Like many who have ever said or thought this about church, I had several excuses for not attending.

My past experiences at church had caused me to not like organized religion and to feel that church was judgmental and rigid. I also had a preconception about Christian Scientists that made me think I wouldn’t fit in with them. I had loved attending Christian Science Sunday School, including during my first two years of college, but I didn’t think I would enjoy church in the same way. So I rarely went to church after graduating from Sunday School, and although I didn’t stop practicing Christian Science, it was definitely on the back burner for a while.

A couple of times when I felt that I needed God in my life more, I did go to church but didn’t feel welcome or inspired. I again felt there was more of a focus on rules than love. This is what turned me away from church the most.