Do you think think God is is the CHURCH only?

@krajibg (11923)
Guwahati, India
August 1, 2009 4:54am CST
Life is full of different events. Now take religion. Those who are religious minded would believe that only going to the Church , Mosque, Temple, Gurudwara would be real worship to God. They believe that God has these place to reside and could be traced there only. Now the question those who are religious and believe in practice it, do believe this that God is restricted to these places only as you know God is Omnipotent and Omnipresent? Rajib. 01.08.09
13 people like this
65 responses
• Saint Lucia
2 Aug 09
Well as we know GOD is always with us and no matter where we are he is there.He resides in us.He is in the church,the home,the school and even the playground.He is omnipresent.We are the church not just a building but those who congregate to worship and praise him.
2 people like this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
4 Aug 09
Hi, Yes this is true that he resides in the heart of all living soul. Churches are places fo9r congregation, for socialization and nothing else.
@John4Christ (1597)
• India
2 Aug 09
Well not really, god is every where.......people go to the church as it is considered a common point where people can come together and pray as one unit.....it encourages fellow-ship and that's what god always wanted, to be together and to worship him........ Now we cannot say that god ONLY dwells in church, we can rather say he dwells there too, and it is a place of worship and is considered holy.....
2 people like this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
2 Aug 09
Hi, Not that God wanted, but men wanted , that too the feudal social set up wanted that people should gather in the premises of the Churches.
• India
1 Aug 09
God is everywhere and is Omnipotent. You need not go to a Church or a Temple or a Mosque to worship god. I pray to a God who is known as ADI PARA SAKTHI, whose temple is situated in Melmaruvathoor, about 100kms from Chennai. The temple authorities themselves say think of mother(that is what the goddess is called) and pray from anywhere you like, She will help you and be with you. I believe in this.
2 people like this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
1 Aug 09
Hi ramesh, I too believe in this way. If you are true to yourself and the Omnipresent you could pray from anywhere, regardless the specific place. Thanks for sharing.
1 person likes this
@nzalheart (2338)
• India
1 Aug 09
Hello krajibg!!! Well I don't believe that god is anywhere in this physical world. But if the god is anywhere then that is in the mind of the people themselves. God exist in people's mind only. This is what I believe. And I know with this statement the believers of God is going to oppose me, but this is what I believe. Nowadays, the scientists have said that the physical world around is the illusion of our senses. The reality is beyond the five senses we have. i.e our five senses are very much limited to see the reality. Whatever we see, feel, sense are the interpretations of our mind. That means each and every thing in this world is the game of our mind. This is what the Lord Buddha said at the first place. All of them who are studying their own mind come to this same conclusion. And so as everything is about the thoughts, the temple, church are the places where the thought is very easy to concentrate towards the God, the god which they believe. Praying is itself a power, because it is the art of focusing the mind of the positiveness and the thoughts are always powerful. happy mylotting...
1 person likes this
@nzalheart (2338)
• India
2 Aug 09
Yes, cannibal I am referring to the very thing. The vedanta and Buddhism has some sort of same things, but if we go to the depth then there is again the differences. Vedanta consists of God whereas Buddhism does not. But the concept of illusion is same in both of them. We are the excellent observers.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
1 Aug 09
Hi there, The Earth is the physical manifestation of the collective consciousness. Now God being an alien to us descends down through our mind and as you have said that the concept of God lies in the mind of the people and there is a point here to ponder over. Even Plato had said that this Era th of ours is the shadow of the shadow of the original Earth. and here is proved your sense perception failing to grab the reality of this world. Thanks you for sharing.
1 person likes this
@cannibal (650)
• India
1 Aug 09
"Physical world is an illusion of our senses." Are you referring to experiments like EPR and those of J.C.Bose which apparently proved that consciousness is the basis of matter? If yes, I'd say that such a theory is the founding stone of the Vedanta. Buddhist beliefs too, are similar.
1 person likes this
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
1 Aug 09
I can not speak for different belief systems because I have not been exposed to Buddhism, Juddaism, Hunduism, etc. Designating "God" as the deity of choice suggests a belief in Christianity and it is the teaching of Christianity that God is omnipresent (not just Christianity, either) in everyone and everything. If a church, that is a special consecrated building were the only place to commune with god, prayer would be useless as one would have to journey to their holy place of worship daily in order to make their petiitions and give thanks. The problem with organized religion is that it is organized by man and based on "spirituality by rumor." That is to say what some one person has [i]told[/] another. The leader passes on the "wisdom" of what is alleged to be spiritual belief to a follower who then helps to disseminate the message. The message is not to be questioned but to be accepted and taken on faith. This is why people are so easily manipulated by so-called religious leaders. No one wants to have bad things happen to them and no one wants to be considered faithless whether they are certain of what they believe or not. Regardless of theological doctrine, the God concept should be grounded in the manifestation of one's higher self. Perhaps self-actualization is a better description.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
1 Aug 09
Hi Canellita, Well I accept that the congregation is possible in one particular place like the Church and Temple but when you know that God is omniscient and, omnipresent is there necessity to commune with him in the Church or any holy place only. The slogan God is every where would be an antithesis then if you and I start believing that we can get the blessing of God in those particular place only. Can not we commune with Him at our home itself, in the kitchen, in the bathroom? Is God some one like our Minister that unless you show Him your loyalty you would lose your ticket? I am puzzled over these things.
1 person likes this
• United States
2 Aug 09
God is Every Where. That is just the way it is, and has been ever since the beginning of time. It is of course, acceptable to have church in ones own home, or at a neighbors house, or even under a tree. The Bible tells us that where there are three or more gathered together in His Name, that He is there among us.
2 people like this
• India
2 Aug 09
God .. For What - Do You Expect Something r Anything From God ..
Why Do you go In search of God - For Getting All that You Want .. Do you think you Do get What You Want if You search For him .. After Somebody answers I Will shoot My Answer ..
2 people like this
• United States
1 Aug 09
The closest I ever felt to god was setting on the banks of a lake watching the sun come up and enjoying the beauty of nature. God is everywhere. I don't need a church to commune with my lord.
2 people like this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
2 Aug 09
Hi there, Yes that is the way. If you own a clean conscience and strong faith there is no need to go to the Church for prayer.
1 person likes this
• India
1 Aug 09
I am sure that you too don’t believe that God resides only amongst walls, Rajib and since you ask this question to believers I don’t know whether I qualify as one coz I am not a practicing Hindu but a believer nonetheless! You see, no religion states that God resides only in places of worship…Hinduism (which is monotheist in its pure form) says God is Omnipresent and so you can worship anything and everything as God and that includes stones and trees and rives and all! Islam also says that God is omnipresent and should not be restricted to any form, hence they have no idols or pictures or physical representation of God…Christianity too, I am sure says the same thing, though to them Jesus is a means of reaching out to God. I never visit any temples for religious purpose, apart from anything else, I believe God cannot be worshipped in so much din and among so many jostling and shoving people
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
1 Aug 09
Hi sudipta, Your points seem to have been justified by your illustration. Kabir Das was of the same view as he had said 'Nakshi, nakailsh, na qaba mein, mujh ko kahan dhunde bande mein to hun har sans ke sans mein' ( Neither in Kashi, nor in Kailash nor in Qaba, no where would you find me my dear followers, just peep into the soul of all creatures and I am there.) Yes, as opposed to Hindu practices the Islam and Christian do not preach for sign worship.
1 person likes this
@cannibal (650)
• India
1 Aug 09
"Islam also says that God is omnipresent" If my memory and knowledge serves me right, the Islamic Allah is not omnipresent. He's exterior to this universe. The Islamic theme is dual-monotheism, which means the God and universe are separate entities.
2 people like this
@cannibal (650)
• India
1 Aug 09
I quite liked the last sentence of your post.
2 people like this
@nangel78 (1454)
• United States
1 Aug 09
I think God is everywhere. I do not see God being restricted to just one place when you have so many different religions and paths towards God. We have so many different paths to choose from in how we seek a relationship with God that it is hard for me to grasp God being in only place.
1 person likes this
• United States
2 Aug 09
That is correct. God is not restricted. Just call on his holy name, and you will see, that God is everywhere. Literally, He is everywhere.
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
1 Aug 09
Hi there, They say God is everywhere and logically He should be everywhere and if he is omnipresent there is no point that you visit different religious place to pacify God. Thanks for sharing.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
1 Aug 09
Of course not.God is everywhere and he is Omnipresent.We have to feel the prresence of God and we feel that , the power of the guiding force within us that us to sense where God is. If you are a Hindu then you would be aware of the story of Prahalad and Lord Narasimha. and how when prahlada said thtaat God would be in a pillar or a stick and that He would vanquish evil at the bidding of the devotee , Lord Narasimha breaks open the pillar to prove his Prahlada's words to his defiant giant of a father.
1 person likes this
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
1 Aug 09
read'that enables us to sense ' for 'that us to sense '.-and 'presence' .Sorry for the typos.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
1 Aug 09
Hi kala, Yes, that speaks volume of the omnipresence of God. Prahlad proved that God is everywhere and we mortal roam around looking for Him. kabitr Das realised this truth and hence had said that neither in the Kailash, nor Qaba nor Kashi where would you look for me my son I am in every soul.
1 person likes this
@justinus (1104)
• Karawaci, Indonesia
2 Aug 09
Of course Not. God stays everywhere but there is still needed peoples who life in Tempels or monastery, I think as teacher or moral guard to our life but ti poeples who life in ordinary society like us must work too as usual make money, apply their religious thought in daily life. When we saw them at "God's house" every time than we think they bears something at their shoulders or have big problems and less friend to solve. We know for some peoples God is a kind of escapeism and for some peoples God also as messianism and it is not totally mistake, in todays world I prefer as yours, we need much God but also have to work as usual or may be we already recognize as "ora et labora" ... (above all, let me joint to your discusion I need to make my new post after absent for several days. Thanks for your interesting topic)
1 person likes this
@justinus (1104)
• Karawaci, Indonesia
4 Aug 09
yes you are right.Temple or monastery was old thought that God stay there only. we need this place sometimes only to get better place (retreat) to contemplate or as one place for refrehsing physically or spiritually. thanks
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
4 Aug 09
Hi, The concept of Temples and Churches is too old and in those time people in these institutions would preach the illiterate lots about the objectives of human life and what services. This is only later that people started believing that God resides there only. This is a fallacy.
• Lubbock, Texas
2 Aug 09
I believe God is in ever blade of grass, every flower, every tree, every molecule of of the universe. God is ever where. Places of worship are for like-minded people to gather to worship God, unite in prayer and lend support for each other, but if you don't have a church "home" it doesn't mean you can't worship God, or be a true believer.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
4 Aug 09
H that is the point. IF one believes and follows the religious ways he/she must accept that God is omnipresent and must place Churches and temples in the second choice and being true to Him is first.
@shibham (16977)
• India
5 Aug 09
hi there, i am an atheist. i have no believe in god but i want to say a line to them who are thiest, GOD DOES NOT RESIDE NEITHER IN CHURCH NOR IN MANDIR. IT RESIDES IN EVERYBODY'S HEART. his name is not god he is our selfsoul.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
5 Aug 09
Hi, even though you are an atheist you have told the truth for those who are the ardent believers that God prevails everywhere. Thanks you.
• United States
3 Aug 09
I believe that God is everywhere and that you can worship God anywhere. As a matter of fact, I think we have an obligation to FIND God in every situation. As far as church goes, there is alot to be said for congregating with other people who are worshipping God. There is power in the collective consciousness of a group. That goes for any kind of event where like-minded people come together. It's the people that usher in and define the Presence of any kind. This could be church, a political rally, a demonstration, or a family reunion. The spirit of the people and the unity that is among them is key.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
5 Aug 09
Hi thee, Very rightly put. We can not out mode the collective consciousnesses. And when people come to such places they feel freshen up too and other purposes are also met. Not that Church is the sole place to worship. Thanks you...
@busybren (258)
• United States
1 Aug 09
Omnipresent, in my opinion. I was raised Catholic, however throughout my experiences, I have an open mind to more than JUST Catholicsism (did I spell that right? LOL). I don't believe I need to be in church to find God or know that I believe in him, by attending. God is in your heart. I think when you recognize him as part of your life, it doesn't mean you're obligated to attend a gathering just to worship or celebrate his importance.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
2 Aug 09
hi there, Primarily these churches , temples etc were constructed to control the social activities as all would be bound with a single thread and these institutions had judgmental power as some still have. So far God, he is everywhere, if you believe at all.
1 person likes this
@busybren (258)
• United States
2 Aug 09
EXACTLY, "to control". Why do we NEED to be somewhere because someone else said you have to be or you don't believe. Since when does "control" mean "your belief"...
@busybren (258)
• United States
2 Aug 09
:) Thank you, this was a great question. I like all the responses, they are colorful. Thumbs up!
• United States
2 Aug 09
Absolutely NOT! God is everywhere. I do believe the human body is also a temple of the Holy Spirit. I almost never go to church as I dislike organized religion. However I have a very close personal spiritual relationship with my God. I am so happy because He has worked many miracle in my life.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
3 Aug 09
Hi, if at all if you believe in God He must be omnipresent and if He is an omnipresent there is no necessity to worship him in the Churches and Temples.
2 Aug 09
Considering the evidence we now have about the formation of the universe and the earth and what we know about life and how it changes and evolves I would say that is is blindingly obvious that while there may some force or being that set the whole process in motion and laid down the natural laws that control the way things operate it is clearly not anything like a "God" who listens to anyone's prays or is the slightest bit concerned about the welfare of any individual or for that matter any particular species. If it comforts someone to go to a church or temple and say prays that is fair enough why not but there is nobody listening except the person saying the pray.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
5 Aug 09
Hi there, That is the right say. I am not against the churches and temples. If one feels that going there would embalm his woes it is welcome but preaching that these are places where God resides could be misleading.
@tjades (3591)
• Jamaica
1 Aug 09
Most of us who have met Jesus (common terminology used by christians) did not even meet him in the church. We believe that as we travel and go about our daily business that God is there to protect and guide us. If He was restricted to the church only then we would be in big trouble when we left the church premisis. God is in us and around us wherever we go. At sea. In the air. On the train and even with the menwho go to war. Many would like to capture Him and place Him in a bottle or building where they can issue Him as they please to whom they please. Problem with that is that God just does not work that way, so they who try to do so, do it in vain.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
2 Aug 09
Hi tjades, Those who know the fact know it this way but most other still believe that the only place for prayer and commune with God is the Church and temple etc. For those believers God is omnipresent and omnipotent and hence a Church is mere a resting or gathering place or to put it other way round a place for socialization. But unfortunately these meeting places are being used for vested interest by some religions.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
2 Aug 09
I do not think that God is restricted to church. Sometimes, to be honest, I think he is less there than he is anywhere else. Sometimes.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
3 Aug 09
Hi Jen, I appreciate your stance.
• China
2 Aug 09
If you believe in God, he should be in your heart, or it's just worth nothing.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
3 Aug 09
Exactly.
• United States
1 Aug 09
The "church" according to the Bible is the body of Christ. Over time people have transferred that word to mean the building where believers gather to worship, learn about God, and fellowship with one another. To me God is everywhere and worshipping Him is not restricted to attending "church." As per my belief worship is done through prayer, singing, and through your everyday actions (lifestyle). If worship could only be done by going to the required places (temple, mosque, etc.,) then what would happen to those that are bedridden or don't have a way to get to these places? Does that mean that they wouldn't be able to practice their beliefs??
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
2 Aug 09
Hi thee, Very well said. The very basic purpose of the Church got distorted with the passage of time and now most people believe that if one has to pry or come to communion with Him must attend the Church regularly. But this is not he fact. Thanks for sharing.
1 person likes this