Any atheists go to church?

Question

Any "non-believers" attend any type of church out of habit or familial obligation, etc...?

If so, what do you do during service?
Pay attention?
Attempt to find secular value in the sermon?
Let your mind wander?
Look at the other people?
Play games on your cell phone?

Answer 1

only weddings and funerals thankfully

and I would let my mind wander probably

Answer 2

When I am in Engliand I do attend chuch, yes.

I stand when asked for, but I sit instead of kneeling (though many do that). I pay attention and always hope that there is something secularly important mentioned (once they had a full sermon on Water Aid, asking everybody to help - that sort of thing. Tolerance, kindness and such is good as well).
I do let my mind wander, but I am horrible at concentrating, that doesn't have anything to do with the topic. I always try to get back on focus though, which is why I said I "pay attention". I don't look at others; they're too boring and unless I turn my head in a very obvious way I only get to see the backs of the heads of the people in front of me, anyway.
I do NOT play games. Were I to find church that boring, I would not go at all. Playing games is disrepectful.

Oh, I also never say the Our Father or do the responses. I keep quiet on that ;-). Funnily enough the one church in England that I regularly attend when in England knows that I'm an atheist, and they don't try to convert me, but they are always very kind, having a chat before and after service and that. They know I just come for the choir, but it seems they don't mind!

Answer 3

I attend a Mormon church with my wife most weeks, even though I don't believe in about 2/3 of what they teach.

It's mostly because of family (parents, siblings, grandparents, etc), but I guess there's an element of community as well. Being new in an area, it gives you the chance to meet people in your area that you otherwise might not meet. Also, because of the venue, these people tend to be pretty good neighbors as well.

Since Mormons generally incorporate a lot of teachings with secular value (finances, for example... people with better financial habits are more likely to be able to pay the 10% tithing), I generally look for those. During the Sunday School class, I generally offer comments geared towards love and respect for all mankind, stemming from a spirit of tolerance and appreciation of differences/diversity. This is sometimes tougher, but even if only a few people are listening, it helps me vocalize my own feelings on the matter and establish what it is that I DO believe (even in a social context), rather than focusing on what I DON'T believe.

Answer 4

I'm not exactly an atheist, but I'm not a Christian either.

I go to church once or twice a week, to appease my girlfriend. Sometimes I pay attention, not just to find "secular value" in the service, but to learn what exactly they think/believe. When it comes down to boring doctrinal stuff or preachy business I don't want to listen to, I zone out and daydream. Sometimes I look at other people. Yesterday I fell asleep. She wasn't happy.

Answer 5

This is always a humorous situation for me. I only go when family members drag me or for weddings. I sit there and look around at the people praying and think about how silly they all look. I try to see if there are any others like me not bowing their heads, and I wonder if the Christians are judging me for not bowing mine. I look for hot chicks. I think about arguments against anything the pastor says. I analyze the lighting concept. I criticize the powerpoint slides. I critique the band. Basically just biding my time until I can leave.

Answer 6

I haven't set foot in a church other than to photograph a wedding in almost 35 years.

I spend sunny Sunday mornings at the beach.

Answer 7

I go for weddings and funerals to churches I don't like. I am respectful, but I do not kneel or take communion or receive blessings or sing, etc.

I do attend the Unitarian church by choice on occasion b/c I find it spiritual w/out the dogma.

Answer 8

On very rare occasions, when visiting my mother, or when she is visiting me, I will attend Mass with her.
No problem. There's nothing like "heresy" to an atheist. I don't feel dirty about participating in rituals of a religion I don't believe in.

Answer 9

The only time I attend is for funerals and weddings.

Back when I still attended, I just did my best to catch up on sleep and check out who else was nodding off.

Answer 10

I go a few times/year just for the hell of it. Not during NASCAR or NFL seasons, though.