Question for non-church-goers?

Question

What would you suggest to someone who felt a need for community and belonging but was not religious? I understand that people really need a social network of some kind, but I have no clue where I would point some one if this ever came up. It's a shame whenever an atheist or agnostic resigns himself to sitting through a sermon every Sunday just to belong somewhere (this actually happens). There just have to be better options available.

Answer 1

So long as you're alive, you've got plenty of options. Get to your local hospital and ask to volunteer. Chances are you've got some background with a certain disease that can give you a much-needed voice of experience.

While at that hospital, ask if there are any charities which are going to be needing help: Most are. I don't mean that you give them money--you can if you want to, but most of them need people to hand out fliers, manage refreshments, greet people... it depends on the charity as to what activities they are holding, but it's up to you to ask.

Call your newspaper to see if they are aware of any community events which may be in need of manpower. My community has things like this frequently--Paint the Town comes to mind instantly. Paint the Town is where a business (usually a local hardware store) will donate paint and painting supplies, and you volunteer your time to paint the homes of those who can't do it themselves. The elderly and the disabled are the usual target audience, and it's well worth their expressions when they see you. You're always part of a group, so you have a lot of time to get to know new people.

If it's simply company you seek, then your local newspaper is a good tool. What events are coming up? Do you have a fair, or an art show coming up? There's also joining a health club, such as the YMCA, and signing up for activities through them. There's also websites such as Myspace where you can look for others who share your interests. Who knows? Many might actually live nearby.

Answer 2

It is sad and I know it happens, especially with the elderly. There are lots of community groups around and there is bound to be something that catches your interest. Some might have a smidge of the religious element because they are often run by church type groups but you might be able to deal with it. For the lonely younger person I would suggest enrolling in a community college course or picking up a paper at university in something of interest. It makes conversation easy when you are in similar situations and you get to meet lots of people. Sports teams, bingo, pub quiz nights and neighborhood meetings are ways to meet and network. Feeling part of an on-line community is beneficial too. Like YA, I feel less lonely than I probably am when I chat to people on line and if you are part of a category like P&S you come across the same faces everyday and have a lot of laughs.

Answer 3

volunteer work for the needy, organize an athiest fun-run, find some local sporting clubs who may have a few teams that need players or admin help. Sunday mornings I usually take my family out for a stroll to the shops or a trip to the park & there seems to be plenty of people not at church, so I guess you could maybe just help the person put themselves out there a bit & find their feet at something. It really depends on a persons interests

Answer 4

A bar.

Seriously though, volunteer work is one. Sports clubs are another. There are tons of other social clubs. Quilting bees. Book clubs. Whatever.

Contrary to popular belief there are many secular (i.e. non-religious) organizations that are philanthropic and have social events that don't demand you believe in Jesus to join

Answer 5

Join a fraternal group of do gooders, Kiwanis, the Elks club or Rotary. There are plenty of social organizations that serve the humanitarian in you.

Answer 6

the ethical society. no dogma, and there are people of many faith backgrounds there. the meetings are beautiful, there's music, a speech on a topic of social concern, and discussion afterwards. it's so civilized i could hardly stand it. at my first meeting, there was a mormon couple. and a lot of n.p.r. listeners.

my roommate the devout christian goes with me to pagan social events and chats about sewing and other girlie stuff with kitchen witches. religion tends to be the only thing we don't discuss at 'coffee coven'.

Answer 7

i do no longer circulate to church by way of fact i've got not got self belief in faith. hundreds of thousands of folk over the direction of the background of the international have faught and died worried with the sake of religion. no longer merely that yet there are sufficient hipocrites exterior the church, i do in comparison to dealing with bible thumbing hypocrites too. I went to church for some years yet i think of i'm extra valuable off no longer attending.

Answer 8

Groups for other interests, such as:

Community choirs
Book clubs
Sports clubs/leagues
Arts organizations/festival committees.
Wine clubs
Environmental clean up clubs
Political parties/organizations
PTA
Gaming clubs
Hiking/camping clubs
Bicycling clubs
Motorcycle clubs
Dog training classes
Volunteering for soup kitchens
Community College classes
Investment clubs
Neighborhood get-togethers
Cooking clubs / classes
Travel clubs

How's that for a sampling?

If one of these catches your fancy, but they don't exist near you, start one.

^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^

Answer 9

how about joining a club, community assoc., play a sport, or take a class at a college/university that stimulates you and all have a great social aspect as well?

Answer 10

Unitarian churches don't press religion too heavily. Volunteerism is another good option. Are there any clubs in your area that match your interest?