Growing up and attending a (public) Catholic school I really only knew one thing when it came to God and getting to Heaven. That was being a “good Catholic”. I believe I will always at the very least consider myself “culturally Catholic”, in the sense that both sides of my family came from two of Europe’s most Catholic countries and I do feel a connection that way. Scandals aside I have long respected and admire the Catholic church and it’s traditions.
However…
I simply never felt close to God. The church never brought me closer to God, as matter of fact the thought that I must attend mass weekly, pray the Rosary, confess my sins to a priest and so on was completely off-putting (I mean I’m a quiet, shy introvert so that probably is why).
I have however always felt a closeness with God while I’m in nature. One of the (many) reasons I look forward to moving to the middle of nowhere is to further my connection with our Lord. With my newly rediscovered love of God it is not a church or specific denomination that has brought me closer. It was simply prayer and the bible. I have poured out my soul and sins to God directly.
When I do move and settle in attending church is something I’d like to do more often (regular basis). A sense of being part of a community aside though, will attending church actually bring me any closer to God? Does it also matter which church I attend? Catholic, baptist, bible, Anglican etc?
With all the ‘Jesus > Religion’ posts I’ve seen lately, it’s yet another thing to add to my ever growing list of questions.
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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.
– Matthew 6:5-6