I DON'T have to belong to a church or go to church regularly in order to believe in God!' That is how many people feel about membership in a church or in any religious organization. In fact, some say that they feel closer to God when enjoying nature outdoors than when attending a religious service in a church. Today, it is a commonly held opinion that affiliation with a religious group or denomination is not a prerequisite for belief in God.
Others, however, sincerely feel differently. They contend that church membership and attendance are necessary, even vital, if one is to have God's approval. So the question of whether religious affiliation is really necessary is more than just a matter of statistical or academic interest. In any case, since our relationship with God is involved, would it not be logical to find out God's view on the matter? What, then, can we learn from his Word, the Bible, on this subject?
Almost 4,400 years ago, a catastrophic flood struck the entire earth. Such an event could not easily be forgotten, and peoples the world over have stories about it in their early history. Although differing in details, these stories have much in common, including the fact that only a few humans and some animals survived.
Were the Flood survivors simply individuals fortunate enough to have randomly escaped destruction? The Bible account shows that this was not the case. Significantly, God did not inform each individual about the coming Flood. Rather, he told Noah, who in turn warned his contemporaries of the approaching Deluge.—Genesis 6:13-16; 2 Peter 2:5.
Survival depended on being part of this close-knit group and on being willing to accept God's direction given to Noah. Even the animals in the ark that survived the Flood did not do so apart from this group. Precise instructions were given to Noah to make appropriate provisions for the preservation of animal life.—Genesis 6:17–7:8.
Centuries later, descendants of Noah through his son Shem came into bondage in Egypt. Yet, God's purpose was to free them and bring them to the land that he had promised their forefather Abraham. Once again, this was not revealed to each individual but was first revealed to those chosen to be their leaders—Moses and his brother, Aaron. (Exodus 3:7-10; 4:27-31) After the former slaves were delivered as a group from Egypt, they were given God's Law at Mount Sinai and formed into the nation of Israel.—Exodus 19:1-6.
Deliverance was possible for individual Israelites only because they were associated with a divinely established group and followed the direction of this group's appointed leaders. Provisions were even made for individual Egyptians to associate with this group that obviously had divine approval. When the Israelites left Egypt, these individuals went with them, thus putting themselves in line for God's blessing.—Exodus 12:37, 38.
These examples clearly show that in the past God has always dealt with his people as an organized group. The few individuals with whom God had dealings personally—Noah, Moses, Jesus, and others—were, in fact, used by Him to communicate with a closely associated group. There is no reason to believe that God deals any differently with his servants today. Of course, this gives rise to another question: Will affiliation with just any religious group suffice?
'DIFFERENT religions are simply different roads leading to the same goal. After all, there is only one God, is there not?' That sentiment is shared by many who feel that although religious affiliation is important, it does not really matter which religion one chooses to follow.
At first glance, this argument may seem plausible, since it is true that there is only one God, the Almighty. (Isaiah 44:6; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 8:5, 6) However, we cannot overlook the obvious differences—even contradictions—among the many religious groups who claim to serve the true God. They differ greatly in their practices, their beliefs, their teachings, and their requirements. The differences are so great that those belonging to one religion or group find it difficult to understand or accept what the others teach or believe.
On the other hand, Jesus said: "God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth." (John 4:24) Does worshiping God with truth allow for a range of contradictory ideas about who God is, what his purposes are, and how he wants to be worshiped? Is it logical to believe that it is immaterial to Almighty God how we worship him?
True Christians Then and Now
Christians of the first century at times had different opinions about things. For example, speaking of those in Corinth, the apostle Paul said: "Disclosure was made to me about you, my brothers, by those of the house of Chloe, that dissensions exist among you. What I mean is this, that each one of you says: 'I belong to Paul,' 'But I to Apollos,' 'But I to Cephas,' 'But I to Christ.'"—1 Corinthians 1:11, 12.
Did Paul view these differences as of little significance? Was each individual simply following his own path to salvation? Far from it! Paul admonished: "I exhort you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among you, but that you may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought."—1 Corinthians 1:10.
Of course, unity of belief cannot be achieved by coercion. It is achieved only when individuals carefully investigate matters and arrive at and accept the same conclusions. Thus, a personal study of God's Word and an honest desire to apply what is learned are essential steps to enjoy the kind of unity that Paul spoke of. Can such unity be found? As we have seen, God has long dealt with his people as a group. Is it possible to identify that group today?
The psalmist David once asked: "O Jehovah, who will be a guest in your tent? Who will reside in your holy mountain?" That surely is a thought-provoking question. David provided the answer: "He who is walking faultlessly and practicing righteousness and speaking the truth in his heart." (Psalm 15:1, 2) An accurate understanding of the Bible will enable one to identify the religion that meets those divine requirements. Then, by associating with that group, one will enjoy upbuilding fellowship with people who worship God in unity and "with spirit and truth."
Jehovah's Witnesses have demonstrated that it is possible to achieve unity in belief and action even in today's disunited world. In their ranks are former members of many different religions and ethnic groups. Other Witnesses were formerly agnostics or atheists. Still others simply gave no serious thought to religion. Out of this diversity of religions, cultures, and philosophies have come individuals who now enjoy a religious unity that is not otherwise seen in the world today.
The basis for such unity is God's Word, the Bible. Of course, Jehovah's Witnesses realize that they cannot dictate to others what to do. But they appreciate the privilege of encouraging others to learn from the Bible so as to base their choice in matters of worship upon that solid foundation. In this way, many more can share in the benefits that come from worshiping God "with spirit and truth."
Today, the danger of falling victim to harmful influences and enticements is great. Choosing the right kind of association is essential. The Bible notes that "he that is walking with wise persons will become wise" and that "bad associations spoil useful habits." (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33) Associating with genuine worshipers of God is a protection. The Bible, therefore, reminds us: "Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24, 25) What a blessing when true friends, spiritual brothers and sisters, lovingly assist one another to fulfill their responsibilities before God!
Ottmar affirms this view. Raised in a Catholic family in Germany, he discontinued going to church. He explains: "Whenever I attended church, I came out feeling as empty as when I went in." Still, he retained his faith in God. Then he came into contact with Jehovah's Witnesses and became convinced that they are true servants of God. He saw the need to associate with them. He now says: "Being active in a worldwide organization, I enjoy peace of mind and heart. I am progressively being helped to have a more accurate knowledge of the Bible. That is something of great value to me personally."
Like-minded people working closely as a group can accomplish a task far more effectively than individuals working independently of one another. For example, Jesus' parting instructions to his followers were: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19, 20) How could such a task be satisfactorily accomplished if there were no direction or organization? How could one obey this Scriptural injunction if he tried to serve God independently?
During the last year, Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide distributed 91,933,280 Bible-based books, booklets, and brochures, plus 697,603,247 magazines, thereby reaching hundreds of millions of people in 235 lands with the message from God's Word. What outstanding proof that united, well-organized group effort accomplishes far more than unassisted individual effort ever could!
In addition to distributing Bible literature, Jehovah's Witnesses conduct Bible studies free of charge to assist people to get an in-depth understanding of what God requires. Last year, on an average, 5,726,509 such Bible studies were conducted each week with individuals or groups. This Bible instruction has helped millions of people to acquire a solid basis on which to make their choice in matters of worship. You are invited to learn of the divine requirements as set forth in the Bible. Then you can make your choice.—Ephesians 4:13; Philippians 1:9; 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Peter 3:18.
If you want to please God, religious affiliation is vital—but not with just any religious group or denomination. You need to base your choice of religion on accurate Bible knowledge, not on unproved dogmas or hearsay. (Proverbs 16:25) Learn the requirements for true religion. Compare them with your own beliefs. Then choose accordingly.—Deuteronomy 30:19.
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