Can your commitment to religion be measured by an attendance record?
Recently one of my housemates said to me, "Katherine, you are not religious. ... You never go to church."
I was struck utterly speechless by her statement, very offended and did not know how to respond. I could have shot back at her with a hundred reasons why her weekly trip to mass did not label her as an true Catholic or list the things she does that the Catholic church would not consider "good," but I held my tongue and tried to understand why she thought my religiousness boiled down to where I spent my Sunday mornings.
It is commonly expected that the influence and presence of religion decreases in the life of a college kid. But my experience has been the opposite and I do not believe it can be measured by a mere attendance record.
How much does your worship service attendance record reflect your spirituality or religiosity?
Watch this video to hear the answers of a few people in Ann Arbor.
Comments
Michigan Reader
Thu, Oct 14, 2010 : 7:21 p.m.
@stunhsif--Going to church on Sunday is definately (sp?) one of the ten commandments, it's to be obeyed because the church is a dictatorship, not a democracy. It's in the same league as thou shall not commit murder, bear false witness, take the Lord's name in vain, and so on down the line. At least, it is in the Catholic church. Maybe Protestant denominations believe that because Jesus died for man's sins, they now have the licence to do whatever they want. But no, those are individual's own beliefs. Some Protestants say that because Catholics have confession, that a Catholic has a free pass to commit mortal sins. No.
stunhsif
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 9:07 p.m.
The commandment, "Remember the Sabbath Day,to keep it holy". Don't think that means you have to go to church every Sunday as you stated Michigan Reader!
krc
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 9:26 a.m.
Absolutely, Chris Blackstone. Another reason is to continue learning, and also to hear new information that will bolster your faith.
Mom in Town
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 8:48 p.m.
Well said Chris Blackstone! Thank you.
Michigan Reader
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 8:42 p.m.
Going to church on Sunday is just one facet of good Christian practice, although a very important one. It's one of the 10 commandments. Just as a good leader will have an assortment of qualities, all varying in quantity, a Christian can have other qualities in greater amounts. I'm not sure church attendance is THE measure. It's a composite of everything that defines a "good" Christian.
Speechless
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 12:21 p.m.
Regardless of whether or not someone chooses to stand or sit inside a church, synagogue, mosque, temple or ashram at some point on the weekend, the fundamental reality that underlies our world and the universe around us — whatever that may be — will remain stubbornly unchanged.
Snehal
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 11:03 a.m.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
DagnyJ
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 10:56 a.m.
It's a question of religion versus spirituality. If you are religious, then you ought to follow the "rules" of the religion. If you are spiritual then you are guided by principles. I think anyway.
Chris Blackstone
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 10:19 a.m.
I guess it depends on what your religion is. Someone who calls themself a Christian and doesn't regularly gather together with other Christians to worship God is clearly disobeying the Bible (Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25]not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."). Christianity is NOT just about "me and Jesus", which runs contrary to most of what American evangelicalism teaches and lives. Faith is intended to be lived in intentional, loving community which provides the accountability, support, and rebuke that we are unable, or unwilling, to do for ourselves. Other religions may be more "individually-oriented", but I can't speak to those.
bunnyabbot
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 9:46 a.m.
I disagree, you can have strong religious faith, strong religious beliefs and have a deep spirituality and connection to God with poor church attendance. Churches are religious communities and a place to worship with other people who share your faith, they are not what forms your faith nor a way your faith is graded against others. For your roommate to suggest you are not religious if you were to discribe yourself as so, simply because you don't have an attendence record that she approves of is rather rude, condensending and intolerant of YOUR faith.
elahaie
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 7:52 a.m.
who cares? i find it very disturbing how frequently the topic comes up in discussions regarding politics/politicians. keep religion out of it!
MjC
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 7:40 a.m.
Your housemate has a point. It's somewhat like saying you believe in the government of the United States, but you don't vote. If you don't participate on a regular basis then how do you know what's going on? I'm just saying...
John Reed
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 6:34 a.m.
To answer the headline's question: Yes. I am an atheist, and I do not attend church. Pretty straightforward.