I've been going with a friend to a Mormon chuch for the past year. Most of the time, they just sing hymns--it is so beautiful--I just love to listen. It reminds me of the old days--something about purity that I don't see very often. When they sing and play the violin it is so crude but they mean it--and the soft voices--I just want to hear it forever. And it's not as hypocritical as the Christianity I've seen--I've been raised Penecostal--all those people were fake and always in judgment--and these people are really just kind and live by what they teach. That being said, I don't believe that there is a God. Like, I'd like to believe that there is a God, but logically, I know I just can't. I know it doesn't add up somehow. Is it right for me to go to church with my friend if I am basically going for the music and just because I like being around people who seem pure? I don't now pretend to believe in the faith, but I'm worried about my friend thinking she can convert me.
2007-02-24 18:16:21 · 25 answers · asked by Nipivy 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If you'd really like to believe there is a God, take some time alone and talk to Him. Ask Him to show Himself to you. Anyone who is truly seeking Him will find Him. Open your mind to the possibility of God, and He will show Himself to you. If you are unwilling to open your mind to this possibility, you will never find Him...and that is tragic.
2007-02-24 18:23:01 · answer #1 · answered by janejane 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
You are definitely the most honest and well-mannered atheist I've encountered on this site. If it's any comfort to you, I'm a believer who NEVER goes to church for just the reasons you've given. Alot of people are going to be surprised in the final Judgement because it's going to be then that they find out that THEY were responsible for driving people like you away from the church (and me). I usually get together with a few other believers and we read and study the Word for a couple of hours. This isn't a blanket opinion of ALL churches, but I can't stand it when people who claim to be Christians, and know that the Word says outward appearances should never be a criteria for accepting someone, show up for the express purpose of seeing if they've outdressed the Jones's. Yet they look down on me because I wear a nice pair of jeans, dress shirt and tie. I think God knows your heart and will reveal Himself to you in His time. Don't let ignorant human-nature dissuade you from giving God a chance.
2007-03-04 19:31:13 · answer #2 · answered by 4everamusedw/humanity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's nothing wrong with enjoying the music and the fellowship with people of faith. I am a Humanist, and I frequently attend church with my mother or with friends because I enjoy the sermons and the fellowship with good people. Sooner or later, though, you're going to find yourself in a situation in which you'll either have to lie about what you believe or come clean. For me, I refused to live a lie. I would never mock the beliefs of my neighbors of faith in the church, of course, but neither do I pretend to believe things I don't. I'm quite open about my lack of belief, just as I'm quite open about my respect for those beliefs--even among other nontheists. No one has ever asked me to leave or suggested that I should not attend--then again, it's an Episcopal church; I wouldn't expect the same consideration from all denominations.
You'll have to think this through for yourself. But expect that day to come when someone will ask questions you might prefer to avoid.
2007-02-25 02:55:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hey, look at it this way. It's cheaper than going to a psychologist and more beneficial as well. And if you want to believe in God, you will have to 'see' him for yourself, and stop letting religious leaders or religions tell you what to do. I was sort in the same position as you, but I was convinced there was a God, because I secretly yearned for it in my heart. Sit down with a nice glass of wine, some cheese, and read Genesis and empty your mind of all religious teachings. You'll be surprised.
2007-03-04 17:42:31 · answer #4 · answered by Starjumper the R&S Cow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes more "faith " to believe there isn't a God than it does to believe in him...Have a look at all around you , the intricacy of all that we call nature & say this happened by random chance ...Impossible & no science can support that idiotic position .Once you recognise that as a fact then in the peace & quiet of your own "special " place , ask God to reveal himself to you personally .Not for any person to convert you dear , only God almighty can work that transformation in your spirit !
2007-03-04 05:54:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it makes you feel good to go and listen to the music there is nothing wrong with going, but you have to realize that even people that don't mean to try to convert are going to talk to you about god if you are in a church. But then again who knows maybe one day you will believe in a higher power.
2007-02-25 02:21:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you enjoy it and you are supporting people who you believe are good, why not? It certainly isn't sinful. Also, don't be completely sure that there isn't a God because one day you might find something that does make sense to you. As for your friend, talk to her about it and hopefully she will respect your decision. It doesn't quite seem that you are 100% atheist. Are you sure that you are not agnostic? Also keep in mind that people like to twist religion to empower themselves, so if something does seem right to you, do not let others pervert its meaning and ruin it for you. Spirituality is a very personal decision and should be treated as such :)
2007-02-25 02:31:09 · answer #7 · answered by Kelsey 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on why you're going, hon. I know people (three, actually) who are decidedly non-Christian but who attend Quaker services for the peace they find there, and because they like the people. They are respectful of the services, and very open about their reasons for attending, and no one has a problem with them.
If you're not being honest with your friend, though, then you should probably either stop going or talk to him/her. There is nothing at all wrong with going to hear the music, as long as you're not pretending it's something else.
In short: be honest, and it'll be fine.
2007-02-25 02:27:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think if you go for the music, then that is your prerogative. If you enjoy the feeling you get when you hear the music, that is good for your soul. If you choose not to believe in that religion, that is also your business. You keep doing what is best for you. If you ever feel the need to believe, let it be because you want too NOT peer pressure. Peace.
2007-02-25 02:25:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You like the music, you like the people; so for these reasons, please keep going. As you have rightly noted, you cannot say the same thing about many other churches or paths.
You may, if you like, confide in your friend the reasons you like to keep going to the church, and urge him/her to ask other members to slow down on trying to convert you so that they would not put you off.
2007-03-04 16:04:28 · answer #10 · answered by RAFIU 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if youre open minded and shes open minded you can always have chit chats or debates. And if you consider yourself an open minded person you wouldnt mind having debates.
Just make sure you guys are on the right track so you dont lose her friendship in the event she tries to convert you and she cant.
As far as am concerned youre not pretending to believe in something you dont by going there...so its cool.
2007-02-25 02:22:01 · answer #11 · answered by Antares 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋