Forum Discussion I went to church today

Most atheists don't typically attend church, but some do -- at least occasionally. Depending on the church, some even enjoy it. A lot depends on what the church is trying to do: propagate dogma or provide a foundation for community.

Are there any churches you have attended that were decent?

A forum member writes:

It was a Universal Unitarian congregation. The word church isn't on their building but on their website.

I went with my daughter who is a pagan and just moved here and she comes home each Sunday and likes the sermons so I thought I would check it out with her today.

It was okay and like traditional church in the fact that they sung songs, had a few short readings, lit some candles, etc. It was unlike most churches in that all believers or non believers are included. It just seems to have the theme of explore your own path and everyone be good to each other and they stress service to the community and to each other. A kind of just be good to each other and believe what you want. I didn't hear the word God at all or the word prayer. It wasn't bad but I have no desire to go again. ...

Wow, ME in church? So weird. I think I went to a wedding in a church about 10 years ago and a funeral even longer ago than that. My relatives were married on the beach and my mom's funeral was at the beach as a celebration of her life because she loved the water.

This experience was okay and I think it would fill a need if someone was an atheist and just missed the fellowship aspect of a church. But I'd rather just take a walk and commune with nature cause I hate the handshake stuff and there was the lady next to me that was knitting during the service and the weird guy in front of us who was bopping his head to the music and making the heart symbol they use with his hands. He was a bit odd. :) The music was good though. A band played a Beatles song and the pianist was superb.

I'd rather be spending time with my family but it wasn't horrible.

Is this the sort of church you have attended or would attend? What would it take for you to attend a church with any sort of regularity (maybe not weekly, but it would be important enough for you to make a point of going at least once or twice a month)?

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