You don’t have to go to church to be a Christian.

We have all heard that before and the truth of the matter is that it is the truth.

That having been said, let me also say that I think such truth is often used to lie, to provide an excuse for laziness or sloth, to avoid confronting the complexities of life that are explored and examined in any worship service worth its salt.

It is my experience that the very folks who so pompously intone this truth seek to align themselves with the rewards of a religious movement but without any of the responsibilities.

Yes, it is true that you don’t have to go to church to be a Christian but what kind of Christian doesn’t want to go to church?

What kind of Christian doesn’t yearn to sing God’s praises and revel in God’s love?

What kind of Christian doesn’t see the presence of God in the presence of other pilgrims and searchers?

What kind of Christian doesn’t ache for the loving power of the Eucharist each week?

You certainly don’t have to go to church to be a Christian, but what kind of a Christian would you be?