So, I guess I'm off to church...

[popeyespappy]

Someone posted earlier to pay attention and learn about their theology. It's a good plan. Listen to what they say. Come home and figure out what is wrong with it then explain to mom in detail what is wrong with what you learned in church today.

[Minimalist]

You're assuming that dear old mum would listen, Pap.


Big assumption, there.

[popeyespappy]

Actually I'm assuming dear old Mom would pitch a screaming hissy fit. Keep it up long enough though and she might get tired of hearing her bullshit torn to shreds and relent. But yes, it's a long shot....

[Ace Otana]

Ah that cheered me up.

Just keep playing this in your head. It may cause you to laugh out loud while you are there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TynFaEQj_...H8ufOavkVg

[frankiej]

Just start eating a freshly barbecued baby in the middle of church... they won't let you back in after that. SORTED.

[Kayenneh]

Just keep playing this in your head. It may cause you to laugh out loud while you are there.

---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TynFaEQj_Ys&feature=my_favorites&list=FLzMNE3hJK5M_4H8ufOavkVg

---

Oooh! Jim Jefferies is so brilliant!

[Reforged]

I know this is probably a stupid suggestion but no-one else has made it so here goes;
Stay where you are and ignore her commands? Her words only have as much power as you give them. Treat her like a screaming child. While she shouts just laugh and go "Yeeeeeah, while your little tantrum is very persuasive I think I'll stay where I am, thanks."
Don't even dignify it with any other emotion than wry bemusement.

Whats the worst she can do? Ground you? Scream some more?
The last resorts of an individual powerless to control anothers actions.
Laugh at them for the pathetic displays of helplessness they are.

[Lion IRC]

Lion IRC Wrote: In fact, I think many atheists would benefit from attending a few different church services as visitors/observers.

Lion old sock,are you aware that perhaps the majority of our regulars are former believers?

Sure. That's a given.

I was brought up very devout Catholic, went to only Catholic schools, mass every Sunday and holy day. I was reading Aquinas and "Imitation Of Christ " at 16 . At that time the class teacher,Brother George, described me as "the most apostolic boy in the class'" (of 46 boys) In fact,I was actually an insufferable little prig. It was at age 16 I began questioning some of the more fatuous Catholic doctrines,leaving the Church at 20. It took me 20 years of searching for answers before finally realising I simply no longer believed in god(s). My atheism is not a choice..

Sure. Atheist deconversion story on atheist forum. That's not really something new to me. Interesting. But.........

I hope you can understand why to me, your comment is patronising and rather insulting,although I accept that was probably not your intention.

Actually, I really cant understand why you would find it insulting of me to suggest that. Have you got something against discussing Chrisitianity? Has your deconversion taken you so far away from theism that you no longer have any interest whatsoever in discussing the bible, God, religion, etc? Do you object to discussing theism/religion/God anywhere else but atheist fora?

PS thank you for defending me on the skeptics forum,it was not expected,and a nice thing to do.

I almost posted a long reply to xouper about the logical fallacy of not keeping different arguments separated.

1 Whether shallow, arrogant & elitist are negative attributes
2. Whether the person you are debating is shallow, arrogant & elitist
3. Whether what you are doing amounts to being shallow, arrogant & elitist

[Godscreated]

Femme, by all means go to church.

Whilst sitting quietly in the pew, let out a series of thunderous farts. They could be followed by some loud guffaws during the sermon,or cries of 'bullshit!' at moments you deem appropriate. You could also experiment with combinations. Perhaps look at the lady next to you and say something like "Who does your makeup? Ringling Brothers?" or "that is ugliest baby I've ever seen"

You should be persona non grata by the end of the service. (not recommended in Texas,where you might become shot)

Why should she go to church and make a fool of herself, it's not the churches fault she will be forced to go, for all you know they will love her ans may sympathize with her, Christians do have understanding and they do care, whether you want to believe it or not.

[frankiej]

Christians do have understanding and they do care, whether you want to believe it or not.

You have obviously never met my gran... oh wait, she isn't a "true christian".