If an atheist were to attend church for the sole purpose of learning; to better understand not only the principles of religon, but observe the culture and ideas behind it, would you look upon it negatively?
Some argue that if atheists deny the existence of God, they should not be welcomed into his House, while others state that they are only attempting to learn, they should be able to attend without fear of subjecting themselves to unnecessary criticism. Your thoughts?
2007-07-25 16:47:20 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sam--they do *not* necessarily count as agnostics. I am atheist, but intend to go to church in the future, simply to understand what Christians are learning--the more I know about their beliefs, the better I can understand the people. Furthermore, I consider every experience knowledge--I can learn from what is in church without believing it, and I don't need to be open to the possibility of a god in order to do so.
2007-07-25 16:54:25 · update #1
I think everyone should be allowed to attend. It is a good thing to have understanding about what others believe.
It was in that way that I found the right religion for myself. And not to say that athiests need to find a religion, but by learning about other people's beliefs, they might find something that makes sense to them. And if they don't... at least they've gained understanding which leads to tolerance
2007-07-25 16:52:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The whole purpose of "churches" are a place to teach people about God. Sadly, the "churches" have forgotten that.
We are all sinners. We are all welcome to learn about God.
Jesus said we can tell his followers by their fruits, that is by their works. If they are not doing what Jesus has done, showing love for all, then they are not his followers. I would not go to a church like that.
Now with that said, if this person is there to learn, he should most definately be welcome. If he is there, living a life of sin publicaly and declaring that he is of the same faith as the church he is going to, then he is now hurting the reputation of God and he should not be allowed in the church until he has repented. That means to stop doing his sins, and turn his life around. This way, even though he claims to be a member of the church while he is sinning unrepentantly, the church will show that his behaviour is clearly not a reflection of what they are teaching.
2007-07-25 16:56:59 · answer #2 · answered by Futures_Inc 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If an atheist can sit through a Christian service without falling asleep or going insane, more power to him.
I have nothing against the will to learn. If someone is that eager to learn about other religions, then I see no problem with it. He just needs to be prepared for the people attempting to convert him as well as those who will look down on him for not believing and still attending their services.
2007-07-25 16:57:30 · answer #3 · answered by Abby C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Believe me, if I wanted to go to church, nothing would stop me because I could care less what anyone thought. But I have put in my time in churches and anything I want to learn about religion I can learn by research. I don't have to put myself through the hypocrisy any more. I don't have a fear of church if that's what you are asking. I don't think I will be struck dead by lightening because I don't believe in god. I just would not enjoy that experience.
atheist
2007-07-25 16:55:40 · answer #4 · answered by AuroraDawn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would be most discourteous of the people in that church, to say nothing of contradictory to the aims and purposes of any religious organization, to turn away an inquirer into their faith.
The argument that atheists should not be welcomed into a church because it might be some kind of insult to God, offend Him or Her in some way is ludricous. If He exists He surely would welcome inquiries. If church people care about all people and wish to share knowledge of their faith, how would they be offended by a visit from an atheist?
Good luck in your search for knowledge and understanding of your fellow human beings who believe. If they are unwilling to welcome your presence and your inquiry into their ways, shame on them.
2007-07-25 17:04:32 · answer #5 · answered by John (Thurb) McVey 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just go and learn. I wouldn't go in there and announce that youre an atheist, that would probably be disrespectful. Also, don't go in trying to convince people to see things your way. Religion makes some people feel better so go ahead and learn but don't criticize them or anything.
2007-07-25 16:54:02 · answer #6 · answered by A L 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yay..it's you! anyway, I think they should go into churches to learn. once the spirit of God starts moving there is a good chance some souls will be won over. My Pastor always say that it is no accident that unsaved people end up in church.
yay!!!
2007-07-25 16:52:44 · answer #7 · answered by rain4him *Stranger In Most Towns 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If the intention is to learn of something your not yet aware of ,then that is what religion is all about.We are all born atheists in a way,because until we are taught of God, and his ways then we are non believers.None of us are born already knowing,we even have to be taught to feed ourselves and so on,so we have to be shown our faith to understand.
2007-07-25 16:54:53 · answer #8 · answered by one10soldier 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What church would say no? If anyone found out, that'd be an opportunity to pounce . . . er, I mean, "spread the word."
I've been to church. My grandmother's church is fun. If it wasn't for that whole believing in Christ thing, I'd go.
2007-07-26 06:18:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Anyone should be welcome. I frankly would only visit a church to marvel at how far the congregation has been removed from reality. But still, I don't think church should be an elusive privilege for the people who pay for it.
2007-07-25 16:52:31 · answer #10 · answered by Dalarus 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋