Contact: Adam Cothes, WinePress Publishing Group, 360-802-9758, adam@winepressgroup.com

ENUMCLAW, Wash., November 8 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Recent research shows that approximately twelve million born-again believers have stopped attending churches for various reasons," observes author Carmen Menefee in her book "The Religion Trap: Religion verses Relationship." She goes on to quote researcher George Barna, who said in a report, "'Americans are willing to expend some energy in religious activities such as attending church and reading the Bible, and they are willing to throw some money in the offering basket, but when it comes time to truly establishing their priorities and making a tangible commitment to knowing and loving God, most people stop short.'" Why is this? Why do so many once dedicated evangelicals feel trapped by rather than blessed by their faith?

According to Menefee, the answer lies in religion itself. "Religion is ineffective because religion is based on rules, laws, acts, and outward forms of godliness," Menefee says. "A relationship with God, however, is based on love for God and for mankind."

This dedicated Bible study leader, speaker and debut author grew up in church. It wasn't until adulthood, however, that she made a full commitment to Christ and asked God to help her live for Him. She joined a church and quickly discovered a startling requirement--between Bible studies, prayer meetings and church services members were expected to attend church every night. Her eagerness to study the Bible, teach others what she learned and serve God drove her to honor this requirement though it meant choosing church over family, work, personal time and eventually meeting others' needs. It wasn't long before this passionate Christian felt trapped. "All of my reasons for being in church were about outward expression."

"My entrapment in church religion led me to write 'The Religion Trap' to help others see how easy it is to become more dedicated to church work and to the local church than to the call of Christ." She wrote it for both those who serve in the church and those who have become disillusioned with it. Youth Pastor, Ricky S. Lewis says of Menefee's book, "I clearly saw the text as a roadmap directing us from religion into a spiritual awakening." The author hopes that her experience will help others to avoid being sidetracked in their relationship with God.

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Adam Cothes
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