I have been thinking about going to church more so then I have before over the last month or so(give or take) yet when I say im going to go, the day rolls around I never do, its almost like im scared to.

 

I was brought up in a family, that doesn't go to church. We never talk about god in our family, The only time I have been into a church is for a few Wedings, and my pre school was inside a church.

 

The biggest thing for me though is this, and its something my friend told me.

 

He asked me if I believed in God, and I told him that I did, but when I told him I dont attend church, and I do the things that you arnt supose to when you accept God into your life. He then he told me I have a case of the "What if" He told me the only reason I believe in God is because Im scared of what will happen if I dont if everything with heaven and hell is true. He also thinks that I might not be ready to give up my life style. I do pray, but it really just seems like im wishing for things that wont come true, because I dont feel a presence there between me and him.

I'm almost the complete opposite of you. My family went to church HEAPS when I was younger, but we've just stopped going. Holidays like Easter and Christmas we end up going though.

church, eek.... youve opened up a HUGE can of worms, and i wont eat many of them

 

church, religion, etc = opiate for the masses, yes... jesus loves you, the bible tells us so

He then he told me I have a case of the "What if" He told me the only reason I believe in God is because Im scared of what will happen if I dont if everything with heaven and hell is true.

 

Well, do you?

I have been thinking about going to church more so then I have before over the last month or so(give or take) yet when I say im going to go, the day rolls around I never do, its almost like im scared to.

 

I was brought up in a family, that doesn't go to church. We never talk about god in our family, The only time I have been into a church is for a few Wedings, and my pre school was inside a church. 

 

The biggest thing for me though is this, and its something my friend told me.

 

He asked me if I believed in God, and I told him that I did, but when I told him I dont attend church, and I do the things that you arnt supose to when you accept God into your life. He then he told me I have a case of the "What if" He told me the only reason I believe in God is because Im scared of what will happen if I dont if everything with heaven and hell is true. He also thinks that I might not be ready to give up my life style. I do pray, but it really just seems like im wishing for things that wont come true, because I dont feel a presence there between me and him.

Biblically speaking, a big part of believing, is turning your life over to God. If you read the new testament, and the words of Jesus, it is said over and over that people will see God in you, if you are truely a believer.

 

I could site more but the best thing you can do is read the new testament for yourself. Read the verses, and then pray to God about them.

We used to go to church all the time. Now i havnt been for a few years.

Too bad ChiSoxxy hasn't been around much lately, she probably has the most varied background in the world's religions.

 

If I can offer a suggestion, and since we seem to be discussing Christian religions, I will limited my ideas there. Take time to visit a few Churches of different denominations to find one you are comfortable in. Visit with the Pastor or perhaps some of the lay ministers or other followers. A big factor in what you gain from Church is how welcome you feel.

 

Drop into a decent Christian bookstore and look at books about the Bible. Ask for help in finding one that is more mainstream. There are some over the top doomsday stuff that IMHO is just weird. Pick up a Bible translation that you like. There are literally dozens of translations, some easier to read and comprehend than others. There are several Bible reading plans that will have you "cover to cover" in a year, but not by going Genesis to Revelation. Wading through the Old Testament first can be a bit challenging. One I recommend is the Life Application Study Bible with features the New Living Translation.

 

At the end of your walk there are a couple outcomes. You may emerge with a greater understanding of yourself and God's plan for you. Or you may emerge as a non believer. Either way it will be an informed decision.

 

The church and religion are the two biggest forms of control over people. Get everyone to believe in this invisible being that sees all and knows all and if you don't do exactly as you're told to do. Then he will condemn you to an eternity of burning and suffering.....but HE LOVES YOU..... I guess if religion is something people must do to feel complete or give their own life meaning then I say more power to you but myself, I refuse to believe that stuff.

I went to church every week (and then some) growing up. I stopped going when I was 16 or 17. The only time I go now is for weddings and funerals. I have thought about going back from time to time, and probably will once I have kids (start them out with it and let them make their choice about going when they get older).

If I can offer a suggestion, and since we seem to be discussing Christian religions, I will limited my ideas there. Take time to visit a few Churches of different denominations to find one you are comfortable in.

 

I don't think it'll help him that much to explore different versions of God if he doesn't know if he really believes in A god in the first place.

I don't think it'll help him that much to explore different versions of God if he doesn't know if he really believes in A god in the first place.

But something may resonate in his being while attending a Buddist Temple that doesn't when he visits a Mormon Church or Mosque.

But something may resonate in his being while attending a Buddist Temple that doesn't when he visits a Mormon Church or Mosque.

 

Then you should have mentioned those.

 

Also, going to a Christian bookstore is just going to lead him to reading apologetics bulls***.

I would like to throw in my "2 cents", if I may.

 

I believe that there is a difference between being spiritual and being religious. For example, just because I only go to synagogue 1-2 times a year, I don't feel that anyone is "more of a Jew" than I am. Last year for the "High Holidays" (holiest days of the year for Jews), I took out my prayerbook(s) and prayed at home; I don't believe that just because I didn't pray in synagogue that my prayers "don't count".

 

Your faith is in your heart and in your soul; it doesn't reside in the church, synagogue, mosque, etc., down the street. You can love/worship G-d in any way YOU see fit. I pray everyday, from work, home, my car, etc. It still "counts".

 

Peace.

Then you should have mentioned those.

 

Also, going to a Christian bookstore is just going to lead him to reading apologetics bulls***.

And before you hurt yourself getting all bent out of shape, the questioner specifically referenced Christian teachings and traditions. So it only follows natural thought that the answers would follow that same path.

 

If the questions were more general, so could the answers have been.

I really do think there is a God, and that is what I believe. I also do know that there are things I do now that I might be afraid of giving up.

 

Also, I was talking to my nextdoor neighbor today about this, and she told me not to confuse the 'church' with worshipping God. The church is a man made thing. Don't let a man made institution corrupt your feelings towards your God. So also im asking, do you think I would have to go to church, since I dont know many who do around me, if I did accept God into my life.

 

dont forget, I never have attended church.

 

I dont want to sound stupid, but could anyone name the type of things that I would have to give up when you do accept god into your life.

OH f***. Sorry bout that WSF. I meant to hit quote and not edit. Goddamnit.

Admins, is there a way to fix up my accidental f***-up and put WSF's original post in? Damn eating cookies and trying to click on Quote.

Admins, is there a way to fix up my accidental f***-up and put WSF's original post in?  Damn eating cookies and trying to click on Quote.

Sorry Apu, not that I know of. Maybe Jas or Alex might know.

I really do think there is a God, and that is what I believe. I also do know that there are things I do now that I might be afraid of giving up.

 

Also, I was talking to my nextdoor neighbor today about this, and she told me not to confuse the 'church' with worshipping God. The church is a man made thing. Don't let a man made institution corrupt your feelings towards your God. So also im asking, do you think I would have to go to church, since I dont know many who do around me, if I did accept God into my life. 

 

dont forget, I never have attended church.

 

I dont want to sound stupid, but could anyone name the type of things that I would have to give up when you do accept god into your life.

"Church" is not about the building you go into or what denomination you choose. And NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER let ANYONE tell you different.

 

"Church", at least from a Christianity perspective, is about whether or not you believe Jesus Christ was sent to Earth to die for our sins. If you choose to believe, then there are other steps along the way. God, Jesus, and the Spirit work in tandum here on earth, oversimplified. Some call that weak-minded... but to each their own.

 

Do you believe that?

 

I will never tell you what to believe or not to believe, you must decide that on your own. Study the bible. Determine whether or not you believe whether or not what it says.

 

Note: I am in no way comdemning any other religion or against it in any way, shape or form. I'm answering the question about "church" - a man made baloney wagon. "church" is now something it shouldn't be. "church" should be a new testament way of life (if you are a Christian) - and in modern times that's near impossible with as much junk as there is out there. I figure I better put this disclaimer out there so I don't get hate mail.

Hey Apu, I just quoted it.

Thanks, Kap. All corrected.

 

Now as for what you'd have to give up: Everything fun.

My family and I go to Church every Sunday. Does it hurt to dedicate at least 1 hour of your day (once a week) to God? Just think about that.

 

Are we talking about Charlotte Church?

 

Are we talking about Charlotte Church?

religion breeds war