I'm an Atheist Who Goes to Church.....Why Not?

Question

They all know I'm an atheist.

And we get along. They do good work in the community, are nice people, and I keep them on their toes about tolerance. We really respect each other.

They have stopped trying to convert me years ago....lol

Anyone have a similar experience?

Thanks all for the serious answers.

Makes be think that we all have hope. Religious or not.

P.S.

I went to Sunday School as a tot, and spent grade school as a choirboy in an Episcopalian School.

Know the bible and hymnals better than most.

Can also play them on the organ!

P.S. From the time I was born and could think, I was never a believer. Sunday school lessons aside!

Jaime M- You half stole my heart...:)

PPS.... this is a NYC Church....so I don't need them for socializing, meeting girls, or anything like that. They are just nice people.

Answer 1

I;m a Christian and I must say it is a breath of fresh air to hear an atheist like you.
Personally I couldn't care less if your an atheist and I'm gonna join the boat and try to convert you> LOL


Jaime

Answer 2

Yes, I'm a committed Humanist who attends church from time to time with my mother or as the guest of friends. I enjoy it very much. In fact, I've never had an unpleasant experience. I enjoy the fellowship of positive people and the sermons, even though I don't accept their religious perspective. I usually attend an Episcopal church, and no one there has ever tried to convert me. When I've attended Baptist and Primitive Baptist churches, I've had some challenge my beliefs, but I managed to stay true to myself and yet remain pleasant. After all, it's their church, and it is my duty as a guest to act appropriately. I wouldn't dream of disrupting the service or doing anything that would lessen the enjoyment of my neighbors of faith.

The Christians at the Episcopal church I most regularly attend all know I'm a Humanist because our Humanist community regularly works with them, the Islamic center down the road, and other local churches on community service projects.

I highly recommend Unitarian Universalism. They have all the benefits listed above, plus many more. Non-religious people like us are welcome, so you can be an atheist, openly, and I can be a Humanist, openly, as well as a UU. No one will ask you to profess to believe things you do not.

Answer 3

I'm not an atheist but some of my friends attend a Christian Church in Waynesville, NC called the Vine. They have Atheist there and they call them seekers and then the converted are called servants. I think that is right. They have done a lot of great things for their community and in Mexico an orphanage with only 200 members. God Bless You

Answer 4

They might be perfectly nice people, but I wouldn't be able to be a real friend to someone who believes in magic and the supernatural. They'd always be talking about things that are false and I'd have to keep my mouth shut or else risk hurting the friendship. Every time someone mentions God I cringe inside because God is the same thing as Zeus. It's much easier to be friends with people who you can have meaningful conversations with without being ridiculed for it. If you wanted to discuss Evolution and both you and the Christian were firm in your views, there would be some hurt feelings unless one of you conceded that your position was wrong. You can always just agree to never talk about controversial subjects, but then you aren't really going to be close friends if you can't talk about everything with them. If you're under 18 I can understand you going to church because kids don't often talk about important subjects like stem cell research or abortion.

Answer 5

I'm an atheist who inadvertantly joined a Christian group. It turned out that they had similar political views to mine, so I stayed with them. They had a lot of questions about my atheism, but didn't really try hard to convert me. They're group has more or less disbanded, but they still get together occassionally to play board games, and I join them sometimes.

I don't generally go to church, but I've heard of atheists doing so mostly for the social interaction. I'll attend church this Christmas. I'm spending it at my sister's house, and her husband's a Methodist minister.

Answer 6

People go to church for many reasons: To worship, to socialize, to get out of the house, to meet girls. It's all good. Consider that even a big shot preacher/teacher/guru like Ted Haggard had his own agenda and the stuff he spewed from the pulpit was just his cover story.

Answer 7

That's actually a good story! I liked it!

Years ago I lived next door to a Jehova witness Church and went "round and round" with them over Church issues and them constantly comming in my yard and knocking on my door. It got real ugly at one point, but in the end it turned out very nice, and everyone respected each other's differences and opinions. Your story kind of reminded me of this!!

Good is Good no matter what!

Answer 8

yeah I used to be an atheist and also went to church. That is what actually turned me to be an unbeliever. The false doctrine that does not match the bible, that they teach in church. However, I found the truth about God, and salvation through Christ. It was just one day I opened up and accepted God.

Answer 9

No - but I applaud your candor if more people went to church to keep them tolerant and encourage their commitment to the community - the world would be a better place.

Answer 10

You enjoy the fellowship and camaraderie, so, indeed, why not? Doesn't work for me, however; I have trouble staying awake during a sermon given by someone who knows less about the subject than I do.