Churchless Christians: is this right?
By manong05
@manong05 (5027)
Philippines
February 5, 2007 6:33am CST
Can a person be a good christian and not belong to any church organization? He may go to several churches wherever and whenever he wants and doesn't like to be identified with any particular church or group. He doesn't believe in any organized form of christianity but just enjoys the study of scriptures.
2 people like this
4 responses
@tomsims (9)
• United States
6 Feb 07
You ask very good questions.
I don't think the issue is one of being a "good Christian" as much as it is of what does it mean to be a Christian alive in the world. The definition must include relationship with God and transformation in our relationships with others.
From a spiritual perspective, the Christian is already part of an invisible, eternal church.
From a practical standpoint, but also equally spiritual, we are called to live in a community on mission, offering mutual support and encouragement, and living out the meaning of reconciled relationships in the laboratory of the Body of Christ.
I am not sure how organized it is, but whenever people get together and break out of isolation, some sort of organization emerges, sometimes loosely. We develop stated or unstated covenants that define the boundaries and rhythms of our relationships.
I cannot imagine living out my faith without the love and support of my family of faith.
@manong05 (5027)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
I agree. Once a person puts his faith in God, he automatically becomes a part of the invisible body of believers throughout the world and the local gathering of believers is a local expression of it. Faith though a personal matter, living out of one's faith is never designed to be in isolation. Faith grows and mature in the context of a body and of the world as a whole.
I appreciate your response. Very well said.
1 person likes this
@Bizziebod (3497)
•
5 Feb 07
Hi, Surely if a person is doing good in their life and are not harming each other then surely it doesn't matter what religion (if any) they pratice. I'm not religious at all but I'm not a bad person, I don't harm anyone, I work hard, I abide by the rules of the land. Surely that is more important than whether they actually attend church or not?
1 person likes this
@cloud_kicker_32 (4635)
• United States
6 Feb 07
yes i truly do..I am one of those people..I have tried many many churches,.and been disappointed with all of them..and i have also noticed that not all christians that go to church are all the nice and christian,,when they are at church they are one person..outside church they are totaly different..and i know the i belive in God and Jesus and i worship them in my home..and i talk to them..pray for people..and i help who i can,,and do what i can to be a good christian and an all around good person..so yes..its very possible,:)
@XxAngelxX (2830)
• Canada
5 Feb 07
I am not a church goer, however I do not feel this makes me a bad christian. I try my best to do my best every day, and I feel I can worship God from my home or wherever I choose to be, as He is everywhere. I treat others as I would want them to treat me and am trying to raise my children in the same way. I do not feel this makes me any less worthy than one who attends church every week or twice a week.
1 person likes this