What goes through an atheists mind when they see a Church?

Answer 1

Nothing more than when I see any other building.

Answer 2

If I was a atheists I could truly answer the question for you. My opinion what goes through everyone else mind, a choice to believe or not. A divine gift of (Free Will) to love God or not.

Answer 3

It depends on the church. Some are beautifully constructed. Others look like a Walmart with a steeple on top.

What's the point of a question like this? Do you expect atheists to say that they feel sad or break out in cold sweats when they see a church, like in the Omen?

Answer 4

Hello again Agnes,

My wife and I took a nice drive this afternoon and saw several classic New England churches -- always white, complete with belfry and steeple. As always, the churches gave me the creeps and made me shudder with dread.

When I was nine I was forced to watch my mother speaking in tongues and rolling on the church floor while screaming at the top of her lungs. It scarred my psyche for life and I don't think children should ever watch their parents filled with the Holy Spirit -- not anymore than kids should watch their parents having sex. The image is just too powerful for young minds to deal with. When I was twelve, I was forced to kiss a live rattlesnake's head, in church, to prove my love for Jesus was genuine. Apparently it wasn't, because the snake struck at me and missed. I was so scared I pee'd my pants in front of the entire congregation and ran from the church, crying, with my hands over my crotch. After that, I refused to ever enter another church again. My father beat me many times, but I hated that church so much I'd rather take a beating every Sunday than go back. Eventually, I ran away from home and turned myself in to the juvenile authorities, seeking protection from my parents and their horrible Pentecostal church.

Even today, forty-eight years later, in a different state, with both my parents long dead, the mere sight of a church building still fills me with dread and fear. I get the cold-sweats and start clenching my teeth. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. I think I'd still rather take a beating.....

Answer 5

It depends on the church. When I was in Paris in February I great admired a number of the churches there; Notre Dame, Sacre Coure, Saint Chappelle are incredible examples of craftsmanship and art. When I visited Roslyn Chapel in Edinburgh last year I was blown away by the incredible stone work and glass. (No, I did not go because of the DaVinci Code) I will say that almost all modern churches leave me cold in terms of their structure.

Answer 6

Seeing churches reminds me of the good and bad sides of being human.

On the good side I do believe religions are not evil as most lay down respectful rules of how to live life - but on the bad side then you get people who use religion as an excuse to murder and kills others.

Another bad side is how blind people can be and easily led. I do not mean to disrespect anyone for their beliefs but so many people take the words of others (e.g. Bible) without truly finding out things for themselves - and to me the fact that you cannot find out for yourself leads me to the belief that there is no God - how can you believe in something that you cannot find out about?

The only way to find out about a religion is to read a book/s on the area - and who wrote the books? A God? Nope, a person...and anyone can do that...

Answer 7

I don't especially notice most of them unless the architecture is interesting.

I do notice the huge churches with all the fine trappings and wonder how many poor people could have been housed, fed or clothed with all of that money, and why those who built the huge churches didn't listen to the god they supposedly worship.

Answer 8

probably "What a waste."

When I toured old churches in Europe I couldn't help but think this was once a place of worship, what happened? I wonder how they all dried up. How does a living Church become a dead one. Did they stop reading the Word, stop serving the community? I don't know.

Answer 9

Usually it's the appreciation of the architecture but if I see people gathered it's pity for the suckers who can't face life without a security blanket.

Answer 10

The same thoughts that go through vegetarians minds, as they see a new McDonald's ready to add the billions of burgers already sold.

Answer 11

many churches represent the absolute finest examples of what architecture can offer. They are often also very peaceful yet vibrant inside. All things considered, I like churches.

Canterbury Cathedral is one of my particular favourites.