My initial reaction to the subject of atheist 'church' was a raised eyebrow and a bit of exasperation. Why even attempt to address the misconception that atheism is somehow a belief system or religion, only to turn around and hold a church-like service? Besides, I always hated church. Hated getting up early, hated having to shake hands and hug people I barely knew. Hated having to pretend to eat food cooked by loony church members. I stopped going to church years before deconverting and never missed a single thing about it.
After giving the issue of so-called atheist church a little more thought, I remembered something. Some people have needs that differ from mine. Some people need a sense of community and belonging, more than I happen to. The isolation some people experience due to their lack of belief may actually bother them.
Being organized, in person, on a regular basis would be a great advantage for atheist communities. But why so similar to church?
Has anyone here every attended a Sunday Assembly or something similar? If so, how was it? Even if you've never attended such a service, I'm interested in hearing any thoughts on the matter.
After giving the issue of so-called atheist church a little more thought, I remembered something. Some people have needs that differ from mine. Some people need a sense of community and belonging, more than I happen to. The isolation some people experience due to their lack of belief may actually bother them.
Being organized, in person, on a regular basis would be a great advantage for atheist communities. But why so similar to church?
Has anyone here every attended a Sunday Assembly or something similar? If so, how was it? Even if you've never attended such a service, I'm interested in hearing any thoughts on the matter.
