Can I go to church if I don't believe in God?

Question

I think I used to believe, but a long period of reflection has taken me further and further from faith. Faith now seems to me irrational. But church can still offer a good moral grounding to my children, provides a welcoming community and not least something regenerative to do on a Sunday.

Answer 1

Absolutely!

Of course you can! My hubbie really doesnt know what he believes, but he seems to think that being surrounded by people who have some kind of moral code (whether its christian, muslim or whatever) somehow provides him with something that groups who DON'T have that set of beliefs can't give.

He doesn't go to church often, but is happy for me and our daughter to attend, and he does stuff to help out at church when help is needed. He also volunteers with the youth group sometimes.

I would say choose your church carefully though. You need to be surrounded by tolerant people - not ones who are going to try and convert you!

Answer 2

I am a damned atheist and proud of it, but rather fond of visiting churches for the aesthetic and historic aspect. However, you seem to be talking about actually attending church services. You do not state which denomentation, but it is all much of a muchness. If you read critically some of the things expounded by christianity, you would seriously doubt the 'moral grounding' offered. Apart from encouraging literal belief in ludicrous mythology, what is the basic underpinning message? Flatter god or be tortured for ever. Women are inherently inferior and should remain in subjection to men, and homosexuals are beneath contempt. Do you want your kids to grow up with those ideas?

Answer 3

Yes you can visit a church but you can't honestly be a member.
A church is a collection of people who have accepted the salvation of God, through belief in his son, Jesus Christ, and have committed themselves through love to his service.

The first church was formed in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, following the ascension of Jesus.
The members of the church followed this process:-
1. They believed the preaching of Peter concerning the saving work of Jesus.
2. They were baptised by immersion in water.
3. They were added together to the church.
4. They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching
5. They continued steadfastly in the fellowship
6. They continued steadfastly in the breaking of the bread
7. They continued steadfastly in the prayers
(This is described in Acts chapter 2 - see www.biblegateway.com)

If you feel that you are losing your faith, the best thing you can do is to meet with those who are following the above pattern, which gives them the basis for their welcoming love, their moral grounding, and spending time on Sundays in the presence of the Living God.

Answer 4

Of course you can. Actually that's the best reason to go. If you have children it's a good experience for them as well. The faith I learned as a child has gotten me through the toughest times in my life. I'm thankful my parents raised me in a Christian home. It made me know as an adult that I should never give up and that there is always hope.

Answer 5

I don't know where you live, but in many places there are constructive and fulfilling secular activities for people of all ages. And they don't come with the baggage of religion.
As to the morality issue, that has nothing to do with church, and everything to do with you and how you and your spouse conduct your lives and the judgments you make about human existence and its duties. I think it's questionable at best to convey the message to your children that morality somehow arises out of religious practice.

Lastly, at least in my opinion, it doesn't seem quite fair to expose young, susceptible minds to absolutist, exclusionist, and irrational indoctrination. The universe is hard enough to deal with on its own terms. Children hardly need another set of confounding and baseless precepts.

Answer 6

Of course you can go to Church if you don't believe in God? Take as much comfort from it as you wish. Personally, I really enjoy the singing, but usually disagree with the sermon. Don't force your children, but go as a Family if you can.
When it comes to Holy Communion, you can partake, or stay in your seat. The decision is totally yours.
I go to C. of E. for some special Services, Remembrance Sunday, Christmas Mass, etc., but prefer Spiritual Church.
God bless in your endeavour of a peaceful life.

Answer 7

Faith seems irrational?

And yet it is God Himself Who says: "Come, now, and let us reason together ....."

Yes, take your children to Church; do make sure it is a "welcoming community". You may have been to some university or had life experiences which have attacked your faith.

Just don't go to that church in an "attack" mode. Sure, share your doubts but be willing to listen to others, how they have came through doubt back to faith.

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And most have had their "doubts" at times.

You can choose to doubt your faith, or to doubt your doubts.

Answer 8

Absolutely YES it's alright to attend church if you have doubts!
By attending you may find your questions about the validity of faith will be resolved. Naturally , you'll want whats best for the rest of your family as well. Your correct that good values can result from church exposeure.

Answer 9

Unitarian Universalist! My husband and I are members of a wonderful UU church, and we are both atheists. It is a lovely church and the doctrines of UU are wonderful. The congregations are usually made up of atheists, agnostics, pagans, some buddhists, liberal christians and other like minds. It offers us a great moral support and social group and teaches us about other religions and personal spirituality. I would highly recommend a UU church to you. UU is also a great place for kids! They can learn about world faiths, myths and their value and much more without being indoctrinated. I can't say enough about UU!

www.uua.org

Answer 10

Ummm, yes you can go to church. You not having faith only affects you, so at least you are trying to get your faith back on track. But I don't see how you can have kids and not believe in God? When they were born, you didn't feel this innate sense inside you telling you this is what it's all about? God made us so we could multiply and cover this miraculous earth, you are a father ~ how can you not believe in a Heavenly one? Good luck and God speed.