The Ghost of Churchy Past

[J a c k]

I always hated church. Likely due to the fact that Pentecostal services are painfully long; 3-4 hours of Hot, Loud, and Boring.
I stopped attending years before becoming a non-believer.

Yup.
Intro: 20 minutes 
Worship (singing): an hour
Thanks giving: half hour
The offering (money part): 20 minutes 
Sermon: an hour
Prayer: 30 minutes to an hour
After church fellowship: zzzzzzzzz

[Minimalist]

I went with Fucking Annoyed because it was a very long time ago and "Who can fucking remember?" wasn't an option.

[thesummerqueen]

Once a Jew, always a Jew.

No particular way, because in some ways the culture is still present and I'm cool with it. We got bagels.

[c172]

Have you accepted the joys of cheesy, meaty goodness?

[vorlon13]

I don't mind attending religiousy funerals for folks that were close to me. ('Cept Brian's which was vile)

It is profoundly unlikely for me ever to attend a regular worship service of any stripe again, unless I find myself researching something I suppose.

I might make an appearance at an MCC service to humor some friends or if there is a political (gasp) angle I find interesting.

I attend 12 Steppers in various church basements to no ill affect. I might do some volunteer work in a church building if they have a community program (like 12 Steppers or a food pantry) I approve of and the variety of church isn't too odious.

[Regina]

I was never really truly religious so I don't think much of it these days

I was one of those "Catholics"... The type who is "Catholic" but they haven't set foot in a Church since that wedding a couple years back.

Going to a Catholic school did make the identity feel somewhat more legitimate, but even then I never really practiced and was utterly bored during the school masses.

[c172]

Does anybody enjoy attending a fish fry? All the fire halls seemed to do those during lent back in Pennsylvania.

[KevinM1]

I've been in church maybe 6-7 times in my entire life. All I know is that I hated going as a kid because Catholic services in old, dark churches in the early 1980s were equally scary (why are all these adults droning on, sitting/kneeling/standing at certain points in unison, and talking about stuff I don't understand?) and boring (I'd much rather be home, playing with my brothers).

As an adult, I just roll my eyes. It's pretty obvious that people fall hook, line, and sinker for the underlying bullshit due to the surface level pomp and circumstance of traditional ceremony. Solemn presentation and cultural pressure substitute for rationality.

Doesn't seem to be as effective as it used to be, however. Last time I was in church - 4 years ago this coming September for my nephew's christening - the church goons (you know the type... men who obviously think they're hot shit because they're bulky, but would probably piss themselves in an actual fight) passed the collection plate around 2-3 times before they were satisfied.

But, no, I don't really have a church past. And I'm happy for that. I got away relatively unscathed.

[brewer]

NPW. It was to long ago to have retained my irritation. I have no fond memories.

[Bob Kelso]

For those that were religious before: 
Endearing or fucken annoying? Do you remember your church days with nostalgia, or does it make you want to slap your previous self? Do you remember Sunday service and smile, or roll your eyes in annoyance?

I still sing gospel songs on my way back from work sometimes. I can remember some stuff and laugh. For the most part, however, my religious past makes me feel repulsed and annoyed. It's rare when I see people from church and feel endearment. Usually they piss me off just for standing there. I know how it sounds. I just severely, utterly, and richly hate the fact that I wasted my childhood and youth sitting in church instead of learning important things or being a kid while kicking a ball. Efff. 

So, love it or hate it? Miss it or relieved? Both? What is it?

(Just remembering my last pastor makes me want to beat him up)
Oh, and no. I'm not atheist because of resentment. The feeling of repulse came AFTER I realized how stupid it all was. So before anyone goes there, staaaaaaahp.

Eh, I don't really feel anything unless I recall something particularly stupid I said or thought. Mostly I'm just relieved I'm no longer under the thumb of indoctrination, and proud I worked my way out of it.