Churchgoings, openminded athiest/agnostic?

Question

I'm raised in an athiest/ agnostic family, and I don't mind this. I myself am an agnostic, but I want to attend churches of different denominations, as I am open-minded and want to have the experience of going to church. I am not old enough to drive myself places, and i'm not even in 8th grade. My mom did this when she was younger, as her family moved to different places and tried many different churches of different denominations. I think this would be a good experience for me, but I don't think my mother would take me, and my dad definetly wouldn't either. what do i do? should I go? please, don't try to convert me online. Leave that to the REAL preachers.

I can't walk to churches because I live in a HUG city and all of them are off highways, or you have to get to them trhoughs higways or busy streets, or are to far away, and my parents will not let me walk. Thanks for the advice guys.... i hope continue to get answers.

Answer 1

Ask your friends who go to church if you can go along. Your dad doesn't even have to know what it's for.

Answer 2

Ask them first to be sure that they won't take you. Call the local churches that you plan to visit. Explain your situation and ask if the have a "bus ministry" of sorts or if a church member lives near by you that would be willing to take you to church with then. Let your parents know about your interest and ask them when a good time would be for you to have the church member over to discuss arrangements and contact numbers for the service. Show responsibility and sincere interest and they may be open to the possibility. Try out different religions. Find out your truth. Do your research. Good luck

Answer 3

I agree with Ronin, find a friend who goes to church and ask to go along. Much easier to walk into church with someone.

Also, to get your feet wet, check out to see what kind of youth functions you could attend. I started going to Church when I was your age, because the youth group was going on a trip to the snow and I'd never seen snow.

If you don't feel comfortable inviting yourself along with a friend, get on the web, and google churches in your city. Perhaps a non-denominational church is the best to start with, because they don't have all these traditions that you have to watch out for, so you won't feel like a goober if you don't kneel at the right time or do the cross.

Also, non-denominational churches are pretty casual. My church is non-denominational, and we wear shorts, blue jeans, flip flops and Tshirts, have a rock band (and we really ROCK!), and we really have alot of neat things for teenagers.

Hope you find a church you feel comfortable in.

Answer 4

I'm a big fan of old school architecture, so I enjoy visiting one of the local Catholic parishes. The building is a lovely neo-gothic number with some cool stained glass and pretty paintings inside. Anything less than that just doesn't do it for me.

I like attending sermons less because I can't sincerely pray or sing religious songs, unless the songs are in Latin or something.

If I want to get my religious aesthetics fix, I can look at classical paintings or listen to Verdi. That's always fun. Art museums are like churches but better.

Answer 5

It seems that you have a genuine interest in religion, and that can be good. first you can some how get a bible (either buy one or ask a friend) and start to read it. If you have any questions about anything than ask some one you can trust that may know.(possibly a friend at school) Then maby if you still want to proceed into going to church maby ask some one at school if you can go with them. When I was young I would do this and I would meet my friend or they would pick me up. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

If you are wanting to learn about different faiths, etc then I say go for it!

I think that it is great that you want to make up your own mind about what you believe.

See, here's my theory:
If there really is a higher being (aka God) that wants us to know about him/her/it/them, then I believe that this higher being not only created us with curious, logical minds BUT ALSO with the guides/signs/ways to find truth.

Checking out different church services is a great starting point....
I'd also like to suggest contacting their pastors/preachers/elders to meet with them and talk about their beliefs, and reading about beliefs/faiths/religions online.

A word of CAUTION: You will likely have to wade thru materials that will promote certain faiths and bash certain faiths. There is very little in the way of objective information on faiths/religions out there so you have to try and sort thru it yourself.

All the best in searching out truth! :)

Answer 7

First off, you're way to young to be going to church alone. Churches prey on young people and the elderly.

If I were you, I would begin by discussing your parents beliefs with them, and try to understand why they are opposed to religion. At least that will give you some perspective before doing something foolhardy.

That in itself is a good Biblical lesson for you to consider. Honor thy mother and father, nes pah?

-SD-

Answer 8

Try asking your mom. You never know till you try. But if that doesn't work, look up information online, get the #'s of churches near you that you want to visit and call them. Just don't forget to let your parents know what is going.

I don't have a religion to convert you to. ^_^

Answer 9

Good for you for seeking the truth!! I pray for you to find Christ. You should ask your friends that attend a church, a youth group, if you could come along with them. You are being so responsible with your faith. This is great news. I pray for you...

Answer 10

Go ahead and check the churches out. Why can't you walk to nearby churches?