they are Christians...

I cant speak for all Christians. But I can speak for myself. Alot of the ties that come with religion can be confusing, frustrating, and sometimes wrong. Many churches visions have been severely screwed. I know a church that said if you couldnt speak in tounges, you werent saved. Alot of bad can come from church and religion. What I DO think is that it is good to talk with someone who knows the bible well. And that accountability is a good thing. If not from a church, from a friend. Having a relationship with God... is much more than just beleiving that there is one. If you choose to not beleive in a organized religion. Thats your choice. It isnt a bad one. Not in my eyes. Good Luck ~+~

If the shoe doesn't fit, don't wear it, but there is probably a shoe that does, so ask God and keep looking. :)

I see where you are coming from. But, simply believing in God is not enough to please him. After all, the Bible says that even the demons believe that God exists. see (James 2:19) Obviously, though, they do not do God’s will and do not have his approval. That's why he had provided us with his word so that we can learn his requirements, and benefiting ourselves in the process. Not just believing every word of some religious leader or church doctrine. As for many religions that claim to be Christian. Consider these two scriptures. Acts 20:29,30 I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among YOU and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among YOU yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves. 1 Timothy 4:1 "However, the inspired utterance says definitely that in later periods of time some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired utterances..." Jesus himself warned that after his leaving, many people would come in and twist Christian teaching to there own ends. But he didn't leave us in the dark, he also stated ways to identify true religion. One of these is found at Acts 10:35 - "By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves.” Looking at the track record of many of the religions that claim to be Christian that have supported war and many other unspeakeable atrocities, can you say that they are following that command?

Have you heard of Iglesia ni Cristo? (Church of Christ)

Religion is so misunderstood now a days. I've been to so many churches, chapels, and congregations and they all seem to bad mouth one another. I've even been active with Jehovah's who are notoriously bad mouthers. If you're a christian in heart and spirit you're a christian. Don't let anyone tell you different. Talk to God on your own time and terms and not by some set ritual dictated by a church pastor or preacher. Church is intended for members to pray and congregate together but is not designed to outcast people who don't attend. Gather your own perceptions about any church you attend and pray away!

Well, you're half way there by most counts. The reason why it's good to go to an organized religion is that it gives you a solid set of beliefs and a community of a fellow believers to help you grow along the path you have chosen. It's very helpful to have people you can talk to if you have questions about parts of your faith, and can help keep you from deviating from God.

A number of the Christians where I live believe that you don't need to go to church or anything like that to be a Christian. That makes enough sense, I guess.

Different Christians will, no doubt have different thoughts on the matter. Don't worry what other people think. After all, most people hated Jesus when he was here on earth. However, the Bible indicates that God does care HOW we worship. (Hebrews 10:25) And isn't making Him happy supposed to be what worship is all about?

I am glad that they have beliefs, and haven't turned their backs on spirituality.

Religion is a form of bondage. And Christians are going to think what they want to think regardless. You are either a Christian or you are not, and religion has nothing to do with that. Religion is just an act people play in public for attention, and that is all the reward that are going to get, negative attention.

Depends on the people. People in organized religion dont believe those of us who choose not to associate with organized religion can be spiritual, christian, or believe in God. Most are very small minded people who cannot see past their nose. They have a rude awakening coming one day. I use to be a part of organized religion, and what I saw after I was grown and raising my own children in church made me sick. It wasn't the "sinners" that made me sick, but the "holier than thou" people. I asked one what she would do if a prostitute came in from a night and sat beside her in church -- she cringed. Church is suppose to be for the sinners (all) no matter what your sin is - so I say to these people - you have a lot to learn about the people God wants you to reach.

They probably hate the fact that they don't belong to the fan club