posted on Feb, 15 2011 @ 08:16 PM
I'm a Christian and don't go to church - here's why...
1) I don't think sitting in a special building singing songs that are 200 years old and listening to someone else's interpretation of the bible is
what Jesus had in mind. I think he wants us putting in our time and energy into fulfilling our purpose in life and/or helping others. Nowhere in the
bible does it say we must show up at this special building every week or go to hell.
2) There are a lot of arbitrary, made-up "rules" dictated by different denominations. Beliefs against things like dancing, rock music, revealing
clothing, etc. I don't think God gives a hoot what we wear or how we entertain ourselves. I don't appreciate some old geezer telling me that heavy
metal is "the devil's music". Many heavy metal musicians are Christians and most at least believe in God.
3) Churches will be quite welcoming to the newcomer, but by the 3rd or 4th attendance, they will inevitably approach you about donating money to the
church. This would not necessarily be a bad thing, but a lot of that money is used to send missionaries to try and convert tribal peoples in the
rainforest. The rest of it goes to regional, national and world church service offices (varies depending on denomination) and has nothing to do with
helping those in the immediate community.
I worship Christ in a very private way, in prayer and meditation and do my best each day to perform what he has asked of me. The word "Christian"
means Christ-like. Jesus healed the sick, told the truth, was kind to everyone, and gave people hope. So that's what I try to emulate (falling
terribly short sometimes, as most humans do)