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ATHEIST CHURCH?
August 2, 2015 at 7:04 pm
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.
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RE: ATHEIST CHURCH?
August 2, 2015 at 7:06 pm
OH NO HOW TERRIBLE???
The fool hath said in his heart, There is a God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Psalm 14, KJV revised edition
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RE: ATHEIST CHURCH?
August 2, 2015 at 7:07 pm
(This post was last modified: August 2, 2015 at 7:07 pm by abaris.)
The whole concept is straight from the book of Moron. If they feel the need to socialise, throw a party or an orgy for that matter. If they feel the need to evangelize, they're no better than the religious shitheads. It's also bad PR since it provides ammunition for the misconception of atheism being a belief.
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RE: ATHEIST CHURCH?
August 2, 2015 at 7:08 pm
I don't know what you have against a bit of atheist evangelism.
The fool hath said in his heart, There is a God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Psalm 14, KJV revised edition
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RE: ATHEIST CHURCH?
August 2, 2015 at 7:45 pm
I know in many major cities in the U.S., there are Atheist/Agnostic/Freethinker get-togethers, even in many of the bible belt areas. I don't see a need for a church.
Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.' -Isaac Asimov-
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RE: ATHEIST CHURCH?
August 2, 2015 at 7:57 pm
I can fully understand such things happening in the bible belt, but why on earth would I want to attend such a thing in Berzerkly?
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RE: ATHEIST CHURCH?
August 2, 2015 at 8:00 pm
(August 2, 2015 at 7:45 pm)Salacious B. Crumb Wrote: I know in many major cities in the U.S., there are Atheist/Agnostic/Freethinker get-togethers, even in many of the bible belt areas. I don't see a need for a church.
Technically it's not church. It's Sunday Assembly..... but IT'S CHURCH! I understand the need to fill the void I guess, but why the format? Maybe I just don't understand because I disliked church so much.
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RE: ATHEIST CHURCH?
August 2, 2015 at 8:03 pm
(August 2, 2015 at 8:00 pm)Thena323 Wrote: I understand the need to fill the void I guess, but why the format?
That's what scares me most about movements like this. Filling the void. So they need some flag to rallly behind instead of simply being individuals simply socialising with their friends.
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RE: ATHEIST CHURCH?
August 2, 2015 at 8:09 pm
(This post was last modified: August 2, 2015 at 8:10 pm by Salacious B. Crumb.)
(August 2, 2015 at 8:00 pm)Thena323 Wrote: (August 2, 2015 at 7:45 pm)Salacious B. Crumb Wrote: I know in many major cities in the U.S., there are Atheist/Agnostic/Freethinker get-togethers, even in many of the bible belt areas. I don't see a need for a church.
Technically it's not church. It's Sunday Assembly..... but IT'S CHURCH! I understand the need to fill the void I guess, but why the format? Maybe I just don't understand because I disliked church so much.
I see.. but, calling it Sunday Assembly is giving religious wackos another reason, to smear atheists and call us a religion. If there are meet-ups, where you can meet atheists about twice a month, then you can meet some new friends, and hang out with them elsewhere, and go back to meet and welcome other atheist folks, at the meeting place.
I support people's rights to conduct a Sunday Assembly for atheists, but I wouldn't necessarily agree with approaching it in that manner.
Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.' -Isaac Asimov-
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RE: ATHEIST CHURCH?
August 2, 2015 at 8:14 pm
Yeah anyone can peaceably assemble with anyone they like, any day they like. But don't pass any plates my way.
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