If the church is not used as a place of worship, what is it? Fundamentally, the church is people in union with God through Jesus Christ and for instance – Baptist believe the church is only a building, or a shelter from the rain.
Is it not better for someone to believe in God and love god and one another? Rather than just using the church a place to gather socially. Do people need to justify themselves to others when surly they have already justified themselves to God?
God is omnipresent so prayer need not be in church. It is as meaningful to pray in church, as it is to pray in your own home. Some people cant get to church due to either being in a bad location or even due to illness. There are some times that prayer is needed but no church in site.
It may, as has been suggested by some, be the fact that churches were created not so much for everyone to pray in, but as a symbolic place for people to go to feel safe. It was, many years ago a place for the ill to go for help. It may be a place to remind people of Gods love for people.
There were no churches in early Christianity. In-fact Jesus himself did not go to church. Jesus teaching in ‘Matthew ch 6 v 5 – 6’ gives a Christian the idea that you should pray in your home.
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your father who sees in secret will reward you”
Christians believe morality is more important and that Church building is only a place to meet.
But the Church may be a symbolic house and may even encourage faith. It is full of symbols, which aid worship. Some Christians may say that it is important for people to unite and come together. There is an opportunity to take part in the Eucharist and hear sermons – which is said by most to be an important part of worship.
Going to Church shows commitment, and as in other organizations if a building is built specially for prayer then surly it should be used.
In conclusion, it is not the place of worship that is important but the faith of an individual, those who are at peace with themselves are at peace wit God.
