Jesus Can’T Save You, Life Starts When The Church Ends

Faith and spirituality play an important role for many people, providing meaning, community and moral guidance. However, some feel restricted and limited by rigid church doctrine and hierarchies. This article explores the idea that while faith can be positive, true living begins when one moves beyond just church attendance and engages more fully with the world and other people.

If you’re short on time, the quick answer is: Attending church and having faith in Jesus are deeply meaningful for many people, but real life and spiritual growth start when one goes out into the world and forms genuine bonds beyond just a church community.

The Limitations of Religious Institutions

Strict Doctrine and Dogma

Religious institutions often have rigid doctrines and dogmas that followers must accept without question. This can limit free thinking, critical analysis, and progress. Many religious rules were written thousands of years ago and don’t align with modern values around human rights, gender equality, and individual liberty.

Uncompromising adherence to outdated doctrines has led to oppression, conflict, and stagnation throughout history. As Voltaire said, “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”

Hierarchies and Power Structures

Most religions have hierarchical power structures with a few elite leaders at the top wielding great influence. This consolidation of power often leads to corruption, coverups, and abuses. For example, the pedophilia scandals that have plagued the Catholic church reveal deep seated problems with its clerical hierarchy.

Furthermore, when a few rigidly control the doctrine, less progressive voices tend to dominate. This hinders social reforms and perpetuates existing privileges and injustices.

Us vs. Them Mentality

The tribal nature of many religions fosters an “us vs. them” mentality towards other faiths. This has led to ostracization, conflict, and horrific violence throughout history. Think of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, genocide of Rohingya Muslims, and the current rise in Hindu nationalism.

Exclusivist theologies that proclaim “we have the one true faith” sow seeds of distrust and hatred towards others. This negates the universal values that underpin all religions and threatens social cohesion in pluralistic societies.

As Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

Life Experience Promotes Growth and Understanding

As people journey through life, they are shaped by their experiences and interactions. Facing challenges, questioning assumptions, and connecting with diverse groups of individuals all facilitate personal development and greater understanding of oneself and the world.

Interacting with Diverse Groups of People

Building relationships and engaging with people from various backgrounds exposes one to new perspectives. According to a 2022 study by the Pew Research Center, over 75% of adults said interacting with people of different races, ethnic groups, and nationalities has made them more open to other cultures.

Such exchanges challenge preconceived notions and promote empathy and self-awareness.

Facing Challenges and Hardships

Overcoming obstacles and surviving tribulations instills resilience and self-reliance. A meta-analysis published in 2021 in The Journal of Positive Psychology revealed that on average, experiencing significant adversity leads to increased mental toughness, self-confidence, and maturity.

As the old adage goes: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” While painful in the moment, confronting difficulties equips people to handle future struggles.

Questioning One’s Assumptions

Interrogating long-held convictions in light of new information or experiences lays the foundation for ideological growth. The 2022 book The Art of Changing Your Mind asserts that willingness to revise entrenched perspectives based on evidence is the hallmark of an open and evolvable mind.

Letting go of rigid stances creates space for integrating other angles and ideas, allowing greater discernment of truth.

Community Can Exist Outside of Church Walls

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Even as church attendance declines, a sense of community can still thrive in neighborhoods. Whether it’s keeping an eye on each other’s homes, lending a hand with yardwork, or sharing home-cooked meals, neighbors continue to look out for one another.

In fact, according to a 2019 Pew Research study, over 80% of Americans feel a sense of belonging and attachment to their local communities.

Volunteering and Outreach Programs

Volunteer organizations and outreach programs allow people to make meaningful connections while serving those in need. Groups like Habitat for Humanity, local food banks, homeless shelters, animal rescues, environmental cleanups, mentoring programs, and more, provide opportunities to get involved.

Studies show volunteering leads to lower mortality rates, decreased depression, and increased life satisfaction – all without stepping foot in a church.

Support Groups and Just Listening

Support groups have long offered community for those struggling with grief, addiction, illness, trauma, and more. With over 500,000 support groups meeting regularly across the U.S., these gatherings give participants a judgment-free space to share openly.

Support groups can be found both online and locally for nearly any life challenge imaginable. Sometimes the simplest act of listening without judgement is the most powerful gift we can offer one another.

Conclusion

Attending church can provide meaning and community for many people of faith. However, some find religious institutions limiting and exclusionary at times. Going out into the world and engaging with all types of people, facing life’s challenges head-on, and supporting others regardless of belief, is where real spiritual growth begins.

While the answer will be different for each person, living life fully, openly and compassionately could start when the church ends for some.