Is it wrong to go to church just to hang out with friends?

A large fraction of “believers” are there just for the social aspect. I even know atheists who go to church for that reason. I wouldn’t, because as a former believer, it’s sort of like returning to the scene where you were raped. But for you, it ‘d probably be ok.

Look in to a Unitarian Church. You can make friends, and there isn’t any specific guidelines shoved down your throat, so long as you don’t impose that on anyone else.

I had the same problem. I was with this guy. and I started going to church with him, and I really didnt believe in it… its just so far fetched!

and now im with another guy, and hes a “strong” christian. and we had a conversation about saying “god bless you” when you sneeze. and I always tell him “blush you” just because.. well, I always have, I hate saying “bless you” and he used to, too, til we had this conversation, now when I sneeze he says “nothing happens when you die”

just because I dont believe in it… I went to church for 5 months. and still couldnt believe it.

so I guess you can go to church for friends… as long as no one knows you dont believe its fine.. or… if they do know, you can say “im trying to believe”

worked for me

I repeat my answer from your other question… “Sure, go to church. You might make some friends and have a good time. If you don’t like it, well at least you gave it a shot. It is a good way to start to learn about different faiths and beliefs. Try a lot of different churches/temples and talk to believers and non-believers. A person who is informed and inquisitive and respectful of other beliefs, is a rare and wonderful thing.”

You are young, and you don’t have to be “married” to anything. Use this time to make friends and if that includes going to church, then go. I went to temple until I was 16. I didn’t like it and questioned everything but I had a good time with my friends and it opened my mind to others beliefs. We had comparative religion classes and I loved learning about other faiths.

Go to Church. . . it’s not wrong.

Listen with a genuine open heart, it’s not complicated - this is my understanding, I hope it helps you: God being pure cannot even look upon sin - man, even in his very best state is a sinner - on judgement day, either: your sins are covered by the blood-shed sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross (salvation and only salvation - being a nice person isn’t good enough - even at our very best, we are but filthy rags), and remembered no more or they are not (your sins are not covered) - where God’s great love comes into play is, He provided a WAY (Jesus) for us not to perish and live in Heaven with Him (He certainly didn’t have to do this but did because He loved us so) - if you read carefully John 3:16, this is exactly what it says - each person will either accept or reject, you must decide for yourself and yes, it’s so important, it has eternal consequences - He Loves you and wants you to accept God’s free gift to man - Jesus.