do you think going to church is enough to make you a goo Christian?

United States
March 6, 2007 11:42am CST
I have found it is more the followship of church memebers that make going to church important. Haveing like minded people in you life inspire me to read my bible, be a positive roll model and live the way Christ wants me to live. I belive it is how you live yourlife every minute of every day says more that one hour in church! I do go to church, but I stand up for what I believe at home and away.
5 people like this
23 responses
• United States
6 Mar 07
NO!!! Sitting in church will no more make one a Christian than sitting in a garage will make you a car!It has to be a personal relationship with Jesus and this you can get sitting at home reading your bible!
2 people like this
• United States
6 Mar 07
I was going to use that " sitting in a garage..." great minds think alike
2 people like this
@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
7 Mar 07
I was going to use this line too! My grandma used to say it to explain why she didn't attend very often. (The fact that she raised 9 children on her own after her husband walked out on them and never drove was the real reason).
2 people like this
• United States
7 Mar 07
I've heard it a little different. "going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more then going to MacDonald's makes you a hamburger". Either way I think we all agree its how you live you life that counts in the end.
2 people like this
• United States
6 Mar 07
A friend of mine expressed it this way CaroleeKaufold. She told me she was 'weeding her garden'. That means to get the people out of her life that were negative and bringing her down and replace them with people that believed like she did. A kind of positive reinforcement. Like you said, "Having like minded people in your life who insprie you to read your bible, be positive role models and live the way Christ wants you to live". It's unfortunate that people have resorted to calling a simple building 'the church', when in fact, the people who follow Christ are what makes up the 'church'. The fellowship is like you said, having people who inspire and encourage us to just be better people. More loving, more Christ like, more compassionate and understanding. Living that kind of life is something you find yourself doing 24/7, not just on Sunday. It's something you even find yourself doing all by yourself, in the privacy of your own home. Like manners. You can teach them to your children but you always fear they will embarrass you when they are out on their own. Being Christ like is something we try to do all the time. It has nothing to do with going to church. That's always the first thing someone will ask you when you start to talk about God. "What church do you go to". I started telling everyone "We have church in our home" which isn't an untruth. We DO have church in our home. Every second of every day...... I have learned much more that way.
2 people like this
@coolcatzz (1587)
• Canada
6 Mar 07
I don't go to church but I still consider myself a good Christian. I think it is on how you live your life. The good you do for others and the kindness you show. The fact that you pray and have a relationship with God. I agree with you it is how you live your life.
2 people like this
@ragmama (536)
• United States
6 Mar 07
Just the act of going to church and sitting through the sermon isn't enough to make anyone a good Christian, IMO - it's the learning about and living for Christ that does this. Although I agree that going to church is important since it provides that fellowship that often helps nudge you in the right direction (it does for me, anyway.) And of course, I couldn't agree more that it's how you live your everyday life that is the true test of a Christian. It's easy to just go to church once or twice a week - not as easy to implement those values into your everyday life sometimes.
@balbirs1 (83)
• India
7 Mar 07
see, holy places reflect a feeling of purity, truthness. So when we enter the boundaries we get a sacred feeling and we can feel the difference between the 'Actual World' (Heaven) and the 'Virtual World' where we are living.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
7 Mar 07
As for me being a good christian does'nt stop from just going to church, it's simply by showing it, doing good deeds and keeping your faith in God, in your heart.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
9 Mar 07
hhhmmmm you are absolutely right there! i agree with you, going to church every sunday is not the basis of being a good christian. first, let us figure out things one by one, when we say CHRISTIAN...what does it really mean? believers of Christ, it doesn't say that once you believe in Christ, you are a christian already...nahhhh i dont consider that! doing and following what Lord Jesus Christ taught us is what i can consider a "CHRISTIAN". remember this...if we take out CHRIST in the word CHRISTIAN...whats left? IAN right? and what does IAN mean?? I Am Nothing!!! so without CHRIST we are absolutely NOTHING!!!!! praise the Lord for all His blessings and guidance!
• Nigeria
7 Mar 07
agree some Christians are hypocrites and we aren't perfect and some Christians have to realize that. Who are we here to please other's or God? and thats a question that many Christian's need to realize when they judge others. Not all Christians are judgemental and base everything on how people look. Your Christian walk isn't all about other people its about the relationship with you and Jesus Christ and do what is pleasing to God. Here is some bible verses to help you :-) Be strong and do not give up, don't let other Christians ruin the walk between you and the Lord. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 “Humble ourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:6-7 God has said, “Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on it’s stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-1 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-- the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and it’s desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building other up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. An do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, and with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29-32 (unwholesome talk= swearing) “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
1 person likes this
@bindishah (2062)
• India
7 Mar 07
I dont think just going toa church makes you a good Christian. What matters is how you are in day to day life and whether you are applying the teachings you have learned in real life.
1 person likes this
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
7 Mar 07
I'm a devout christian and I'm always attending church fellowship with my girls. I also make sure that I partake in my girls the meaning of true christian. I always encourage them to read bible stories. I did know of someone who is regualrly attending fellowship. He will raise his hand while singing with all his heart. But once he step outside the church, he become another person. I hated seeing this kind of hypocrisy. Sadly, there are really a lot of people who are all "for show" only rather than applying what they learned in their lives.
@tarsadawn (350)
• United States
7 Mar 07
I so agree with you. We've been in a quandry because of some of the churches we've attended here. Not finding the right one for us. I just think that it is so much more than believing and worshipping for one hour a week. You have to live your life every minute believing in Christ and God. Thank you for this post.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Mar 07
I think that is the mistake that many make. Many think that by just going to church you are being in good faith with that religion. Unfortunately that's only half of the battle for belonging as one needs to also read the Bible and follow the beliefs. I think alot abuse religion and say they are a certain religion just to be a part of that group. I know I for one did that during high school. I attended Younglife on a weekly basis but never really did anything outside of the religion. I just attended so I would be a part of a group. And I'm sure alot are still doing that today and probably even more.
1 person likes this
@w1z111 (985)
• United States
7 Mar 07
I'd have to say "NO" to this one. Church is a 'place' where like-minded people congregate to be encouraged and edified spiritually. The purpose is to help people 'continue the fight' against powers and forces which may be opposing them, and perhaps to 'share' experiences with each other toward unifying their strengths. But...'attending' a service doesn't mean much unless the INTENT is to be taught; to be strengthened; to be humbled, etc. The 'fellowship' with others is good and necessary, but it must be 'real' to be helpful. (My 'humble' opinions!)
• India
7 Mar 07
I am not a christian but I dont think it is not enough to go to church to be a good christian .It depends on our nature and on our good deeds..
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Mar 07
I agree with what u said although we need to body of Christ we must have a relationship with God that goes above and beyond that.
1 person likes this
@MakDomMom (1474)
• United States
6 Mar 07
Just because someone attends a church doesn't mean that they are even a Christian. So many people are "conveniene Christians". They show up at church then as soon as they walk out that door they are back to their own ways - not God's ways. To be a good Christian you need to walk the way of the Lord all the time. Yes we do all make mistakes - but we ask for forgiveness of those sins. You need to show the love of Jesus in everything that you do. You need to teach the word of the Lord to all that you can. You need to show everyone was a great impact the Lord has made in your life. That is what God has called us all to do.
1 person likes this
@Shaun72 (15959)
• Palatka, Florida
7 Mar 07
yeah you are right just going to church on Sundays does not make a person proven. Actions in daily life show more then just going to church
• Philippines
6 Mar 07
It is important that we always observe the attendance to Sunday Church Services. It is from the church services rendered where we get our firm faith in God, alive and going strong. It is important that we lead the life of a Christian everyday of our lives. What we hear in church, we shall put to practice. Observing God's laws makes us considerate, understanding, kind, responsible and loving persons. We shall also learn patience, as all these are virtues Jesus Christ speaks of in the Bible. Good Christians will always hear people's remarks regarding how peaceful the family is.
1 person likes this
@cassidy22 (2974)
• United States
9 Mar 07
Going to church doesn't make you a good Christian. It just means you go to church. You have to live a good life, be honest at all times, be compassionate and loving towards other people, and reach out to help those in need. THAT's being Christian. I see a lot of self-righteous religious people with a lot of hate in their hearts. Hatred towards people of other religions and lifestyles. And hatred is NEVER a christian attitude.
@beaniegdi (1964)
7 Mar 07
I agree, it is more how you live your life day to day that is important. some people go to church but don't have a christian bone in their body.
• United States
7 Mar 07
No more than going to a ball game will make you an athlete. It's not What you do on Sunday, but how you live Monday thru Saturday.