Do you have to go to church or belong to a specific denomination to be a Christian?

[Anonymous]

[DryGermanGuy]

Jesus said, I am the light that is over all things.

I am all: from me all came forth, and to me all attained.

The Kingdom of God is inside you and all around you
Not in a mansion of wood and stone
Split a piece of wood and I am there
Lift a stone and you will find me.

- Gospel of Thomas

[DrPepper12]

I was forced to go to Catholic school and forced to go every Sunday. The only thing I learned from K-8 was a COMPLETE LOATHING OF CATHOLICISM and organized religion in general.. It's a cancer on humanity. I'm a militant atheist now and follow stoicism and OG Buddhism

[jennifer_bloom]

I think you have Christians and then you have God following Christians - a lot of Christians don't fulfill the requirements of their religion. An example is the guy who harasses me on this site with lies, he used to lead worship at church.

[NamerOfStars]

Nope. Jesus specifically said "Whenever two or more of you are gathered in my name, I am there". Kinda makes you wonder why so many people seem to have trouble finding Him, but it's pretty clear sect membership is optional.

Theologically, at least.

[nawtee_me]

The term Christian means to be a follower of Christ. In other words to follow the teaching of Jesus. It helps to go to church and be around like minded people but salvation only comes from a relationship with Jesus.
The Bible says that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead then you will be saved. It is through confession and faith that grace covers our sins and salvation is given.

[BeetleBro2000]

CS Lewis wrote a short book "mere Christianity" which I think explains this idea well (although I haven't read it in a few years, so I could be mis-remembering it somewhat).

Basically: no, but you will likely want to. Joining a specific denomination/church with a community of semi-like-minded peers is a good idea as you figure out where you stand on relevant issues, both to practice the Christian lifestyle with and just generally to make friends with.

[Chazmatazz269]

Nope. The bible only requires a personal relationship with Christ to be a Christian.
Fellowship is a different story, and it’s likely your best defense against what may be a relentless onslaught against your choices.

[82lynx]

Nyet. I haven’t been in a church building in ages. Most people and I have nothing in common and it was no different there. Why waste my Sundays on people I don’t get along with, or even know I exist? That’s what the rest of the week is for, minus the crappy music and boring sermon.

[Lionman95]

I would say yes because that's how the community is defined. I can't call myself an American if I've never been to the US either. It might sound harsh for some people but being Christian isn't just something individual but something that is lived in a community. The first believers were called Christians by others they didn't start calling themselves Christians.

[jshm2]

Or, more succinctly:

"Going to church for a few hours doesn't make you a Christian, any more than standing in a garage makes you a car".

[b_lova]

No you don't. The Bible says to not forsake the gathering of believers, but doesn't require membership to a group.

[_piotr]

There is no other way than to be a part of The one holy, universal and apostolic Church - Roman Catholic Church.

Jesus Christ gave St. Peter keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, by making him a first pope and The Holy Spirit himself watches over the Church. They have the apostolic succession and the power to forgive sins through the Sacrament of Confession.

[laurieluvsit]

You don't have to go to church to be a christian but many Christians go at least on occasion. Easter Sunday is a big one.

[Hispanic-Cool-Guy]

I go to a local pentecostal church but I'm not a member.

I don't believe in denominations as that isn't Biblical and just divides christians and the body of Christ.

[Agape93]

Nope, that's why you have nondenominational Christians

[imfreeze95]

Yes I go to church (weekly). I am a member of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). I used to be a member of the United Methodist Church (UMC) but I left after they started acting crazy.

[jahaims]

It's all imaginary so you can make your own rules

[ApplePie409]

Much like the church of climate change or the church of Covid.

[Arik_jade]

Should go to church

[Asker]

Why? Which one? They aren't all the same.

[Arik_jade]

In my opinion, prayer is important and not the church... you just pray from bottom of heart and that's it... it doesn't matter which church you are visiting.

[msc545]

Truth.