Christianity?

I believe that you do NOT have to go to Church to be a Christian. I am a strong beleiver in Jesus Christ and I do not go to Church like I should. I believe that people should give up time out of there busy schedule to try to go to Church, but I don't think that it decides whether or not we are believers.

I find that a lot of church goers seem to go just to ease their conscience because they don't act in a Christian way. Sometimes I think that some of the people that don't believe in God at all act better than those that are supposedly christians.

I agree with you on the fact that I don't believe you have to attend church in order to be considered a true Christian!!! I think that as long as you believe and do what you feel is right for you - whether it's just praying when you feel the need or going to church if that is what makes you feel right about it!! I also agree with you that there are lots of people who think that they can just do as they please with regards to sinning and then think that by attending church and asking for forgiveness about what they have done will do the trick!!!

I always feel that church is not a good place for us, Christians. As they already had broken some rules on the 10 Commandments, the teachings about worshipping false/man-made images. In fact it is said that, pray only as to what our Father has told us to do -which is, by praying "OUR FATHER". For He already knows what we want and what we need, and still the church allows praying the rosary and worshipping saints/virgin mary. For me, I would not put myself on some misleading and false worshipping. I think CHRISTIANITY is VERY different from Catholic.

I am a christian and don't attend church. I feel that church was meant for fellowship. I get the social aspects of my life from work, family and other various events in my life. I agree about the hypocritical people. When you think about it the church is run by people which equals imperfection. I am not intrested in searching to finding a place I feel comfortable with the atmosphere and people so I can pray. Which I do quite well at, right in my own home.

from my view i think is good for christians to go to church ...cos how do you grow strong by being at home and not reading God principles and associating with the brethren.

I think there are lots of christians who don't go to church. It used to be viewed as they didn't go cause they were caught up in some sin, but I don't think this holds water so much anymore, as many express disillusionment with the churches. I don't go, but only because I have a problem not conforming, and don't like to become a different (worldly) person, than what I am. What I need is a church where they arrive in old clunkers, wearing blue jeans.. But I think it's natural for the churches to be dissappointing, after all they are made up of human beings. I believe one should go to church to visit and "fellowship" with fellow believers. I believe it should be relaxed and friendly, and I'm sure many are. I've always been a lone wolf when it comes to my studies, etc. and blessed with christina friends in my life. I've been a christian for almost 30 years. Didn't find God in church, but when I was walking alone in the mountains.. And learned how to draw close to God and Jesus by reading the New Testament and Psalms and through prayer, and prayerful pondering..

I agree with you. I do not believe in God but I do believe in a higher power. You don't need to go to church everyday as long as you know that that higher power knows what is in your heart.

i am a christian but i think its still good to go to church so that our faith would grow more because we are engage in uplifting each other's spirit especially if you got a small group or a bible study group. it is also encourage in the bible (though i can't remember the verse) to not give up continue meeting with each other because satan is just around the corner and ready to attack.

i was always taught that going to church was just something that you should want to do if you are a Christian. i am in college and i'm usually very busy and the only time i have to sleep in is on sat. and sundays. i know that God doesnt require Christians to go to church, but if he is really in your heart, you should desire to fellowship with other Christians (i think half of the reason for church is fellowship). i do go to church when i go home, and i dont really think of it as a duty now. God DOES know whats in your heart, and the hypacritical people that you sometimes find in churches have no right to judge that.

Going to church does not make you a christain,you are just a church goer,there is differences between being religious and spiritual and the likes of those you call hypocrites are just religious.i believe going to church makes you a true christain,if you follow the precepts of God.it is in the bible that we should not despise coming together of the faithfuls,wherever 2or3 are gather i am always there thats what God is saying and you dont have to really compare yourself with the hypocrite,go to church on sunday,take part in weekly activities and you sure have reward with God,being a chrisitain does not really mean that you are not going to suceed in life.i have seen a lot of unbelievers that are prosperous in thier endeavours but being a true chrisitain make you bear true allegiance with God and you always have direct access to him.he guides you in all ways and his grace and mercy rests with you.

i for one don't go to church regularly, when i find the time or just happen to pass by i just go inside, say a little prayer, ask for forgiveness and guidance and thats it.. the important thing is that you know that you are a good person by doing good things and trying to avoid commiting a sin...

You have the right to believe anything your want and so does everybody. some's would be inline with what you think and others' would would be contrary. For me, I believe that Cristianity isn't just a religion as most people think but rather it is the Lord Jesus Christ's manifestation in a person (his speech, attitude, life in general - such person is a Christian). To be a christian, one must be a child of God. What does it take then to be a child of God (Christian); * One must confess his/her sins * Accept the Lord Jesus as personal saviour * Be baptised Where (setting) then is it possible do all these-especially being baptised. Certainly and only in the Church. Therefore the Church plays a vital role in one becoming a Christian. (Every christian goes or has been to Church / to be a christian one has to go to Church). Now after this most people think as they are now children of God the Church can be ignored with excuses of not enough time as in this discussion. I believe that 'Children of God'(Christians) grow in grace. Growth in grace could be positive or negative (fall) if you grow negatively in grace it means you have fallen from being a christian. how do maintain christianity? it is at this point that the Church strongly comes in. the church helps us to grow positively in grace, ensuring we still maintain our christianity. How does the church grow us in grace? * There is spiritual support that enjoyed by members of the church. Our dear brother/sister is falling (spiritually, emotionally,etc) let's pray for our dear brother or sister. that sure is spiritual support and this is inevitable in every church. * There is also spiritual strengthening from the church as +ve growth in grace by members of the church to maintain their christianity. the church is organising a 21 days prayer and fasting and members are taking part. this strengthens them spiritually. These are a few of the facts i believe ensure christianity in the life of christians (definitely go to church). Being a christian is initiated by the church and growing in grace (a true christian ought to)is also benefitted from the church. To Conclude, All christians go to church Not all who go to church are christians 99.9% of all that do not go to church are not christians

I agree with you. Going to church does not mean you are a christian. Not going does not mean you are not. If it was like that what about christian people that because of illness etc are not able to go to church? Some christians like going to church or other christian meetings. Others feel more comfortable reading the bible on their own. Believing in Jesus is what makes you a christian.

Going or have often a person goes to church does not determine rather they are a christian or not. I enjoy going to church and I think that christians should attend church,some people can't make it every Sunday, but I think they should try,I use to work two jobs while I was in College, that's pretty busy, but I still made time to go to church.It doesn't make me any better than anyone, I just enjoy giving God praise in a place of worship. I think it's wrong for christians to put other chrisitans down for not attending church regularly.

Christianity starts by practical virtues and later extends into the church.

Too many people got to church to be seen, not worship. Some churches have different practices and rules. I remember when I was a kid one of my friends was Catholic and was not allowed to go to any other church nor could anyone go with her to her church. That has since been relaxed. I believe, regardless of the religion, we all are God's children and he loves us. The act of going to church is sometimes just habit. There is a church here in Houston called Lakewood Church. It is one of the largest in the nation. It is also on tv weekly. I frequently watch the service on tv. I've never st foot in the place, but I do like the Pastor's messages.

I believe the same. God knows whats in your heart. What he really wants is for you to look to him for all your needs. He wants you to completely trust in Him and seek His help everyday. Church is just another place to go to talk to Him, worship Him, and be around others christians for their support. You can talk to Him and worship anywhere. Thats what I hate about religion. People start makeing their own rules about what they think you should do for God. Then they condemn you when you don't follow their "rules". Thats not what God wants. I could on about this forever. I better just stop there:)

I don't think that you have to go to church to be a Christian, but I do think that it helps. Going to church helps you to learn more about God, more about the Bible, more about Christian doctrine - and the fellowship can be wonderful as well. I don't know what I'd do without my church family - they've lifted me up and provided support through some dark times. There are going to be hypocrites no matter where you go - church is, unfortunately, no exception. Please remember that they are the exception and not the rule, though. I dare say that the majority of Christians attend church to learn, to worship, to try and be better people.

Does anyone who goes inside a garage becomes a car? I don't think so. It is the same with christianity. You can't be a christian just by attending church services. Anyway, I am a believer of Christ and i don't give much time to sunday services. It is because i believe that God Himself can make us better even if we don't attend services. But still the fact that we belong to a church cannot be ignored. Fellowships may be undone but being part of the church cannot be. The elect is automatically drawn to the church once he/she is regenerated.