Are churches just massive cliques if you understand the general gist of the faith should you keep going?

[Anonymous]

[b_lova]

I'm assuming when you say church and faith you mean Christianity.

I am a Christian, but have given up on the religion of it because of the cliquish community. Don't get me wrong I will meet with those who are devote followers of Christ and talk, but I don't accept the hypocrisy I see through out the church. Note the little "c". Big "C" is a representation of the body of Christ.

FYI, I worked for and with large and small churches for most of my adult life.

Please don't get me wrong, many pastors spread GOD'S Truth, but the community apparently has decided to not listen.

All that being said, don't stop just because you think you have gotten the gist. We can and will spend an eternity getting to know GOD. Pray, study and pursue GOD'S Truth to fulfill the reason He created you. That reason isn't complicated as some will say. He created you and us all to be in relationship with Him. That's the whole point of the Gospel and is outlined in the first three chapters of the Book of Genesis.

[BCRanger10]

Yes, one should continue to attend. True religion is not just about knowing doctrines, let alone just a "general gist". It primarily concerns our relationship with God. The key word there is "relationship". A relationship involves words and actions. It involves speaking words of love, performing acts of love, as well as acts of service. In a word, it involves practice. If you know the "general gist" of a great play or film, it does not carry the same meaning if you don't view it. It's the same thing with religious faith.

[Asker]

but do you have to go to church to do that if you have a bible study with a friend

[BCRanger10]

What is the purpose of church? I mean, if there's no difference between going to church and doing a Bible study, then why even bother with a church to begin with?

It's a lot easier for me to make this argument as a Catholic, and for a variety of reasons (despite the fact that Jesus clearly stated His intent to establish a church in Matthew 16). There are deep reasons behind why we do what we do during Mass, which culminates with Holy Catholic.

[Asker]

just read it thanks. i guess i never belonged in a church since it was really established when i went

[BCRanger10]

Sorry, the end of my last comment should have said "Holy Communion".

Why do you say you never belonged in a church?

[patois]

The church is about community. The body of Christ is not a building, it's all of the people that believe in and follow God. The Bible speaks to the importance of supporting one another not going through the motions by sitting In the pew. That said, many people stay connected with their community through ritual attendance of church every week at the same time. To me that rings hollow, because just showing up to punch a time slip isn't the goal...

[patois]

If you were to study scripture regularly, learn from other knowledgeable Christians that have conducted deep dives on the complexity of the Bible even over the internet, and you were connected with general neighborhood of Christians, showing them sympathy, love, charity, etc. you would be more in line with the teachings of the Bible, than just showing up on time every week for church while you played on your phone to pass the time.

[Asker]

awesome great i do that and already have that. for me my church is a clique im new and they know each there for 10 years. mixing with people my age is gossip and this person likes that person and jealousy

[Asker]

it does mean i might not meet a christian guy to date but thats so not the point of church so ill just leave that to god

[patois]

So then your family/friends/neighbors that are Christians that you regularly associate with and study the bible are your church (they are your body of Christ), because they are a congratulation of Christians. You practice your faith with them. That's not to say you should snub other Christians because you don't like their gossip or whatever... While gossip and slander are seen negatively in the Bible, everyone is imperfect... You'll find some of the most flawed people trying to find meaning and unity in churches. It is what it is... When people are lost the often seek out God. So if it's not a matter that affect the health of the church, maybe they need a reminder to be nudged in the right direction.

[patois]

*they

[AngryCarl]

Clique is such a pejorative word. Some churches are like cults. The Methodist church I was forced to attend as a child was more like a club. But you don't have to attend church to worship. If you don't like other Christians you may as well stay at home.

[jshm2]

A "church" is more or less a cult in many regards. But there are some good works in some.

However, it's a separate matter from faith, which is more to do with the individual and their relationship with God.

[patois]

Yet the Christian Bible specifically tells Christians if anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. That is to say, Christians can share the gospel, but if someone is unwilling to listen they should just move on. Christianity can't be forced. You can see that in Matthew 10:14-16 which speaks to spreading the message. Then in Luke 15:11-32 The parable of the lost son it indicates anyone can leave at any time freely and then return again even after committing sins... While Christians would hope people would stay true to the message, they understand that people stumble and they rejoice when lost sheep return on their own.

In contrast cults generally try to force and coerce their belief system and demand unwavering devotion to a set of beliefs which often enough are centered on some figurehead. This is pretty much the opposite of what the Bible teaches Christians.

[Anonymous]

God's word is perfect. Man is not! The whole point of going to church is you have the opportunity to grow in your faith through fellowship. It doesn't make you more deserving of the kingdom of heaven if you attend church more. NONE of us are worthy of the kingdom of heaven. It is God's grace that allows us that gift. This is why a fellow Christians job is just to help facilitate someone else forming a closer relationship with God if it is in thier power to do so.

[strateguy632]

in the church are various cliques so wrong. and should keep going.

[FunkyMonkee]

Pretty much. They're mostly brainwashing/indoctrination centers.

[genericname85]

i would describe them as a "cult". but i guess they're also a clique xD

[DrPepper12]

All organized religions are scams, cliques and lies. Walk away

[RedInnocent69]

Yes, echo chambers of hypocrisy and hate. Religion is politics under another name. Always be skeptical.

[OtterMan68]

no, churches are places to get spiritually recharged and be part of something bigger than yourself

[LiamJHayden]

Places of worship should be soul hospitals, but many are guilty of what you say.

[John_And_Elijah]

You're not required by God's law to attend church.

[Pterodon]

Sometimes I think they are. I grew up in the church

[laly520]

up to u if u wanna keep going or not

[gorydetails]

Churches serve as a spiritual community.

[jahaims]

Church is a scam to make money