I am a born, baptised and raised Catholic that goes to a non denominational church at the moment. I am also the friend of others who have had bad "religiou" experiences. I've done a lot of thinking and praying about God and the need (or not) or religion and this is y personal opinon, at least to date! :)

As far as I have learned through school, observation and general knowledge religion is a set up structure of rules and rituals. There are those who need these rules in order to worship, or feel as if they have fulfilled a duty. But, like my friends, there are those whom find that experience damaging. Being raised Catholic I was taught the unspoken rule that there is no God without religion. Then I read the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament.

The apostles had no set of rules and rituals. They converted non jews to jewish faith because the only known way to worship was pagan. That doesn'y mean everyone observed the jewish ways. The apostles didn't push it either. One thing they did do was remind that each sabbith was to bo kept holy. This part is the biggest change in my opinon, and not really going along with religion.

I believe that God is in everything and everyone, whether they like it or not. I also believe that God is very understandingof our shortcomings. He asked us to keep the sabbith holy, he didn't say how. Obviously the old testament ways are from a different culture and time. We can't follow those methods. But we can keep the sabbith without going to church, if church is not for us (or that particular person). I personally believe that God wants us to spend time with Him (Her, It) every week. I also believe that where we spend that time and how much is up so change, if necesassry. For me, I need that time in church to recharge my spiritual batteries. But for my brother it just seems to drain them. So, the following is what I believe is more than acceptible to our loving God.

Set time aside each Sunday, Saturday (or the day you have a few moments time) to do something that is God centered. In other words. Say a personal prayer thanking God for your week and asking for guidence through the next week. (or) Walk out in nature where you pause to wonder about His greatness. (or) Read a passage of the bible and think on it a moment (like writing your opinon or questions in a journal). (or) Talk with your children about God and why He's important. Or anything that centers on God, for just a few moments each week.

God is not in a special building. God is not the Catholic religion. God is not any religion! God is our creator and our hope. God loves us out of pure love. God will always accept us in any way that we can accept Him. God just wants to spend tim with us, just like any truely loving parent.

Any opinons??