Does One Have to Go to Church to Be a Good Christian?
Intersection of Faith and Practice
The question of whether one needs to attend church to be a good Christian is a recurring theme in Bible studies and conversations. Interestingly, within the discourse, there is often a perceived need to align one's religious practices with societal expectations. However, the Bible, particularly when translated from Greek, provides a different narrative.
The Misleading Term Church
The term 'church' itself is somewhat misguided. This word is not present in the Greek translation of the Bible. The Greek word 'ekklesia' which is translated as 'congregation' or 'church,' suggests a more inclusive and participatory community rather than a rigid institution. To say 'I'm going to congregation' makes more sense. This term change is crucial as it shifts the focus from a formal structure to the communal aspect of faith.
Focusing on People and Relationships
According to the Bible and the teachings of Yeshua (Jesus), the emphasis is on people. Paul and the disciples continue the tradition of referring to 'people' in their discourses:
“you also as living stones are being built up a spiritual house a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” - 1 Peter 2: 5
“And what agreement has the temple of God with idols For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God and they shall be My people.’” - 2 Corinthians 6:16
These passages indicate a shift from religious acts to the spiritual development of individuals and communities. It is easy to transform these divine teachings into a set of rigid rules, a problem predominantly observed in the Western Church. Many derive their values from an unspoken rule of 'what can I get away with,' forgetting the freedom to choose.
Early Christian Communal Practices
The gatherings of early congregations were not about fulfilling a list of rules. Instead, they revolved around the community's need to strengthen each other, share blessings, learn about the Messiah, and break bread together. This communal practice is the root of Christian service, not an obligation driven by societal norms. As Paul advises, Christians should 'not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.'
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:24-25
While Paul emphasizes the importance of fellowship in the context of love, he also warns against making it an obligatory part of being a Christian. True love and good works cannot be consistently achieved if one's faith is merely a legalistic obligation.
Human Need and Community Support
The New Testament provides instances where community support led to spiritual growth and transformation. The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts is a prime example. They were part of a movement driven by biblical love, which was the highest measuring line for life. Their story highlights the importance of sharing and supporting one another:
“But a certain man named Ananias with Sapphira his wife sold a possession and he kept back part of the proceeds his wife also being aware of it and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? Acts 5:1–3
They fell into the trap of believing that God was all about rules and forgot they were free to choose what to do with what they had acquired. This teaches us that the motivation behind our actions should be derived from a deep-rooted love, not cold adherence to rules.
A Call to True Fellowship
Ultimately, the New Testament provides an inspiring vision of community and fellowship. In Acts 2:42-47, we read:
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship in the breaking of bread and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together and had all things in common.”
This indicates that the essence of being a Christian is not about strict adherence to rules but about the communal and spiritual practices that foster true love and good works. The New Testament encourages believers to continue in these practices, supporting one another as they face the challenges of life.
In conclusion, being a good Christian is about more than attending church. It is about the spiritual, communal, and personal growth that comes from living a life centered on love, fellowship, and the teachings of the Messiah. True Christian living is a transformational journey, not just a set of religious duties.