I have my own reasons

As I stated earlier, I think a lot of people quit church because they want to indulge in unscriptural activities, particularly homosexuality. Others because they loose faith in God or have some bad experience. My paternal grandparents quit because they had a baby in a church (don't know what type, I think non-conformist) run hospital. The baby didn't live very long and they felt that these people were more interested in getting the kid baptized than saving his or her life. Obviously I wasn't there and have only heard of it third hand so I don't know how fair this assessment was. The Catholic church has lots of problems and tends to turn people off a lot. As for your reasons for stress: 1. In England churches used to have evening services (don't know if they still do). They don't normally do that in Canada. I'm told they used to but stopped because too many people wanted to watch sports on Sunday evening. You could try to be more organized to reduce stress. 2. Church is supposed to save sinners so a church with no awkward or undesirable people probably isn't doing its job properly. Some people seem to have the delusion of being therapists and try to "fix" others without being asked. Not really a good idea. Most people fix things that are easy for them to fix so their remaining problems are hard to fix. The fat person probably can't easily slim, the smoker can't easily quit, the unemployed person can't easily find a job (and temp laboring jobs may not be the best career plan), the inappropriate dresser may not see the problem (God doesn't judge by outward appearances) and may have a point. Also people tend to try to fix the obvious problem, which isn't always the most serious or the best thing to target first. Particularly annoying is people who think your problems are because of some spiritual problem, particularly the thing they have a bee in their bonnet about. Perhaps you should just ask people what qualifications they have as therapists if they try this. Also ask people for the Biblical basis for what they're saying. You could also try to find a church that has people you get on with better. 3. If you're a Christian, you're not doomed but you're not perfect either. The sermon probably isn't a special message for you anyway. Again, perhaps you could find a church with better teachings. 4. More problematic as a church needs money to operate, just like any other organization. In Britain a lot of churches have old, historic buildings that need expensive maintenance. During WW II, this wasn't done, leaving then with serious problems for decades. I'm not sure that non-religious charities help people more, they also have their overheads and I've heard that some of them spend a lot of money on offices, executives etc. It's true that our faith should be in God, not the church or people (other than Jesus). However, the Bible tells us not to give up the habit of meeting together (sorry can't remember verse - I think it's in one of Paul's epistles). Having other Christians helps you to remain enthusiastic, tends to keep you from going off the theological rails and there are things it's hard to do without other people and perhaps an organization with financial resources.

Whatever works for you. You have valid reasons Not to attend that church. I'm glad to hear you still believe in G-d. Many get so fed up they throw away their faith in G-d along with their lost faith in the Church. G-d is everywhere. There are so many ways to worship Him I'm glad you found a way that fits you and your family. As for he list? The one that would make me stand up and leave as the preacher speaking is being called evil. I would say thank you , stand up and leave. being deemed evil means you are free to do Anything! This means no church! If you are already doomed , why sit there Trying to be accepted?

Read this: http://www.lifestream.org/bodylife.php?blid=32 It's "Why I Don't Go to Church Any More" by Wayne Jacobsen. He also wrote a book called "So You Don't Want to Go to Church Any More." It's at http://www.jakecolsen.com/contents.html free to read online. I think it will address your problems. Wayne Jacobsen has a podcast at http://thegodjourney.com I don't "go to church," either, but I love my Lord Jesus and I know He loves me.

Liberating oneself from the teachings that have been forced upon us is a great achievement. You seem to have got there already. I too have analysed what goes on in churches today. Everything is commercialised. Those who are rich are honoured even though they openly commit actions that would be taboo. The priests and nuns look the other way and say God will decide but if a poor person is seen doing those things hell is promised in full measure. I am forever in the attitude of gratitude and believe in God but do not believe in rituals which at the end of the day lead to collecting funds.

Before you finally give up on church, please try Providence Reformed Baptist Church, 1102 Wagas St, Tondo, Metro-Manila (Contact: Bro. Mario Macalalad, Tel.: (02)252-9464), or Cubao Reformed Baptist Church, 21 Harvard St., Cubao, 1102 Quezon City, Tel.: (02)911-0626, depending which is easier for you to get to. The group have a website, http://www.cubaorbc.org/, which, in the Resources and Links section, lists a number of other churches they can recommend. I've heard two of the Pastors in the group (Brian Ellis and Noel Espinosa) personally.

It seems that we often have to leave the typical church in order to be faithful to God.

that is your choice hon, but I do know many people who have been helped by the church

Like you I was born and raised as a Catholic but now I no longer attend church or mass. I prefer to go to an empty church and pray, rather than attend mass where you can't even breathe with the throng of people. There are so many distractions and with a huge crowd, most of the time the mass is no longer solemn. You would hear the giggles and chatting of younger people. I mean, if you wanted to chat and giggle, do it outside of church. But then again, I can't blame some of these teenagers who are half-heartedly attending mass. Some schools make it an obligation for their students to attend mass, so even if kids don't want to, they're forced to go to mass and you will find that they aren't really praying but rather just waiting for the mass to end.

Not all Churches are like that, I think if you were to try say a Baptist Church you might find it very different all the best urban

Were almost the same avergirl, some of my friends don't understand me in that way. I don't like even tried to explain to them. like what you have said that's the main reason why I do not like to go to the church. I love God and I I have faith to Him all the time. But I just thought I can be a follower to Him even I did not go to church as long I never hate and I'm not bad to anyone I'm a good Christian.

Hi averygirl, It is good to see that you are taking a stand and I know that other young people today are doing the same thing. Never be afraid to question anything, it's the way we learn. You will feel better about yourself and be less stressful, now that you can relax and decide things for yourself. Perhaps, you will go back to church someday, but it must be because you choose to go. You can be a good citizen and a good person without attending any church. Treat other people the way that you want to be treated, that is the key. You feel bad when people say unkind things about you, so do not say unkind things about others. Remember you are not alone, many young people today have stopped attending church, and even quite a few older people as well. Blessings.

Hi! We all need to make pour own decisions. When my children were small I used to take them to the congregation where I went. When they were old enough to reason, they were allowed to make their own choice. They do not practice the same religion I practice. We each make our choice as we can see that God has not spoken from heaven and told us to force people one way or another. I read the Bible daily because I enjoy it. I go to the congregation because I enjoy the fellowship and the encouragement. I listen to the talks and learn from them. The day I no longer find joy in what I'm doing that is the day that I will do something else. All the best!

It is good that you at last stopped bel;ieving in churches.

Maybe you just haven't found the right church for you. I go to Victory Church and i didn't feel the pressure that you went through.

nice one sister. try this too: www.comeandreason.com, and reason out.