Is it wrong for Atheists to go to Church and Fact check?

Question

I was just wondering what your opinions are on a group of Atheists going to Churches and listening to the message and then Fact checking the pastor when he lies to his congregation? Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

I got alot of good answers. I still can't believe anyone actually thinks the bible is a historical document. Anyways good try everyone.

Answer 1

That's all fine and good (and advisable)

But the times they are a changin'

Anyone with the sense of a burning peasant knows that all the major religions are in serious, serious trouble!

You can google it!

All the information that "they" do not want you to know is just flooding out everywhere - unstoppable!

This is a great age we live in, to see the downfall of so many oppressive myths and the mass sway of delusional thinking!

Answer 2

How are they checking the pastor... in front of the congregation? That's pretty rude and inapropriate. It's just basic manners.

There is nothing wrong with "fact checking" to learn more if that is what you are referring to. That said...

A child, who just learned to add walks into an 8th grade algebra class where the teacher tells her students that x + y = z. The child shouts out "No it doesn't! My first grade teacher says that you can't add letters, only numbers! You are wrong."

Based on what that child knew at the time, the 8th grade teacher was teaching her students something the first grader "knew" to be false. Years later, the child learns more about math and his eyes are opened and he understand more fully how x+y = z.

It is okay for that child to question the algebra. Without questioning it or being open to it, he would never learn past adding numbers because the idea of adding letters is outrageous. But, the child was obviously wrong when he objected in the class as a first grader.

My point? It's okay to question things, and it would probably be a good idea to go to those pastors, priests, rabbis, etc. and question them - but, with the intent to learn from them (whether you agree or not) Going into a church one time and acting like you know more than the pastor who has studied probably a good portion of his life on the subject is arrogant and ignorant. There are probably things that they are not going to understand fully on just a couple of visits.

The biggest complaint I hear from anti-religious people is that religious people are close minded, and some are. But really, the close minded person is the one who thinks he already knows all of the answers and mocks another.

Answer 3

I would imagine that atheists have the same rights as anyone else, to attend any church of their choice, even if it's for the wrong reason. I would only hope that one church with a less than Biblical pastor, wouldn't be a target if the mission was really to listen for the "truth". What is the ultimate goal - to stand outside the church and try and impress on the members of the congregation that they are mistaken and should forsake their spirituality for the beliefs (or lack thereof) of the atheists? Gee, sounds like what those guys hate about the Christians! I think if someone is truly on a fact-finding mission that they should read the Bible and discuss with someone they trust about the issues.

Answer 4

Go to church for any reason you like. Keep going. If you refute the pastor at one, go to another. You could make it your personal mission. Come to my church, we would be glad to hear you out.

I would say most Christians would have only 2 requests.

1 Listen take notes and get all your arguements in order, and then make an appointment to speak to the pastors and discuss your issues. Do not rant and rave during a church service.

2 Be prepared to find real answers to your questions and acknowledge when you reach the end of your arguements. Discuss the flood, evolution, reliability of the bible, whatever issues you have, but have arguements for the answers. And when you reach the end, and there is nothing but God, feel free to keep coming.

Answer 5

I think this should be done by the congregation as well. It's our duty to know the bible and keep our pastor's accountable. Be a good barean and compare all things you hear and read to the scriptures.

Answer 6

I can't think of a church where the sermon has a Q and A in it?

If you're an atheist what's the point? If you don't believe in God, and you think the bible is made up, then even if the minister gets the information wrong... how wrong can you get made up information?

Answer 7

I think EVERYONE should fact check the pastor. I am a Christian and I do this. Just because a person is a pastor doesn't mean that they know everything.

Answer 8

That is totally hostile to interupt a service like that, just like for a creationist to argue with a evolutionist speaker for an hour in the middle of his presentation. If you want to learn more about the religion, talk to the pastor after the service. If you want to understand why others believe what they do, talk to them during the social hour.

Don't pick a fight over faith unless the leader speaks about doing something that is a serious harm: "god wants you to kill these people" "sell everything you own and live with me for god" "if you have sex before marriage you should kill yourself" those big issue things. Otherwise, let them have their happy beliefs in an afterlife and miracles.

Answer 9

Most pastors do the best they can to intepret the Bible. I would have no personal objection, but God might. I have a question for you. You may e your answer. Do atheists love? How deeply? Do you celebrate Christmas and why?

Even if you do not agree with the message, you have to admit that most hymns are beautiful works of art. See ya Sunday!! :)

Answer 10

No. Fact checking is good. But why do you postulate lies in advance.

I mean SCIENCE once lied to us about Pluto. Maybe we should fact check scientists before we let kids read their books.