Quote Originally Posted by 1inStripes View Post
Do you believe that the gathering together of people of any religious group is a terrible thing then, or are you referring to actual memberships of denominations and etc?
The latter.

Coming together to worship is a beautiful thing. It's only when it turns into something proactive under a denominational flag to "save the world at all costs" that it becomes dangerous in my eyes, and it bastardizes the very point of belief/faith in a supreme being--and to me--drives you that much further away from God.

I believe and have faith that God is a great enough being and compassionate enough to speak to me directly through prayer & reflection w/o having to lean on the interpretation of scripture by another human being.

Having a solid, personal relationship with God is infinitely better in my opinion than being a lifetime member of a certain church, especially when your actions don't seem like those of one who is a truly faithful & believing person.