Member-only story
Church, church, and “Chawch”
Knowing the difference can free your soul
In the lives of many Americans, church holds a significant place in our hearts, often evoking fond memories and shared experiences. However, as I’ve matured, my perception of church has undergone shifts influenced by time and circumstance.
I identify with the concept of Church with a capital C, denoting the spiritual community of believers. Regardless of whether I attend a physical church or engage in acts of kindness outside its walls, my connection to Church remains a matter of the heart, akin to the saying “home is where the heart is.”
It is a community that is all encompassing.
Recently, I encountered a situation where a conversation was deemed “family business only,” momentarily excluding those not affiliated with a physical church. This momentary exclusion prompted reflections on the potential stigma associated with non-attendance and the fear of introducing discord into the discussion. However, I swiftly reminded myself of the core tenet: faith in Christ is the cornerstone of belief, placing me within the Universal church — an organism formed by professing believers, distinct from national or denominational affiliations.
This realization leads to a fundamental question: what role does the physical church play in the…
