The church as referenced in Matthew 6.7

Archeron

In Matthew 6.7, it reads:

"Concerning Prayer.

5. And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and the temples so that they may be seen by others. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut your door and pray to the father who is in secret; and your father who sees you in secret will reward you. "

The above makes me wonder does God actually want us to attend church as it seems we are advised we should do? Even though many cathedrals are awe inspiring places, I have always felt that the awe I feel is more for the architectural prowess of the building more so that what it represents. The opulence of many churces always made me wonder if those places were truly places of God.

When it makes reference to the hyppcrites, I can immediately connect, as I'm sure can many to the type of people who consider mass a place to be seen and to meet others. While in itself there is nothing at all wrong with that, it does seem to collide with the passage above.

I myself do not attend church, but do consider myself a Christian/Catholic (assuming thats not some sort of horrible paradox, which it probably is), and I have always wondered how the church itself would feel about my non-attendance. I always feel that when I pray I do not need to be in a marble hall surrounded by statues, and that everything I want to say will be heard regardless of my surroundings or my location. In fact, if anyone has seen the film Stigmata, I do strongly feel that it makes a valid point in relation to the statement "split a piece of wood and you will find me, lift a rock, and I am there"

What do you think?

philologos

It means boasting about ones faith in public. It isn't criticising the way people meet. He is saying that it is better to pray to Him alone than in public.

Archeron

But wouldnt the church scenario be considered praying in public? As is the case with synogogues and temples in that passage, I would guess the same would apply to a church or cathedral?

thehomeofDob

Hebrews
10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.
10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Will say more if need be

philologos

Hebrews covers this nicely
Edit: whoops, thehomeofDob got there before me

Hebrews 10:19-26 wrote:

We have, then my brothers and sisters complete freedom to go into the Most Holy Place by means of the death of Jesus. He opened for us a new way, a living way, through the curtain - that is through his own body. We have a great priest in charge of the house of God. So let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a true faith, with hearts that have been purified from a guilty concience and with bodies washed with clean water. Let us hold on firmly to the hope that we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming near.

This would lead me to interpret the Matthew quote to be concerning those who merely go to Church or go to the Temple to look good, and boast infront of their fellow people. He by no means is questioning group worship.

BrianCalgary

matthew 6:7 concerns the reason for the prayer. The leaders were praying in public so that they may look holy and righteous. Yes we have people like that in our churches today.

God wants us to gather together. Sometimes we pray in small groups as a body, sometimes quiet and alone with God and then as a congregation someone will offer up prayers on behalf of the body.

All of the above can be done with a sincere heart to speak with God, and that is what Christ is asking for in Matthew 6:7.

BTW have you tried going to a church other than Catholic?

Puck

There's nothing wrong with praying in the company of others. If there was then the early church and even Jesus Himself wouldn't have done it.

The verse you quoted can give rise to questions for anyone who has just come to Matthew chapter 6 after reading chapter 5 (quite a normal route I'm sure you'll agree ) where Jesus calls his disciples the light of the world and says to them:

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." - 5:16

So what's Jesus saying? Provide a good example or keep your faith private?

What I think Jesus was getting at is that, as in other cases, this is a matter of attitude. Don't pray or do good deeds just to look holy so people will look up to you. Pray and do good deeds because of God and your relationship with Him. Pray out of love and worship and don't care who sees you or if anyone sees you at all. With the right attitude your intended audience for the prayer would be God and you know that He can always see you.

I go to church because my brothers and sisters are there. It is a place we can grow together and worship God as a family. I can bring my concerns or problems before my brothers and sisters, I can ask questions, I can help out around the place. I don't go to church out of a sense of duty or social obligation and if it ever got to be a chore for me then I probably wouldn't go. God doesn't want lipservice and I won't earn any brownie points with Him by going to church. I need the support and love of others to help me grow in my faith. Relationships are quite an important part of being human.