Colossians 2:8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. 

Studies reveal there are between 4,000 to 10,000 religions in the world today. From the moment God created Adam and Eve, man has created religions that are far from the truth of God and His love for mankind. Religion vs relationship seems to always be in conflict with each other. God's desire to have a relationship with us is more important than the man-made rules that support the various religions of the day. 

I Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 

In a world of religious information, how do you know truth vs. Fiction? The verse above encourages you to test all things; use your Bible as a guide when seeking Godly truths. If something you've heard does not align with God's word, then it's false and should be avoided. Jesus said on many occasions that “false teachers” will come and deceive people, especially people who are not grounded in the Bible. History has shown us many people have died while following false teachers, including Jim Jones cult in which 900 people committed suicide at his direction in the late 1970s. 

I encourage you to study God's word; don't believe everything you hear until you cross reference it in the Bible. Even the most well meaning churches in this country can be far from God's truth..God loves you and a relationship with Him doesn't require rituals, just a committed life to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.