I haven’t been to church in years and then only to attend Mass with my wife – I’m not Catholic. I think the reasons, or lack thereof, are #1 & #3 in the no go answers.
The reasons they go:
Among the most important reasons Americans attend a church service at least once a month, according to the Pew poll (respondents could give more than one reason, so the percentages below are how many deem it "very important"):
1. To become closer to God. (81 percent)
2. So their children will have a moral foundation. (69 percent)
3. To become a better person. (68 percent)
4. For comfort in times of trouble or sorrow. (66 percent)
5. They find the sermons valuable. (59 percent)
6. To be part of a faith community. (57 percent)
7. To continue their family's religious traditions. (37 percent)
8. They feel obligated to go. (31 percent)
9. To meet new people or socialize. (19 percent)
10. To please their family, spouse or partner. (16 percent)
As for the reasons they skip regular services, according to CNN's citing the poll (again, they could give more than one answer):
1. They practice their faith in "other ways." (37 percent)
2. They are not believers. (28 percent)
3. No reason is "very important." (26 percent)
4. They haven't found a house of worship they like. (23 [percent)
5. They don't like the sermons. (18 percent)
6. They don't feel welcome. (14 percent)
7. They don't have the time. (12 percent)
8. Poor health or mobility. (9 percent)
9. No house of worship in their area. (7 percent)
From Pew Poll: Top 10 Reasons Americans Go to Church, or Don't
