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How can I help a friend who, although claims to be a believer, does not attend church, under the assumption that religion is a confinement and he wants to be free? He needs non-biblical, logical proof as to the need for organized religious services.

It is very difficult if not impossible to explain ‘religion’ non-biblically.


A person cannot claim to be a believer in Jesus Christ and refuse evidence from the Holy Bible. Either one is interested in the Holy Bible, and its teachings or not. I do not think these terms can be discussed separately. However, definitions and emphasis on group process rather than individuality might help you.

Religious faith is a state that contains the feeling of something true, total, and absolute like a dogma. Religious faith within the Orthodox Church cautions against the individual perspective relating to religion and focuses on the member aspect.

Individuality in religion as in society and the nation at large can be a danger for the individual. Let us examine six points to justify this:

1. An individual is separate, whereas a member is united. An independent individual can have many problems with egoism and self-centeredness. A member is an integral part of a group and cannot live nor function alone. He needs the other members to have life and growth. Likewise, the group takes care of the member. The group offers a member an opportunity to contribute and to excel. This is the case with all organizations whether religious or non-religious.




2. The basic endeavor of organized religion is to discover the gifts of its members, bringing out their potentials and utilizing them to bring about benefit for the individual the community at large. The task of an individual is to remain united to the group, for this is the secret of his life and the meaning of his existence with Jesus Christ as the Head of the group.




3. Individualism or "being free" as your friend states cancels authority. It is dangerous for an individual to make himself his own authority. Human beings, as individuals, are not guaranteed to think and make all decisions soundly. The Holy Spirit guides the sanctified group that is united in the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit is the authority for every believer.




4. Diversity of gifts flourishes within organizations. The work of the pillar is different from that of the foundation, which is in turn different from that of the stones. Diversity accomplishes a variety of tasks, while being integrated, complementary, and united.




5. The apostles were organized in their ministry and they were members therein. God did not choose only one to spread the Gospel. They were "sent out" which means they functioned within Church group setting. They did not go out on their own accord.




6. The many resolutions taken by the church councils throughout history did not come from individuals but were taken from world councils (groups of people who were organized). This totally rejected individuality.

The Orthodox Church is a group of people with organized Church teaching and oneness of spirit within the group. The church group (its organization), with the Lord Jesus Christ's teachings ever before them, is the fundamental authority for life, behavior and ideas, so that no one goes astray or loses focus on the main goal which is his salvation.

If your friend is concerned about being controlled and needs to be free, perhaps this is a personal control issue versus a church organizational issue.

Holy Bible scripture states "And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the Church and the apostles and the elders and they reported all things that God had done with them"(Acts 15:4). After much dispute in which many took part especially St Peter and St James, they arrived at a final decision in the preamble of which they said, "It seemed good to US being assembled with ONE accord.... For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us" (Acts 15:25-28). From this you can see each one with opinions and ideas coming together to form a group and making decisions. This Biblical example is the Counsel of Jerusalem held in 50 AD.

I pray that your friend will seek the three "control" powers of the Orthodox Church: the Lord Jesus Christ, the clergy, and the believers.