One of the biggest reasons why people continue to attend a church that is spiritually killing them is because they have developed relationships that they care about. Next to “I go for the worship,” this is perhaps the most common reason given for “sticking it out.” It also has an admirable sound when we speak it aloud to someone who might inquire as to why we continue to put ourselves through the spiritual meat grinder of organized religion.
 
I have discovered that most of the time, the “friends excuse” is just that; an excuse. More often than not, people know in their hearts that the supposed friendships they have in their church are weak and frail at best. Most people have that same inner sense that I had in the bar that night. They know what the truth is, but they would rather live the lie because it’s comfortable.

Read the rest of Darin Hufford's entry: The Friends Excuse