Do you go to church?

[Puppy]

When I lived out of state my sister for 3 years drove 200 miles round trip every week to help out our step grandmother who was getting senile. It cost my sister a lot of money and a lot of weekends away from her kids.

Granny left all her money to Billy Graham. My sister didn't get a nickel.

I have no use for that kind of religion.

[dave_in_delaware]

Oh, God NO!!! I can't stand sitting in hard uncomfortable pews, in a closed room that has an underpowered A/C, surrounded by crying babies, listening to some preacher yap about something I could read, but he has to repeat the same thing over and over again like we're dense and stupid, all the while wearing hot clothing and wondering when will the madness end!!!

Sorry. My answer is "no."

[jhollo]

Yes. I go somewhat regular, 3 times a month at least plus other stuff as it comes up (small group, etc.) It's important to me because it's important to God that I be there so I try to get there as often as I can.

I think it's a shame that so many people have been burned by "church"-stuff. Anytime you get people involved with something they screw (sorry, I guess that word isn't very "churchy" is it?) it up!

If you've been turned off by some church, try a different one. There are churches to fit every style of worship so I'm sure you can find one that fits you better, if that is important to you. My beliefs are important to me so I'm willing to put the effort in to find a church that I fit in. I couldn't go to a "holier-than-thou" kind of church, and I'm not sure that Jesus would go there much longer than it took to turn over the tables and holler at a few Pharisees, but I think you will come across those kinds of people everywhere you go, not just at church.
The trick is to ignore them and get into a group of people that you can get along with. If you can't find them in a few weeks, try another church.

BTW: If you think all those "Jesus Freaks" pretend to have it all together and look down on everyone else, come hang out with me. I'm a complete mess so I can't even pretend to have it all together. I need all the help I can get on a daily basis. I have no room to judge anyone. I think Jesus even talked about "taking the plank out of your own eye before removing the speck out of someone else's" or something like that so I better not judge, even if I do manage to pretend to have it all together.

[vic777]

Originally Posted by dasanii19

Do you go to church?

No. Life's too short.

[RogueXD]

no, why? lost faith years ago.. My church is the mountains, so I guess yes.

[cmcarlile]

Originally Posted by robinsre

No

Churches make me uncomfortable, I've been to many.

I have a spiritual side but churches, religious ceremonies, and congregations of people singing, hugging, and holding hands tend to give me the willies...I don't know why.

I feel that way in someone else's church, but I've been going to mine since age 10 (25 years). Most of the congregation there now was there when I started going and I love them like family.

[blown964v1]

Absolutely! I agree with jhollo, just because a church has "uncomfortable pews" why not try another one. I never thought that I would become a methodist (grew up baptist), but found a church that is awesome. Our preacher is more of a teacher (history), and our band is ridiculous. I walked in to them playing the doobie brothers the other day and our guitarist was doing sweep arpegios (for all those out there who also play guitar). I am not going to judge anyone but come on...you don't go because of uncomfortable pews. We have padded chairs and would love to have you. About the money deal.....Yes I tithe, but have gotten back so much more without asking. I have a crummy job but a ton of money that no one has given me but God. I have not been handed a dime from my fellow man but God has seen fit to bless me beyond measure and I am truly thankful. I am not a Christian because of what he has blessed me with but because of the grace that he has shown me and for what he has forgiven me of. Trust me I have done worse than most of you out there. Just my two cents. God Bless all of you (not just the ones that go to church or believe). I know it was supposed to be a simple yes or no but I just have to tell you how good God is!!!!!!!!

[dave_in_delaware]

Originally Posted by blown964v1

Absolutely! I agree with jhollo, just because a church has "uncomfortable pews" why not try another one.

Oh, believe me: I've been to TONS of churches. And the pew comfort level was the least bit of my worries...

I think my "favorite" church was one in Philadelphia we tried one day. First off: questionable neighborhood. Second: we were the only white people (3 of us). Third: preacher was saying crap about "the white man is the devil." (maybe he didn't notice he had visitors?). Can you say "uncomfortable"?? Fourth: When it came to tithing, EVERYONE went up to the front of the church and tossed the money into this big vase thing. If you didn't have money with you, you were encouraged to "kiss it" instead. WTF??!!! Yeah, you can kiss something pal! My a$$ on the way out the door!

[einheit 13]

nope sure don't...besides there is no church for my religion that is worth its salt in the US. They are nothing but a bunch of sex crazed, hippie-doper maggots that have 0 understanding of spirituality...I do however (get this) volunteer at 2 churches to help run a 'mens support group' at a baptist church and a co-ed softball team (10-14yo) at a catholic church/school.....

[crpadiem]

Very rarely