How important is "church"?

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

The "bitterness" I feel comes from the spirit of idolatry that many have toward the "church service". The spirit that has many by the throat that the church service is so all important that life and limb will be risked all for the sake of "the service!". I DO realize that life and limb are risked everyday in countries where the government and uncontrolled mobs disprove of anything Christian, but thankfully we don't live in such a country yet.
HERE, it is all about attending service so as to be more "saved" than the person who doesn't. Here in America, the church service itself is the reason for going all too often, not God.

"Tragic Events" DO occur but why do we need to increase their likelihood of happening? To have a church service in a blizzard then declare that it was "Gods Will" when tragedy happens is being a bit naive and foolish.

It is not just this particular tragedy that has me steamed. It is a laundry list of people putting far more important matters behind the "church service", all for the express purpose of "feeling more saved" and being able to boast about never having missed a service.

I know that many don't agree with you, but I do. Not that matters a whole lot to anyone, but I do. Church can be an awesome place, but it can also be a ego boost and I have see that too often!