BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Atheist Atheist church?

Does anyone here who is an atheist go to church?

I attend a Unitarian Church, well sometimes.... lol

I have heard there are actual Atheist Churches and I am curious if anyone goes to one.

My attendance at church is limited to weddings. I do not have any idea what the atheist church is. Perhaps an opportunity to hang out with like minded people or have your organization avoid taxes.

I looked up unitarian church and found 2 articles (wikipedia and www.unitarian.org.uk). Both describe a god belief and both are Christian. While being liberal in their outlook is a good thing I guess, it is not for me because it requires belief in a supernatural for which there is no evidence.

Hmmm, I thought this looked interesting, because it seemed kind of contradictory to me - but apparently the atheist church was founded mainly so marriages and other ceremonies could be done by an "ordained member of the clergy" that held to the same beliefs (or non-beliefs in this case.)

Here's a link:
First Church of Atheism

It also says it is a place for people of like minds to gather and have discussions and fellowship.

I know that is a huge draw of most religions, the fellowship - the feeling that you are not alone, especially when tragedy strikes. Having my church behind me when I have had my extremely difficult problems with my oldest son has been a life-saver.

I can see that part being good for anyone - whether you believe in a higher power or not.

My Unitarian church is very accepting of atheists. I have never felt left out in any way shape or form when attending. I like the love that is shown everyone, no matter what their faith or lack there of.

The other thing I like about Unitarianism is that it has evolved over time as we learn more via science a lot changes although the basics are the same, but UUism has no creed, we do have 7 principles though.

I suppose one reason I find it important to seek out others like me is because it is important to have a sense of community. Also, politically I believe it is important that our world view is heard too.

I value highly our separation of church and state in the USA and wish to keep it that way. One way to do that is to be involved with others of like mind.

That is interesting about the Atheist church. I really didn't know about it. I do know about the group American Atheists though.

Stephanie, I think the fellowship aspect of a church, like Michelle says, is really important for the purpose of getting together with like-minded people and developing a support system. I think it would be great to develope an Atheist Fellowship Hall - then the word "church" would not confuse or offend anyone. Have you ever talked to other Atheists about such a venture?

Regardless of one's belief system, everyone could use some fellowship with others, in a place where they feel safe and comfortable, at ease with their beliefs and totally free to discuss what they need to.

I'd go if there was one near me. Pot lucks, picnics, sing-alongs, women's book clubs, kids activities. I think I'd love it, as long as they didn't mention the whole religion thing. Whyt can't people just be friends on SUndays?

LOL

I know this might sound weird but I like some of the more "spiritual" aspects of my UU church. Like our circle of candles. If you have a joy or concern you can go up and light a candle and either do it silently or say something. It is a special time.

Also I love some of our speakers. We once had a lady that told us that to prevent hate and wars we had to "increase our we".. you know say "we" more often until "we" includes all of humankind.

The UU church is heartbroken right now due to the awful incident not too far from home. But at the same time we feel for the man who did this awful thing....

doesn't the idea of church kind of defeat the idea of atheism?

Like I said above, the "church" is really more a gathering of like-minded people. A chance to exchange ideas, and have the fellowship and support around you.

Atheists in the past have had to follow a more solitary path, I believe this is a way for atheists to gather together and support none another.

I suppose the word "church" was chosen more as a tongue-in-cheek thing.

No it wasn't chosen as a tongue in cheek thing, it was chosen because that is what we call it when people go to a fellowship, congregation, etc.. on Sunday (or other days), because that defines it more than other words can.

There actually are groups like Ethical Societies that accept all kinds of beliefs. Ethical Societies is considered a religious organization.