Reply #15: church, beleif in God, and religion are all different/separate

[alc]

All 3 are combined in many people's lives. People often have 2 but not the other 1, or even 1 but not the other 2.

Going to church without believing in God or religion can be very rewarding as long as you're honest with the other church goers and they are supportive of your being some part of them (most churches to have you there if you're honest up front).

Believing in God without going to church or even being religious also works for many people.

I can't express my definition of religion very well but I've known people I'd call "religious" who don't go to church or believe in a God. Some people say religion needs to include God, but I think it's more about living a belief system that may be based on a god or on nature or society.

That's coming from an atheist who can enjoy just about any church (if the members will let me) and who can see how belief in God has a positive influence on many people (and negative influence on others)