In the Lutheran religion, one doesn't need to go to church to believe and follow God. But in reality, no one can truly say who will or will not go to heaven. It's what you believe in, and that's where your faith comes into play. If you follow Gos'd Word, I'm sure he'll allow you into the Gates of Heaven. Try reading a bible or the Koran or the Torah if you need to clear things up about God- it actually helps.

There is a fairly old story that is popular in my Church that is relevant here. A bishop was visiting a member of his congregation that had not been out to church for several years trying to convince him to come back. They sat next to the fire as they talked and the member said that he just didn't see why it was important to go to church. He could study the scriptures and pray on his own. Why did he have to go to a public place to do this? Rather than answer the member himself, the bishop took the tongs that were next to the fire and used them to pick up a coal and set it out on the hearth. Both of the men sat there and just watched the coal as it cooled. It slowly went from a bright incandescent red to a dull gray as it died. Once it had cooled, the bishop used the tongs to place the coal back in the fire. There it quickly came back to life again. The member sat and thought for another few minutes. Then he looked at his bishop and said, "I get your point. I'll see you on Sunday." Can you get into heaven if you don't go to church or have a religion? It's possible. However, it is a whole lot harder. The purpose of church is so that people with similar beliefs can come together and strengthen each other in the faith. We live in a world that is constantly trying to pull us away from God. All you have to do is turn on the TV to see this. I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of TV series over the past 25 years that have been centered on inspiring faith in God. Over this time the programs have more and more centered on the baser aspects of human nature. Popular entertainment over this time has been a reflection in the downward spiral of our society as morals have become looser. When we don't go to church regularly, we are basically volunteering to battle these forces by ourselves. The story of the brave warrior who stands alone against an evil dictator and all of his minions make for a stirring tale, but in reality, this solitary warrior is much more likely to get swarmed under by his enemies. The same is true of our souls when we choose to go it alone. On the other hand, when we are active in a church, we have friends who share our values. These are people to whom we can turn when we are weak. They can help lift us up when we are down. In turn we can help them when they are in need. In this way we strengthen each other and help each other through this life. We are not standing alone. As a group we have a much easier time in succeeding than we do as individuals. Your question tells me that you have not found a church with which you are satisfied. So, I would suggest that you keep looking. Eventually you will find it. If you are indeed looking for a church, then I would also suggest giving mine a chance. You may find that it provides something that has been missing in your life. If you are interested, all you have to do is click on my name and look at the religion forum in which I have been most active. ***************** "Alatea: Be very careful of Mormonism - that's why he wants you to click on his name. LDS is fake and sorcery based." "Daytripper: a culture of fear is correct description" You now, I find these two comments to be very interesting. They accuse us of being a culture of fear. However, ask yourself something. Who is trying to use fear here? It's certainly not me or my religion. It's Alatea and Daytripper who are trying to scare people away from us. Can you say, "Hypocrites" boys and girls?

From the general tone of the question, I'm assuming that even though you use the word "church" you are not necessarily talking only about Christianity. My apologies if it's an incorrect assumption. My inclination as a Muslim is to tell you "probably." But, as a Muslim, I'll also be quick to point out that only God is qualified to make that decision. We have instructions about what is good or bad or right or wrong. We have instructions that a sincere belief in one God and submission to that God is much more important than anything else. But humans are not God, and therefore we don't know everything. So we don't have a magic formula about what sends you to heaven and what sends you to hell. We can only live our lives by trying to choose right over wrong when possible. That said, though, if you believe in God then you should try to follow His instructions and do what He asks of you. And as far as I know, every religion that believes in a God also believes that God has recommended certain courses of action for us. I'm going to separate your two criteria: "go to church" and "have a religion". I would argue that anyone who believes in God already has a religion. Even if you don't belong to a group with a name, believing that God created you implies an understanding that you owe Him gratitude in return. And the way you show gratitude is by following His guidelines, whatever you understand those guidelines to be and however you interpret them. Note, though, that there's a difference between a sincere but perhaps unusual interpretation of religious texts and mere invention/justification of whatever idea you "want" to be true. Going to church (i.e. participating in congregational worship) is a different matter. I won't speak for people of other religions, but Muslims believe that it's not specifically required. It's just strongly encouraged because we believe that God's work is being done wherever there is an atmosphere of true community spirit and mutual help. Glenn Blaylock's story illustrates this in a way that I think holds true for all religions.

I believe it depends on what your religion is. For example, in Christianity you MUST have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not just believe there's a God. Even Satan's demons believes there's a God. Hopefully this helped you.

The Bible indicates that believing there is a God is inadequate. James 2:19 (King James Version) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. So, depending on what you mean by "believe in God," you do well, but... The Bible indicates the importance of exercising faith in Jesus is critical to reconciliation with God and reward in heaven. These things are heavily dependent on definitions. Most evangelical churches will tell you Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship with God. Some groups practice fundamental Christianity but don't like the idea of an organized "church." Most "churches" will tell you that the "church" is a fellowship of like-minded believers, not a building or an organization. So there are "churches" that agree that you don't need a "church" and "religious" people who insist you don't need a "religion." By the way... what exactly did you mean by "believes in?" And what is your concept of "God?" It really does matter.

I tend to answer questions from the Christian perspective. Whether you agree with Christians for disagree, it is wrong for someone to adulterate the basic tenants of their claimed faith to answer a question in a politcally correct manner. For the Christian the Bible must be the inerrant word of God period. If any part of the Bible's earthly message (history, geology, chemistry, anthropology) is proven to be wrong, then how can its spritual message be relied upon to be the truth? If it is wrong anywhere then where is it right and where is it wrong? We have no basis for discerning which parts would be right and which would be wrong. So, the only tenable position is that the Bible must either be all right or all wrong. I am going to answer your question in three parts First, "doesn't go to church or have a religion...": This, as previously stated, is a little dependent on what your definition of "chruch" and "religon" are. The short answer to this part of your queston is no. Going to a particular church or having a particular "religon" is not required, with one bit of clarification: by "religon" I mean a particular Christian denomenation. However, having the wrong religon can surely keep you out. So, not having a chruch or particular religon in and of itself is not something that will prevent your acceptance into heaven. Second "but still believes in God": I am assuming that by God you meant a supreme being or "higher power" in the generic sense. The Bible is very clear: belief in the specific God of the Bible is not enough. Therefore it follows that a belief in a generic God is positively not enough. Third "will they go to heaven?": Its not about what will keep you out, or about what will make you acceptable to be let in. A person does not earn heaven or hell. A person is gifted with the gift of mercy from almighty God. No one deserves to go to heaven not anyone and the mercy of God is by definition undeserved favor. There is no salvation apart from Jesus Christ. We are all sinners and that is what keeps us from God. God was just kind enough to come down here and pay the price of sin our: death. Then to pick his life back up again and renew us in the process. God is perfect and it is He that has decided how we will be reconciled to Him. Who am I to argue with my maker? Finally to definatively answer the question and add a few words to clarify the point of view from which I answer it: can a person with no church and no conventional religon go to heaven? Yes, if and only if they have placed their faith and trust in the person of Jesus Christ.

Will you? Whatever you believe in, whatever religion or not-religion, if you do believe that there is an after-life, a thorough and very honest review of yourself and your actions through your life will give you the answer. God-Ala-Buddha, etc., do not have a fame of being misjudgers, and you basically get what you give, so I guess you can get your answer without waiting to actually be there and know for a fact.

Personally, I believe its how you live your life that truly matters, but your question seems to imply a specific God and a specific heaven, in which case, there are probably specific rules set down to get there, which other people have touched on from different povs. Now, if youre just being philosphical, I have to ask this: If a person goes to church, has a specific religion and does indeed believe in God, does this mean they will automatically go to heaven?

There is a area here where the definition of "no church or no religion" is dependent on who is calling the shots. You can pick out some people who you believe meet the definition of "no church etc.". But you might get a different judgments if you ask twenty random people what they think about your conclusion. Human can put off immediate desires for future rewards. The bigger and better it is, more people participate in the gold rush. I wish I new the true description of heaven to get motivated, every heaven I heard of is a few good rare things in life that will happen continuously forever. The catch has been that some of the good things life were actually bad or if it was truly good, slammed the door on it thinking it was not good. I don,t think I can recognize the true good heaven if I was dropped into it.

You can believe what ever you want, the sky is the limit. AS for reality dead is dead. It is difficult for the ego to except that. Just be nice to your self and others and forget fairy tales.

You will all go to heaven. God will not deny anyone anything GOD is good. GOD does not choose or gets offened. Just do the best you can.

The kingdom of God is within you.

I read the bible from cover to cover and it says that it is OK for you who do not go to any church or have a religion can go to heaven So do not worry you will be accepted.

What you need to realise is that many relgious views will give you many different answers, some might feel that No without church you'll go to hell, some might feel that as long as you maintain some kind of personal contact you'll be ok, or as long as you live well you will.. some religions don't believe in concepts such as heaven or hell.. any, all or none of these views may be right. that's why religion is a beliefsystem and not a science. Most people do believe in a higher power of some sort, those that don't have a beliefsystem of their own just the same, and since noone can prove any of their personal beliefs it takes some soul searching and it takes real strenght in this day and age to believe in something that you cannot prove. It takes time, a lifetime.. Will you go to heaven? I have no idea, you'll have search your own heart on that one, I just hope you can keep an open mind :)

http://powertochange.com/questions/qna3.html I believe this site puts it succinctly in saying: "Another thing that often gets confused is whether Christians claim that salvation comes only through adherence to their religion or whether our Saviour, Jesus Christ, is the only way to salvation. In actuality, what we believe is that no religion-not even Christianity-can save us; only Christ can do this. Salvation is not about demographics. Membership in a certain group, such as the Christian church, does not automatically lead to salvation. Neither does having the right thoughts or feelings or holding the right theological beliefs. Christianity's claim to exclusivity is not for the religion but for Christ. It is a claim that Jesus is the only true Saviour." As James 2:19 says, even the devils believe in one God, and tremble. James 2:20 goes on to say that such a faith is dead without works, and since, as Galatians 2:16 says, "by the law of works will no flesh be justified in His sight," such a faith falls short indeed. Religions which preach a works-based faith like Catholocism, Islam, or Judaism yet believe in one God, are then missing the boat, for it's not about believing in one God or doing good works, but repenting and finding mercy through trusting in Jesus and His payment on the cross for our sins to save us. For the definitive New Testament statement on faith and works: Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. The faith spoken of in James 2:19 that is dead without works, and is merely belief in one God is not the saving faith Paul speaks of in Romans 10:8-10 that involves repenting, trusting solely in the person of Jesus to save us, and asking Him to forgive us by His sacrifice on the cross and make us new people. Jesus in Matthew 7:14 says that few will find the path to life, but in Matthew 7:22 says that many will think they are His in the last day only to be told they never knew Him. So judging by that few/many contrast, it would be safe to assume that the majority of those who call themselves Christians are either liars or deceived.

There is no such thing as heaven or hell.

What do you believe about God. What do you think of about God. Do you communicate, pray and meditate? There will be many Christians that will say that believing in God is not good enough but who is to judge who goes to heaven and who does not. You? God is the only one that knows. Now for you. This question is troubling your heart. This should say something to you. You have answered your own question and do not even realize it. So You need to search out a church, religion that you believe closely fits your beliefs and answers your heart. Joe

Jesus said "Faith without works is dead" So having a faith that is dormant is a faith that is dead. What makes you think that everyone who believes in God has the chance of going to heaven??There is a set number Revelation says 144,000 to be kings and priests to rule over the earth. You might have the chance of being one with a earthly hope, if you find out what Gods requirements are for this priveledge.

I'm not sure that you seperate the two things. If you truly believe in God, then you are going to want to participate in praising him and rejoicing in in his name. Walking in Christ is not something that you just do on certain days of the week, it is something that you do every single day, every minute, every hour. It is gathering together with those of like beliefs and sharing your experiences and stories and faith. It is understanding what believing in God really means to you and what living in Christ means to you. I just don't see how you can have one without the other. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Peace to all.

There's only one way to the FATHER. And it can be found in the Bible. One place to check out is in the book of John Chapter 4 V-6. Another place to look into is I Thessalonians Chapter 3. Another place you may want to take a look at, is in the book of Luke Chapter 23 V's 39 to 43, when the two others who were dieing on the cross's along side of Christ. And what both of them were saying to Christ during their deaths. And the reply Jesus gave back to one..........Hopes this helps you:-)

No....because its not real!

No. the only thing that allows entry into the kingdom of God is acceptance of Jesus Christ.

My main concern is not getting into heaven. Most important to me is speaking and acting in loving ways. If you are able, listen to the song "Learn To Be Still" by the Eagles ... "maybe you've forgotten heaven's lying at your feet."

The Bible says that even the demons believe, and shudder. Clearly the demons aren't going to heaven. Clearly just believing isn't enough. You also have to love God. These are part and parcel of the same, because if you truly believe in who God is and what He has done, love should flow from it. And if you love God, you will obey Him. Here is the whole passage that I quoted, from the Book of James. 14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[d]? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"[e] and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 25In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

They bloody well better... I hate Church and I don't much care for most congregations either!

Going to church does not cause you to go to heaven. It is group support and sorship, but people go to heaven depending on their love and life and belief for the Lord above.

Heaven and hell are religeon based ideas. The person who chooses no religeon has no belief in heaven or hell. If you do believe in heaven and hell then you are not as religeonless as you think.

If you believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead, and you excepted him into you. Then you'll go to heaven, but if you just believe there's a god, then no!!! Sorry if this sounds harsh, this is what I've learned my entire life.

If they believe in God and obey the commandments, they will be judged fairly.

That depends upon the religion. Not all religions have anything at all to do with church. Most don't. Please note that you have not put this in a category specific to any religion (although I'm flagging it for recategorization). Since you mention church and that term is Christian, I will answer about Christian beliefs. There is nothing at all in the Bible that says you have to go to church. There is certainly nothing in the teachings of Yeshua of Nazareth that indicate any attendence at church is necessary. The emphasis is on a personal relationship with Yahweh/Jesus. However, from a Christian perspective, we are all born into sin. The wages of all sin are death/hell. Humans are incapable of saving themselves from this fate. Thus, only those who believe in and accept the blood sacrifice of Yeshua (Jesus Christ) will have their sins forgiven and enter Heaven. I will add a caveat that some denominations of Christianity do not believe that one is condemned to Hell for Eternity. Some (such as the Mormons) believe it is a place you go until your debt is paid, then you enter Heaven. Others (such as the Jehovah's Witnesses) believe that Hell is simply death (ceasing to exist) and you will not be resurrected for eternal life.