars and pretenders. (not all... by any means... there are some good people in church who believe in God too!) I'll answer your quesiton with another question. Where did Noah, Abraham, Adam and Eve, or Joseph go to church? Where did Paul go to church all the years he was locked up in prison. It is very easy for the church to become a god rather than serving God in trying to hang out with His people, we tend to turn the church and its activities into our god. Many people believe in God some do attend regular services, some do not. Either way God is still God!

OMG. i was totally just thinking about this the other night. i totally and completely agree with you. I happen to be Catholic and i actually do go to church regularly but recently have had sort of a epiphany on life and have wondered why do i go to church. I mean i absolutely love God with all of my heart, but i dont see a point in going to church when a good majority of the churchgoers (not to be judgmental or anything) aren't exactly the best christians. I can believe in christ and worship him, and keep holy the sabath without having to go to church every week. I think organized religion in general is sort of dumb. Honestly, no one religion is any less right then the next. Every religion has the same basic principals which we should all live by. If we do this i think that God will show us mercy.