Church Quote by Michael Perry
““We were the church. As the New Testament instructed. When it was time for Sunday morning meeting, we convened in private homes. To raise a structure and call it a church was the worldly way. A church made of hands was soon cluttered with altars and crucifixes, and was thereupon idolatrous. These false churches, they were not walking in Truth. They were whistling off to Hades. This was a shame, because I knew some real nice Lutherans.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Gospel According to the Self-Help, Michael Perry, 2005
The quote critiques institutional religion that replaces personal faith with physical buildings, suggesting true spirituality is lived, not housed in structures.
In simple terms: Faith should be lived, not just housed in churches.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize personal practice over building worship spaces.
Themes
faith
institution
authenticity
spirituality
community
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- home worship
- small group gatherings
- personal study
- community service
Key Concepts
theology
idolatry
personal devotion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you embody your faith daily without relying on institutions?
- What practices keep spirituality authentic?
A Different Perspective
Physical structures can become distractions from genuine belief.
![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
