Don’t ever let any religion or church seperate your from knowing God’s love. And don’t let theology determine God’s nature. Spend time reading the Bible for yourself, pray about it, seek out a wise priest or pastor to talk to.
Amen! The Bible will tell you:
1 Corinthians 11:2
Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and
keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.
2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
2 Thessalonians 3:6
But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly
and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
Matthew 28:20
teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
1 Timothy 1:3
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus
that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
1 Timothy 4:6
If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of
the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.
Acts 2:42
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Romans 6:17
But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet
you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.
Romans 16:17
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
1 Timothy 4:16
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
2 Timothy 3:10–17
2 Timothy 4:1–5
Titus 1:7–9
Titus 2:1
But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
Titus 2:9–10
2 John 9–10
9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;
I don’t know about you… but I think doctrine, teaching and traditions are really, really, really important. Otherwise, they would have not been included in Sacred Scriptures.
But a bunch of polemical religious answers meant to win a debate or convince a skeptical person aren’t going to fix your spiritual problem, which is that you don’t know God, you know a bunch of religious practices. If the religious practices aren’t pointing you to God’s forgiveness and mercy, you need help. They should never be pointing you to God’s anger, judgement, or condemnation, if they are, something is wrong in your spiritual life.
You do know God doesn’t tolerate sin? And that because of sin, His Only Begotten Son was sacrificed? And that He provided us a way to deal with sin. I can post those references as well is you’d like.
There WILL be a judgement, you do know that right?
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
What do you think happens to those who are not in Christ?
John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
And how do we abide in Christ?
1 John 3:24 All who keep his commandments abide in him, and he in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us.
So yes, by all means read the Bible and pray!
