How do atheists do life?

[ResoluteBaptist]

Speaking just for myself:

I'm a very different type of person from you. I live on the side of a mountain north of Hiroshima, and go into town once or twice a week to teach. Then I come home again. I don't have anything in my life like the social scene of your church. Nor do I miss it. It just isn't what I want. 

In the abstract I can appreciate that it appeals to you. My niece whom I follow closely on Facebook has a similar church community, and it's clear that she benefits from it. More power to her. It is more left-wing than your church, in that they don't insist on the traditional gender roles that your church has, nor do they agree with Trump's policies on most things. They actively work to welcome immigrants, for example. 

If I need a pep talk or a reminder of how to live morally, I have a bunch of books here for which I have a lot of respect. Though I am an atheist, these include theology books, including authors like Martin Buber.

Anyway, the things about your church you describe carry no appeal for me. I have a full life without that sort of thing.

And to tell you the truth, I have studied a great deal of church history and read the writings of the early church fathers, and I strongly suspect that the church community you describe is very far away from what they would want. To me, it sounds like an American social club, whereas the church was constructed to confront and overcome the customs of the world, including most importantly the sort of inward-looking socializing that doesn't devote itself first and foremost to helping the poor. 

I can't be a Christian, because Christ demanded that we give up all personal happiness in order to help others, and I am not strong enough to do that.

Japan? Really? How is it living there?  You seem a very adventurous type. I mean it's nothing even close to America. And unless there has been a major revival in Japan.. I don't believe there are many churches there.

I am pleased as anything to hear about your niece. Her church doesn't sound like my cup of tea, but it seems like a nice starting point for her. I hope she is committed to and has a great and dear friendship with our Lord Jesus Christ. I wish her and her friends and family  all the best.

I've read some philosophers some secular many religious .I just don't find it enough. There is a certain magic to having a community of people who are united in their morals and way of thinking.

I suppose I just love the Lord..the Christian message. 

And I've just been so overwhelmed at times by the goodness, life and fruitfulness of my town, and I know Christ has had much to do with it.

Foxborough Tennessee is truly heaven on earth. and we have New Hope Baptist Church to thank for that. It's led by Pastor Andrew Phillip and his stunning wife Angela.

Anyway... I guess Im waxing on a bit. Come on down to Foxborough. You'll love it!