Should Christians go to Church? [Spirituality & Religion]

It absolutely causes division in a marriage, if one doesn’t go. Followers of God are to choose equally yoked partners. Both believers. God warns not to be unequally yoked, that is, one’s a follower and the other is not.

I think this guy may be using those as an excuse. If he wanted to go, he’d go. God said remember to keep the Sabboth holy. Some worship on a Saturday, some on Sunday. It’s the gathering of believers, to worship God. I don’t think he’d be angry, as long as we have the gathering to worship Him, rather than bicker and never go at all. That’s even worse. We’re also to give tithes. This helps pay for missionary work, Sunday School materials, and where does he think the church gets the money to pay for light bills, heating or air conditioning, or water bills...for church repairs. I doubt God likes him staying out of His house entirely.

Fellowship with friends is [u]nothing[/u] like fellowshiping with like-minded believers and getting spiritual FOOD from the sermon.

The place to answer that, is in the bible. God said not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together in the house of the Lord.

I believe not. The passage often used to say that Christians should go to church is (Hebrews 10:25)."Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more and ye see the day approaching." If you keep reading you will see (Hebrews 10:32), "They were exposed to approach and affliction", (Hebrews: 10:34) "You suffered along those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew yourselves has better and lasting possessions."

My point being is that Hebrews takes place in a time where Christians were being severely persecuted and the writer behind Hebrews wanted to continue the tradition of Christians coming together as a unified group of people under god so to not waver and fall apart. That's what made them endure adversity and last during that time period. I doubt this means Christians who don't attend weekly Sunday worship are doomed. Now you can believe whatever you want but the ultimate thing you can do is just believe in Christ. That shouldn't require sacrifices or ceremonies but faith alone. If one believes that faith and belief in Christ and his sacrifice is not enough then that is on them and them alone.

They should do whatever they want.
It's silly if all it takes is not going to church to cause division in the family.
You can worship anywhere.

I'm guessing that this guy also believes that the church lights and heats itself, too??? Without tithes, a lot of the consumable items that the church uses would be impossible and supplies would run out.

Yes, the church is a body of believers coming together under the common desire to Praise God... we need that as an opportunity to teach, learn and grow within our faith.

It is also possible that it can cause a division in the family if one spouse attends church and the other doesn't - but I believe that the important part here is to remain true to your faith. Ultimately, the spouse will either come round to the idea and accept that this is going to happen no matter what they say or do about it or they will tire of it and walk out. If the latter happens, then this person clearly wasn't meant to share your life with you and you need to assess where you wish to go from that point.

To me, it's about motive. While it's true that people are the body of Christ and make up the church, it's also true that church implies a coming together of God's people for like purpose. If he thinks that a one-on-one conversation with another believer is church, I don't agree. There's a place for that, but it's not church.

Often, when people avoid the church community, it is because they don't like the accountability and responsibility that comes with worshipping with the assembly. That's not good and is exactly why the Bible talks about NOT forsaking the assembling of ourselves with other believers.

Maybe there is a congregation you’d both want to go to.

Long term it matters, but how much it matters is up to you.

Ultimately children become adults and decide what they believe, so I don’t think raising your kids in a particular faith is that important, but that’s just me

I agree that church is not a building it's a gathering. So if he meets with others then I think that counts. I don't see that it would necessarily cause problems within a marriage. That would be a personal thing

Their choice. I ain't going to tell people what to do, or not to do around religions as long as they let me do like how I want to do.

if you want to depends on whatever makes you comfortable. I personally enjoy worship in church and the socializing afterwards.

Overthinking religion will only lead to stress.