The Church of the Outdoors is B.S.

“I feel closer to God on the water or in the woods than I do in some church pew.”

It’s a phrase uttered countless times across the ages and admittedly, at its surface, seems a pretty difficult one to counter. Anyway, who am I to question your personal experience?

So, let’s take that for granted. You’ve never felt closer to God than you have in the outdoors. I would have to admit some of my greatest moments of clarity and wonder at the Creator have come there, too. In fact, when my lock-on tree stand shifted on me, 20 feet up a white oak, I felt mere moments away from meeting Him face to face.

But let’s also be adults here. Do we really think Jesus Christ endured crucifixion in order for us to episodically feel close to God? Is closeness to the Creator the point of it all?

My read of the Scriptures paints a picture of an obstinate and rebellious human nature constantly attempting to put itself first and in opposition to God…to do only what he or she wants to do. 

Paul’s infamous tongue twister in Romans 7:15 is a great example, and we know from experience that it’s true. We are all the time doing things we regret and avoiding the things we know we should do and making excuses for ourselves along the way.

Which is really what it boils down to: if you’re excusing your absence from participation and worship at a local church with time spent hunting or fishing in the “Church of the Outdoors,” you’re in opposition to the weight of the New Testament.

Hebrews 10:24-25 is based on the premise that we should be meeting together regularly to worship, learn, and encourage each other. But don’t take my word for it:

²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

I know when I’m out hunting or fishing, my thoughts can focus on godly things, but mostly they don’t. I’m ranging distances to get ready for a shot that never comes or thinking about the next bait I’m going to tie on. Those pursuits tend to consume me.  

And that’s what worshiping with other believers reminds us, it’s not about me. It’s about Him. And as crafty as I want to get about justifying my personal religious experience, I know in my heart (and I suspect you know too), that avoiding attending a worship service is more about convenience to my personal schedule.

Believe me, when I see guys driving down the highway on a Sunday morning with fishing rods in their vehicle, or deer stands in the bed of their truck, I’m jealous. But then, I remind myself that just like my own selfish whims, the Church of the Outdoors is really B.S..