Church and the atheist?

Question

I´m not a believer in religion. Having said that, I´ve been to church many times in the UK for weddings and funerals. I found the experience to be one of despair. The church was invariably cold, dull and in many cases it was a boring experience. However, I was recently invited to go to someone´s communion in a Catholic church in rural Spain. The experience in that church was uplifting. The whole time I was there I felt relaxed. People came and go as they pleased. Some answered mobile phones and others chatted through the communion. The one thing that would make me go again was instead of organ music they had guitars playing. Even some traditional hymns sounded so much more inviting. I could have stayed there all day just listening to the music. The church was packed full of people. When I´ve been in the UK churches seem a much stiffer occasion and their appears to be dwindling membership. Why can´t the UK adopt the same as rural Spain. Have a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

I agree with some that having cellphone conversations appears rude, but it is only rude to those that aren´t part of the village. This is a rural community. They have their own ways of conducting themselves. You have to live the life to appreciate it. I go to the UK and I find people using their phones in cinemas, theatres, public transport and even aeroplanes. We live in a time when everyone of us at sometime will be "rude" to others

To Sapient. You can´t just say the Catholic church sinks a lot of money into their churches. Their is vast wealth in all churches. It´s almost obscene when you consider what some of their flock may have to exist on.

Answer 1

Religion cannot help but intertwine with culture, it seems...I've never been to either place you've mentioned (so my opinion is simply that...an opinion), but in mentioning each of the services you went to you've also made interesting cultural statements about each (basically, the stereotypes of the uptight Brits versus colorful Spaniards).

Just to compare notes - I went to mass once here in China (where I work right now, mostly for the experience of doing it). Party leaders count who/how many people are there each week. On the ceiling is a huge mural of Jesus, with bolts of yellow and red light streaming out from behind him (the same way Chairman Mao was portrayed). Feel free to deduce stereotypes :-D

Answer 2

Most churches, as well as religions, are based in tradition. Answering phones and having side conversations are not part of that. And the thought of someone taking a call in the middle of a sermon seems very disrespectful and inconsiderate. I don't think that it is a great comparison, but it would be like people disrupting a movie at the theater.

Answer 3

Encantar....many of the Pentacostal type churches I have visited had guitars and were very informal in their meetings....though, it seems quite materialistic and disrespectful to have phone conversations durring any service. :)

Not all, however, some I have visited were just as formal and stiff as other types of denominations are believed to be.... Depends on the local and customs of the people. :)

I learned not to make a generalized statement about ANY denomination, lol...although, I have yet to find a Catholic Church that wasn't the same as the next one in routine if not in spirit. :)

Answer 4

At least part of the difference is that many religions depend on the awe of the surroundings (like a huge cathedral) to infuse the religious sentiment.

If you don't use that awe, there's nothing preventing you from using a more living-room like atmosphere.

I love looking at the architecture of old English churches or cathedrals ... but you're right - I wouldn't hold a meeting there.

Answer 5

The last time I was in a church it was about 3 years ago for a friends wedding

I find it difficult to sit through the mind numbing "we're all sheep" nonsense

Answer 6

I feel exactly the same way.

I've been to some services in the UK and it is a very dreary ritual, no fun or enjoyment. Just a very cold, distant and unappealing time.

Answer 7

Where the churches you attended in the UK Catholic Churches? Catholics sink a lot of money into their churches.

Answer 8

chatting and answering cell phones during a church service or any other event when people are speaking is extremely rude!

Answer 9

It sounds like a cultural thing.

Some cultures appreciate a little more 'fear' instilled in their religion.

Answer 10

why do people only think there is one atheist?