Why do people not quit church?

1. 60

   RKeithAndrewsposted 9 years ago

   Why do people not quit church?

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   cam8510posted 9 years ago

   Here are a few possible answers to your question: 
   
   1.  Obedience to the words of the Bible which states, "not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
   
   2.  Social reasons-This may be where they meet with old friends and find new friends.  In the western world, from an anthropological standpoint, church attendance has been an important social activity. 
   
   3.  Guilt and expectations-The expectations of oneself and of others can create a feeling of guilt when that  person considers not going to church. 
   
   4.  Business contacts-Church can bring a person into contact with those who may need his/her business services or who may be able to assist somehow in business dealings.

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   1. 78

      loveofnightposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Two thumbs up

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   2. 93

      cam8510posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      

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      Smirelesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Very good list. I have one more. Genuine love for God and a need to worship with like minded people.

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      cam8510posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Smireles, Your fine suggestion makes the list a little more complete.  Thanks.

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3. 93

   Robephilesposted 9 years ago

   Because it is a social institution. 
   
   Studies have shown that going to church is correlated with reduced stress, greater happiness and longer life. 
   
   If you are religious but do not go to church it apparently does nothing for you, but going to church is apparently good for you. 
   
   I don't go because I find church boring and stupid, but if you like that sort of thing it apparently good for you.

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   Alexander Markposted 9 years ago

   Because people group together and they find that more important than indoctrinal teachings. It is also because humans either seek to lead or be led, and most fall into the latter category. People do not want to think for themselves. I am not saying this because I am not religious - quite the opposite. I am a very fundamental Bible believer and every church I have been to has taught bad doctrine in order to keep attendance. Churches, like any organization, are systems. Money flows in and corrupts the leaders. Unfortunately we live in a time when people do not want to give up the appearance of purity and want to have a special social circle that ultimately excludes those that don't live up to their standards. Jaded? Hell yes! I have had enough of churches and would love to find a group of real believers not interested in controlling the lives of others. Hard to find in a big city I think.

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      christiananrkistposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      sounds like you may be more  interested in a home church.  i think you can find some information on that at pleaseconvinceme.com. or just post online. i know there are many other who have the same feeling as you.

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      Alexander Markposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Yes I am. Thank you, I'll check out that site. Interesting name by the way!

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   irenemariaposted 9 years ago

   Mankind is created with a need to worship.(Matthew 5:3) 3 “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, . . .
   
   Many just keep the religion of their forfathers, others are chosing the one that they like. Some goes a little further and study the Bible to find the truth.
   A few find it
   (Matthew 7:13, 14) . . .“Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.

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   AMAZING THINKERposted 9 years ago

   Maybe because of fear; maybe they think they'll go to hell if they don't. Religions are based on fear; best way to control the masses.

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   Sri Tposted 9 years ago

   Because some churches are giving instructions that help people. If people don't want to do the research to solve their own problems, the church does provide a body of knowledge and encouragement, if they follow the teachings. The suggestions from a good church can change a person's life, increase faith by examples/testimonials  and eliminate problems and suffering with better ideas. Many people have also been healed mentally, emotionally and physically. All churches are not good, but some of them are sincerely helping people.

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      glynch1posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      The Church does not provide "suggestions" to solve worldly problems; it provides the only solution to mankind's real issue: sin. All the "research" people can do apart from the Bible will not resolve this spiritual problem.

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      Sri Tposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      The real reseach is in the Spirit, not the church. The church can only point the way, to seek the Spirit within. The suggestions of modern churches like Lakewood, Unity etc.. do offer positive thoughts that solve every day issues. No one stops sin.

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      Alexander Markposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I think the point glynch is making is that churches are not meant to be positive self help stops, they are supposed to be preaching against sin. Churches today no longer adhere to a pure Gospel but are more interested in making people feel good.

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      Sri Tposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      People are fed up with the guilt trips. The very people beating people over the head with bibles are some of the biggest sinners, especially with wealth, power and sex. The positive self help churches say, get yours too!

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      Smirelesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      The purpose of the church is not to beat people over the head with a bible. However, the purpose of the church is to offer salvation to people. If people choose to live in sin, so be it. Feel good religion is not really worth much. It can't save you.

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   The Examiner-1posted 9 years ago

   Because they feel obligated to do what their neighbor or friends do. They are afraid that if they do not go the other people will give them a hard time, or 'tease' them - like in school.
   I believe in God but I was a born Christian and I stopped going to church because it did not do anything for me. I also do not believe in people being separated by religions - they are all the same in that area.

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9. 67

   Smirelesposted 9 years ago

   There is a big difference in being a good church member and having a genuine relationship with God. Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ and having a genuine relationship with him requires you to believe. Non-believers do not understand believers so they come up with ideas about believers that are so far off the mark as to be ridiculous. Many believers have lost interest in big churches because these churches have lost their way and are interested in growth, and money; and have lost interest in pastoral care for individuals and families. That is why Jesus said in Matthew 18: 20 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” When people gather for the express purpose of prayer and discussing the Word of God they are in church.
   
   Church membership is great when it works. When it does not work it is not so good. Everyone has to discover what meets their spiritual needs. One thing is certain, we all have spiritual needs and are truly blessed when we find what works for us. Blessings.

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      Alexander Markposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I love that first line Smireless!

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      Smirelesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Alexander.

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    Ben716posted 9 years ago

    People go to church for different reasons which can either be good or bad.
    The first is people go to church to fellowship. There is nothing greater than fellow-shipping with fellow brethren. It makes one to feel he/she is belonging somewhere, and it does encourage, motivate and inspire someone.
    Some go to church to see how people dress from head to toes. I mean they have gone for fashion sight-seeing.
    Some find themselves in church because they lacked somewhere to go and they saw there was nothing wrong than wasting time in church.
    Some go because their friends, peers or family members have gone. Or they may be forced to go.
    Some have a habit to see who came and who did not come. They are CID - church investigative detectives.
    Those are some of the reasons I know why people do not go to church. However, for the majority I know it is because they want to fellowship with other Christians which is a good thing and a noble one.

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    enevaposted 9 years ago

    that's the place where you can meet some people you'd like to see but couldn't, instead of bar rooms it's a better place

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    edhanposted 9 years ago

    I am a believer of God but I do not attend Church for quite many years though I had attended in my younger days. I believe I have acquired enough knowledge of what the Bible trying to impart. Now I am in search of enlightenment in my own way. It is a never ending learning and I do not feel the need of attending church in my pursuit.

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    Sherry Hewinsposted 9 years ago

    Lots of people do quit church. I'm one of them.

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       RKeithAndrewsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you.  Why did you (and lots of others)  quit church?  And why, in your opinion, don't people (lots of others) quit church?

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    jemuelOposted 9 years ago

    We are composed of body and soul. That said, humans really need to be spiritually stable. By going to church, we have attained this need and have satisfied the thirst for the word of God.
    
    Churches are important institutions in the society. They mold the people to act morally according to the teachings of God. People continue to go to churches because of faith.

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    Christa Swopeposted 9 years ago

    I feel like the people I go to church with are family. We grow together, pray together, help one another and others. It is one of the greatest blessings God has given.

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    lone77starposted 9 years ago

    Habit. Ego.
    
    But some are actively seeking Truth. They go to church to soak up the spiritual nature of others and to gain strength from it. I find these individuals to be extremely rare. Too often, ego is their master, not Christ.
    
    If someone finds spirituality in Church -- a gathering of spiritual people -- then there is no reason to quit church.
    
    Our purpose on Earth is to gain spiritual rebirth -- to reclaim that which we lost in the "Garden" so long ago.
    
    God created us in His image and likeness, and He is not Homo sapiens.

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    Disappearingheadposted 9 years ago

    I quit after 25 years because through study of the bible I found many key doctrines are totally unsupported. To go back now I'd feel an utter fraud. Not sure I like church culture either.

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