How does John Proctor respond to the questions about why he has not been to church in The Crucible?

Proctor says that he does not like the methods of the preacher and that is why he does not go to church.

Proctor stands up for what he believes in, and is not afraid to speak his mind.  He does not approve of the witch trials and thinks the community has gone crazy.  When Putnam asks him why he does not go to church any more, he gives a reasonable explanation.

I have trouble enough...

Proctor says that he does not like the methods of the preacher and that is why he does not go to church.

Proctor stands up for what he believes in, and is not afraid to speak his mind.  He does not approve of the witch trials and thinks the community has gone crazy.  When Putnam asks him why he does not go to church any more, he gives a reasonable explanation.

I have trouble enough without I come five mile to hear him preach only hellfire and bloody damnation. There are many others who stay away from church these days because he hardly ever mentions God any more. (Act 1)

Reverend Parris does seem to have a hold over the citizens of Salem, and he cares more about the devil and witchcraft than worshiping God.  Proctor prefers to avoid him at all costs, even if it means raising eyebrows for not going to church.

Parris defends himself and his preaching.

I am your third preacher in seven years. I do not wish to be put out like the cat, whenever some majority feels the whim. You people seem not to comprehend that a minister is the Lord‘s man in the parish; a minister is not to be so lightly crossed and contradicted… (Act 1)

Definitely more interested in defending his name, Parris agrees with the witch trials and supports them.  The trials used the excuse that they were defending God and eliminating people who were ungodly.  However, the methods they used were predatory.

Proctor never allied himself with the court, and it is no surprise that he ended up its target.  Proctor had a way of making enemies because he would not follow the party line.  Even when he was accused, he refused to sign his name to a confession because he was not going to lie.