If you do not go to church, but you believe in God, are you still considered rel

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  1. chuckandus6 profile image81
    chuckandus6posted 9 years ago

    If you do not go to church, but you believe in God, are you still considered religious?

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  2. sassydee profile image70
    sassydeeposted 9 years ago

    religious is when you believe in something (god) so yes I believe so

    1. chuckandus6 profile image81
      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That is how I felt about it too, thanks Delilah.

    2. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      De: If u believe in Jesus, then u know what He said. Otherwise, you are not a "true" believer. U must know what is expected of u His rules/regulations! Do u know?

    3. chuckandus6 profile image81
      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I believe in the rules and I think that it is just way of life I would want even if I didn't believe

    4. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      NiK: What r u saying? It doesn't matter what's in bible for you will continue in your way of life?

    5. CarrieG profile image79
      CarrieGposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Gods rules and regulations? How about his Love his forgiveness his GRACE. You make it sounds as if he is up in heaven with a club watching and waiting to use it when we mess up. If that's the god you are severing I want no part of him. I want Grace!

    6. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie: Oh, He's watching! That's why ALL must "rightly divide" His Word to do as He died & left instructions for us to do! New Cov/"Promise" Jn14:26;16:13; Came Acts 2:2; Acts 2:38; Acts 2;42. Same Jesus gave us "Grace!"

  3. Phil Perez profile image60
    Phil Perezposted 9 years ago

    If you believe in God but do not go to church, you are considered a Theist. That's what your description means.

    1. chuckandus6 profile image81
      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Oh that is interesting,thank you for your answer.

    2. Phil Perez profile image60
      Phil Perezposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You are very welcome, Nichol.

    3. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie: Oneness & Apostolics believe in Jesus Name baptism so I'm not the only wacko! Scripture said do it after New Covenant. Study! Rightly Divide the Word! New Covenant Doctrine unless ur still under Old Covenant? Christ died in vain?

  4. peachpurple profile image81
    peachpurpleposted 9 years ago

    it depends on individual, I don't go to church after i was married but I still pray every day for years. I believe I am religious as long God answers pray prayer and I kept my promises

    1. chuckandus6 profile image81
      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      that seems right to me.

    2. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Peach: How can u believe w/o having a "sent" man "guide" you in the bible? NiK: Consult Scriptures!

  5. dashingscorpio profile image72
    dashingscorpioposted 9 years ago

    I would consider myself to be "spiritual"  but not religious.
    Religious from my perspective means one follows the dictates of a particular denomination or sect. I believe it's possible to believe there is a God and not believe in church, the bible, or any other written manuscript.
    I never really bought into the belief that one needs a "middleman" such as a minister, priest, rabbi, or whomever to have a connection to God. I believe God made man and man made religion.
    I'd rather be a "lone wolf" than be in anyone's "flock". smile

    1. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Dash: How can u believe & not know what to "believe" in from bible? Just believe (know) He exists? This is not believing! Believing on Him is believing what is written in His Word! How can you known what's in His Word w/o a "sent" preacher?

    2. CarrieG profile image79
      CarrieGposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      He just needs a PERSON who is a Christian to share the word with him, when he is ready and drawn in by the HS. You are being quick to cast the first stone with everyone....are you "sent?"

    3. dashingscorpio profile image72
      dashingscorpioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Noreen, I don't need a book written by a group of men to be convinced that there is a God/spirit. I can close my eyes and look within to feel connected. CarrieG I don't (need) any Christians to share "the word". I know more than most of them.smile

    4. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie: A Spirit filled "person" (Philip?) "Sent" ppl have been given Word rigthly divided. Dash: Script didn't say "close eyes" to rec revelation of His Word! Need Helper! "Man," Acts 2:38; then Acts 2:42!

    5. dashingscorpio profile image72
      dashingscorpioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Norine; Luke 17:21
      "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, (the kingdom of God is within you)."  Lets face it Norine, you and I will never agree on this subject. Live and let live. We're free to believe whatever we want. smile

    6. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Dash: But not "in you" if u won't "look" to see if "rightly divided!" I plant seed but God gives Inc! Not free to blv "whatever u want" but the Word! My job to "tell!" Whether u accept-on u!

    7. dashingscorpio profile image72
      dashingscorpioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      "the kingdom of God is (within you)." - That is scripture!
      I didn't make that line up! smile

    8. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Dash: Not in u if not according to Scripture. Rd resp to Carrie! I've told u but only God can give increase.  I didn't make that line up either! It's in Scripture!

  6. CarrieG profile image79
    CarrieGposted 9 years ago

    Hi, As I was thinking over your question something just did not set right with me. I believe that "Church" and "Religious" has nothing to do with each other. The church is only a building that we go to to worship and to learn about God. We often go to church to be religious, (we think) but again the church does not make us religious. So what is "religious"? Before we can answer that we have to find out what we are being religious about. So we need to look at "Religion."  Religion Is something that is of interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group, a denomination (Assemblies of God, Baptist, Mormons so on and so on). "Religious"-believing in what THEY teach, in a god and following the RULES of a religion.

    Now my belief is, Yes you can still be religious and not go to church. But religion, the church's rules and their belief as being the right one above all other has spoiled the importance of going to church. To much drama. I am a woman of God who faithfully believes in the bible and God and lives the best way I can according to the bible. So to me religion is not what's going to get you to heaven, you can act or be religious all you want. but Its believing in God and living a separated, dedicated life to God.

    1. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie: Read the story of Philip & the Ethopian in Acts 8!  One must be "sent" to teach/preach. Heb 10:25. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together..."

    2. CarrieG profile image79
      CarrieGposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Norine, I know these scriptures very well.. Heb 10:25 tells ALL to encourage one another:  I would trust the HS is leading the group. Please read Proverbs 27:17 and Acts 2:46-47   We all are called to be disciples. All called to spread his word.

    3. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie: If rightly divided otherwise Jer 23:1! Serious business! Do u blv Jer 31:33;Hebr 8:10;10:16 re: New Covenant?

  7. feenix profile image58
    feenixposted 9 years ago

    Nichol, I deeply believe in God; however, for reasons that I will not attempt to write about here, I do not believe in religion and churches.

    1. chuckandus6 profile image81
      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      The more I know about it,the more I would have to agree.I went to church for help with electric bill a while ago,referred by 211.The lady said to me we don't help people outside of our church,and gave me her blessing.Is this What God would do?No

    2. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Fee/NiK: U no the "real problem" is, members of churches do not have a Spiritually filled preacher sent by God who teaches the gospel of Christ. The 1st step is to Acts 2:38 be "filled w/HS!" Then all ungodly actions would not occur in churches!

    3. CarrieG profile image79
      CarrieGposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Norine, you stated "The 1st step is to Acts 2:38 be "filled w/HS!" Then all ungodly actions would not occur in churches!" REALLY? yes the HS is our counselor, teacher, convector but even people in spirit filled church's are human and are temped.

    4. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie: Those lack faith. That's where your come in to "encourage" the weaker one. I Thess 5:14

    5. CarrieG profile image79
      CarrieGposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I disagree. I think we are going to have to agree to disagree.

    6. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie: That's "exactly" what I'm talking about! Won't "search" scripture to see if I'm right! Complacent! Is that what Peter did when HS told Paul circumcision means nothing? Did u read those scriptures? Search Acts 17:11! U didnt disagree when u sa

    7. CarrieG profile image79
      CarrieGposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Norine,   I know them very well. I believe your interpretation is wrong.  My  husband and i are "sent" and filed with the HS. But it wont matter to you about me because you have been taught this way.  You brow beat people, gives Christians a bad name

    8. Phil Perez profile image60
      Phil Perezposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie, you'll realize how Norine is practically impossible to speak to soon enough..

    9. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie: I'm not trying to chg ur doctrine but have u compare ur belief to what is in the Word! U said there's no "doctrine," not true per Script ! I don't "brow beat" just quote Script! Heb 4:12.Gal 1:12! I wish no one should perish!2 Pet 3:9

    10. Phil Perez profile image60
      Phil Perezposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You see how flawed her thinking is, Carrie? "I only quote Script." She's like a robot who was installed a microchip in her brain that only recites words without thinking of why. She accepts everything she sees from the Bible without question.

    11. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Phil: Bcuz I speak fm Scripture which SATAN hates? Then, yes, I'm diffuclt to speak w/for that's all I have-Scripture! Yes, a "FOOL" for Christ! Carrie: You'll know them "by their fruit!"

    12. CarrieG profile image79
      CarrieGposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Phil, I agree with you. The thing that is silly here is her argument of someone being "sent". We are all sent, but God does call teachers, preachers, evangelist. she is leaving out Salvation. Who cares who is sent, Salvation is the important part.

    13. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie: Look at Scripture & baptize in Jesus' Name! Can't find it! Ck w/Holy Spirit! Search scripture! Jer 31:33;Heb8:10;10:16. Jn 14:26;16:13;Acts 2:2; Acts 2:38; Acts 2:42. I didn't make that up! Salvation not there if not done acc to Script!

    14. CarrieG profile image79
      CarrieGposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Norine,
      Your a whack job..lol I'm done.

    15. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie: Don't know about New Covenant? Holy Spirit guiding? Read II Tim 2:15. I didn't make it up! I've told u! I Cor 14:38!

    16. CarrieG profile image79
      CarrieGposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Norine, No hubs? are you here only to whip people in shape with your miss understanding of the scriptures? I'm not wanting to seem mean or rude here with you but this has gone on long enough. I am going to un follow this hub, I suggest you do too

    17. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie: I'm here to do the "Will" of God! Only if HE says so! Gathering opinions which seems to b "High Order of society's" belief & not the gospel of Christ! Whipping? Maybe! Heb 4:12. I hope u Study! Love

  8. profile image52
    Norine Williamsposted 9 years ago

    Scripitual definition of "religion" is not a very good one. It's mainly referred to in the Jews' religion (Scribes and Pharisees) of which Paul speaks in Acts 26:5 (Paul lived a Pharisee), Galatians 1:13-14 (Paul "persecuted the church of God" and "profited in the Jews' religion..")  James 1:27 is the only positive Scripture I find pertaining to "religion!" James said " Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."  This the Holy Spirit will do! 

    Therefore, "religion" appears to be a "negative" phrase in the majority of Scriptures! 

    With that being said, two Scriptures come to mind.  The first one is Philip and the Ethopian in Acts 8:26-40.  Notice "an angel of the Lord "sent" Philip to the Ethopian (v30) Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading and; (v31) The Ethopian replied "How can I unless some "man" guide me."  Case and point, you must be "guided" by someone who has been "sent" by the Lord.  Therefore, you need the Holy Spirit to discern who has been "sent" to teach/preach the gospels.

    The second Scripture that comes to mind is Romans 10:13-15.  Everyone loves to quote (v13) "For whosoever shall CALL UPON the name of the Lord shall be saved."  Some believe if you just "call upon His Name," they will be saved! However, (v14) goes on to say, "How, then, shall they call on him whom they have not believed? (Rightly divided His Word in the dispensation in which we now live: under New Covenant.) And how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a "preacher?" (v15) And how shall they "preach," except they be sent?.." Case and point, you need Holy Spirit to help you discern who has been "sent!"

    Therefore, it is not as important as to whether or not you go to a building for Scripture says "..Where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in their midst" (Matthew 18:20)! Most important: You are being taught the Gospel of Christ by someone that has been "sent" and not someone who has "learned" through academics, tradition, or religion, but "sent" by the Holy Spirit!

    1. chuckandus6 profile image81
      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you very much for the information it can be confusing with different points of view and religions

    2. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Nik: What does a "point of view" have to do w/what is WRITTEN in Scripture? Did Scripture not say that a teacher/preacher must be "sent?" Who then can determine if "sent" if not the Holy Spirit? We need a Helper, the Holy Spirit! We need guidance!

    3. CarrieG profile image79
      CarrieGposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Acts 1:8  8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” It says "YOU will receive power"  does not say if the you is a minister

    4. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie: Must know what you're following (Doctrine) Acts 2:2! Receive (Word in right order, not literally), believe, then Acts 2:38!

    5. CarrieG profile image79
      CarrieGposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I don't follow a doctrine , I follow the word of God. And I'm lead by the HS.

    6. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Carrie:  The Holy Spirit (Jesus) came in Acts 2:2 & began talking thru the Apostles & they begin doing what He said. After that ALL were baptized in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38) & then they did as Acts 2:42 said.  That's where we live to

  9. Joseph O Polanco profile image39
    Joseph O Polancoposted 9 years ago

    Webster defines religion as "the service and worship of God." So the question then becomes if you worship God or not. If you do then you're religious. If not then you're not a religious person; all you have is a belief.

    Interestingly enough, it was by divine providence that Christ's disciples got to be known as Christians (Acts 11:26). This was fitting since these adhered to Christ Jesus' teachings, attitude, beliefs and practices. Christianity, therefore, is a religion.

    Hope this answers your question! smile

    1. profile image52
      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Joe: To answer the Q, responses r ALL "religious" & God hates "religion!" They should read Gal 1:6-9!  From responses they are "ACCURSED" for they do NOT live "After the Day of Pentecost" which JESUS DIED (in vain?) for & sent Holy Spirit to

 
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