Does one have to go to church to be close to God?

1. 60

   shamanismandyouposted 13 years ago

   Does one have to go to church to be close to God?
   
   I mean Jesus taught out in the open, not in a church.  Do you really have to go to church in order to be close to God, or can we worship him outside?
   
   

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2. 52

   Ratanak Ouposted 13 years ago

   Well, everywhere and whenever you can worship to him! However, it depends on your belief. It is not required you to worship him so often but if in your heart, you have worshipped and thought of him, it means that you are being close to the god.

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3. 79

   Attikosposted 13 years ago

   Christianity is a communal faith, so participation matters. Still, Jesus Himself went off into desolate places to think and pray, and John the Baptist was no faithful attendant at temples, not from his isolated cave. It therefore is not absolutely necessary to go to church to have a close relationship with God, but for most of us it helps.

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4. 60

   kripkrip420posted 13 years ago

   In my opinion, not at all. To be close to God, you have to be, first, at peace with yourself. You have to do what you know to be good in your heart. Church is more of a community gathering and I highly doubt , whomever or whatever God is, the God will punish you for not attending. Do not spend your life in fear. Just be a good person. I personally believe that Is what God wants from us. Nothing more.

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5. 91

   mistyhorizon2003posted 13 years ago

   Whoever God is, if he created all the wonderful nature around us, the woods, the birds, the mountains, the seas and the animals, then I believe you are closest to God in the places where you can enjoy these and feel at your most spiritual. A man-made stone building may be a place to meet for Christians, and good luck to those who need this, but as a Pagan (albeit a former Christian), I believe God is all around us in nature and the environment, the stars, the clouds, the planet in general, but not the buildings and the structures. Nature is God's artwork and his temple, Church or place of worship, (whatever you prefer to call it).

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6. 61

   OutsideTheLinesposted 13 years ago

   Absolutely not. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than swimming makes you a fish.

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7. 58

   zzronposted 13 years ago

   
   
   I think you can be close to God without church.  However, it is helpful to be in a place where all have the same purpose:  worship, praise, and closeness to God.

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8. 35

   edhanposted 13 years ago

   My answer is not necessary as God is everywhere.
   
   People go to church is to communicate and share their experiences with God. Everyone has different encounters during their times with God while praying. Church is a place where everyone can share their prayers' experiences and how they overcome obstacles with the help of God.
   
   No matter where you are, God is with you all the time. When you are in need of help, He is there for you when needed.

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9. 71

   LailaKposted 13 years ago

   I don't think that you have to go to church in order to get closer to God. However, I do believe that going to church is a factor and a utencil that might get you closer to God. I know for me, religous seminars really got me close to God.

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10. 61

    noturningbackposted 13 years ago

    "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I wth them."
    Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
    Please read the Bible, this and more awaits.

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11. 58

    stemcellenhancerposted 13 years ago

    My closest times with God are in private at home. The times at church are for open worship and find encouragement from sermons.
    
    It also connects me with other Christians where we go through the ups and downs of life together.

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12. 95

    Faceless39posted 13 years ago

    You are made in the image of God.  You are of God, yet not God.  God is within you.  You are the temple that channels God.    You are part and parcel of the supreme personality of Godhead.

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13. 65

    Kawaljit kaurposted 13 years ago

    No, One need not to go to church to be close to God. No one has seen God. It is our inner feeling that makes us realize the existence of God. One has to be close to oneself, if he or she want to be close to God.

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14. 75

    shampa sadhyaposted 13 years ago

    To be close to God there is no need to go to a temple, church or mosque. Everyday I pray before I leave my bed and again at night I pray before I go to bed. The number of times I visit temple is very negligible but still I feel connected with God through my routine chores. The moment I clean my house I feel God is around me.
    
    My mother used to say that God never blesses them who neglects their duties and responsibilities towards people around and only enchant His name.

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15. 80

    DexisViewposted 13 years ago

    No you do not have to go to church to be close to God.  Man created church as a place of worship.

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16. 62

    Dave Mathewsposted 13 years ago

    Seeing a building as a "Church" is totally wrong. It is merely a congregation place. The true "Church" is the people, those who gather together to worship together.
    
    One can worship God and Jesus anywhere one wants to. You don't need to be inside some fancy cathederal or some ornate  building to worship God for God is everywhere.

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17. 75

    IntimatEvolutionposted 13 years ago

    This is a matter of opinion.  Do you feel closer to God when you go to church?

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18. 71

    Darrell Robertsposted 13 years ago

    One does not have to go to church to be close to God.  One has to follows God's rules and try to understand God's teachings to be close to God.  Most traditions claim that God is everywhere, so logistically we should all be the same distance to God. In other words God shuold live in all our hearts and minds, so says the books.
    
    Best wishes.

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19. 0

    Hubertsvoiceposted 13 years ago

    Church is a building that is built for people to gather together.
    Worshiping God has nothing to do with a building. To worship God is to have him in your heart, accept his love and guidance unconditionally. What other men tell you about how and where to worship can sometimes differ greatly from what God's plan for you is. Ask this question of God, you will either get your answer or realize that you already have it.

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20. 61

    Hezmyjoyposted 12 years ago

    It would depend. What sort of church are you referring? There is only one guide by which we can get close to God. If the leaders of the chosen ministry is not teaching from this guide then the attendance of such a ministry is pointless. We cannot teach ourselves; therefore, in answering your question, yes, it is necessary. For it is stated in the bible for us not to forsake the assembly of the saints.

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21. 0

    VeronicaInspiresposted 12 years ago

    I asked my pastor this same question.
    
    I told him I read and study the word, I even watch broadcasts on live stream, so do I really need to go to church?
    
    He said yes because it's important to be in the presence of other believers, fellowship and join together with them and other like-minded individuals who share the same thinking and purpose.
    
    “Iron sharpens iron” the Bible says.

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