Do you go to worship?

I was considering singing in a church choir because I like songs such as River in Judea, For Unto Us a Child is Born, and On Eagle's Wings to name a few. I don't have to believe in Samus Aran to enjoy a Metroid game, so I have no problem with that. However, singing church songs in a church during church conveys more than just entertainment, but it is specifically designed to preach, to send a message that falls under an authority of which I have no reason to believe in, then I believe I'm in the wrong place. However, what if I were to write a song about a female who is very grateful for her life and generous, even though that this female in my song is not based on any actual individual in particular, but just an abstraction in my mind?

Is it wrong for an atheist to sing in worship, to pray, to take communion?

I wouldn't call it wrong, but I would say you have the wrong reasons for wanting to go there or sing, you go to church to understand or come closer to God. While family and freinds are certaintly apart of church, you shouldn't ignore the purpose of the place. just pay heed to the purpose of why it's there, why they are doing it, and I think it's fine.

But don't pretend to worship, be yourself, and acknowledge why they do what they do.

I myself never go to church, never have as far as I can remember O_O But I want to find one eventually, be apart of a community of some sorts.

You are very interesting Genetic_Code.  No offense.

I don't go to worship unless I'm obliged to.  I always found it boring, even when I was a Christian.  I'm forced to get up early, sit uncomfortably for a hour, and listen some old people preach.  The only benefit would be free donuts sometimes.

I don't but I want to sometime. I'm curious.

I don't think it's wrong at all.

I don't think there's anything wrong with that.  That being said, no, I don't.  I stopped wanting to go to Church around thirteen and my mom really think it was worth forcing me, if I really didn't want to go. 

I do go to church still, but rarely; in my name day, when you go to drink the wine with the bread to end the fasting period and a few days ago I went to the church for a memorial ceremony for my grandmother (my aunt's mom) who passed away a year ago.

Although I enjoy the environment, there are somethings that I can't stand; for example the preaching: all I could while the priest was spreading obsolete wisdom was joke around with my sister about the stupid things he was saying :P .

I don't find it bad, because in the end you don't go to church because of the priest, or the church, or the people who are in it (mostly very old people here in Greece) but what you personally hold sacred within you and for your own spiritual ideas.

But I can't say I worship. Mostly, I'm being dragged by my family and one thing that I hate about it is that I have to get up early in the morning if I have to go to church (luckily for me that happens rarely now). :P

I haven't been in one in over a decade (I have stopped in their parking lots when I needed to urinate on occasion) but when a girl asked me to go with her a few years back I said that I would.  It never happened though, as I think she realized there was a good chance I would embarrass her.  I don't lie, and when speaking with someone there it would be very easy for my atheism to come out.  If most churches are filled with the same type of judgement passing hypocrites I grew up with, I could see things getting explosive very easily.  Did you read Auron's recent thread "Did I handle this well," or something to that effect?  A lot of people go on soldier mode if you bring into question their spurious beliefs.

I do think church builds a nice ready-made extended friend group, but I think it is much like a street gang in that you have to run with pack to some degree to be fully accepted.  

If you get something beneficial out of singing there then I don't think anyone could say that it is wrong in any absolute terms.  But I personally couldn't do it as it would feel dishonest to me.  If I want to sing, I will find a bar doing karaoke.  Additionally, I could never bring myself to donate money to them on general principle. 

Edit:  after reading Teenaged's response I remembered that I had been in churches for funeral and wedding services.  When i was in the military I did Honor Guard.  They are basically the actors that dress up in pretty clothes, go perform ceremonies and generally try to make it look like the military is something other than what it is.  Luckily at the funerals they don't tend to preach that much as the preachers know that grieving people are in no mood for extended orations, but some of those weddings really sucked.  Those preachers had no problem trying to piggy-back their crap onto someone's personal celebration.  I think it is this repetition and piggy-backing that really sustains religion.  If they can get in at all big celebrations, when you are eating (which releases happy chemicals) when you sleep etc, then you are always subconsciously associating god with those good things and it makes it easier for your brain to want to believe in god because when you do you feel better.  But this is of course putting the cart before the horse.

I don't go to church. I don't see the point. Even if there was a God, I don't think [he] would care if you went to some building once a week and acted like you cared for an hour to save face and to make yourself feel better about being alive. And then go back to your ways soon thereafter. LoCi-X

I don't go to church. I don't see the point. Even if there was a God, I don't think [he] would care if you went to some building once a week and acted like you cared for an hour to save face and to make yourself feel better about being alive. And then go back to your ways soon thereafter. LoCi-X

Acting? A church is more than a place you go to each weak because you have to (you don't even have to) it is a place of God where you go to learn about him, and in return come closer to him. You shouldnt go to church if your acting to like it, your missing the whole point of the place.

Acting? A church is more than a place you go to each weak because you have to (you don't even have to) it is a place of God where you go to learn about him, and in return come closer to him. You shouldnt go to church if your acting to like it, your missing the whole point of the place.

123625

No-one's saying all Christians are like that, but doubtless some are, and I agree with LoCi-X that I doubt any god would be particularly impressed.

I've never been to a Church service, and from my point of view, it seems like a bit of a waste of a sunday.

Acting? A church is more than a place you go to each weak because you have to (you don't even have to) it is a place of God where you go to learn about him, and in return come closer to him. You shouldnt go to church if your acting to like it, your missing the whole point of the place. 123625

I don't go to church. I don't see the point. Even if there was a God, I don't think [he] would care if you went to some building once a week and acted like you cared for an hour to save face and to make yourself feel better about being alive. And then go back to your ways soon thereafter. LoCi-X

Exactly, because you have to. Your parent or spouse or preacher tells you that you have to, because you can't miss putting your money in with the donations (even though you already have 10% of your paycheck transferred to them). And if you don't, you are quite the sinner. Do you give your 10% sir??

On my own, no. But in the support of a friend or family member I do. Just a few weeks ago I went with a friend who was having issues with her family and she needed the moral support.

She knows I'm an atheist but asked anyway and since I've known her for nearly 8 years I decided to go.

Of course I didn't take part in Communion and prayer, but I've always had a knack for "Mr. Beaning" the hymns and songs. ;)

Exactly, because you have to. Your parent or spouse or preacher tells you that you have to, because you can't miss putting your money in with the donations (even though you already have 10% of your paycheck transferred to them). And if you don't, you are quite the sinner. Do you give your 10% sir??

LoCi-X

Your problem is, I think, more with specific individuals, not with church itself. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that you have to go to church in order to go to heaven or that it's a sin not to go to church. There really are very, very few things that the Bible says you have to do, and the things that it does say you have to do are things that people really should do even if they're not religious.

I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to church, but I'm going to be honest and not say what I believe and so forth and if someone has a problem with that, then they can take it up with the preacher and they can remove me if they want, but I highly doubt that would happen.

Oh well, I did like taking communion.

I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to church, but I'm going to be honest and not say what I believe and so forth and if someone has a problem with that, then they can take it up with the preacher and they can remove me if they want, but I highly doubt that would happen.

Oh well, I did like taking communion.

Genetic_Code

What church will you be attending? Lutheran? Methodist?

Communion was fun because you go to drink wine and eat wafers :P. It was tasty :P. Besides that I hated church.

What church will you be attending? Lutheran? Methodist?

helium_flash

Refer to my PM.

I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to church, but I'm going to be honest and not say what I believe and so forth and if someone has a problem with that, then they can take it up with the preacher and they can remove me if they want, but I highly doubt that would happen.

Oh well, I did like taking communion.

Genetic_Code

I think it is pretty meaningless, but you know that some people would consider a nonbeliever taking communion as host desecration.  It would be assumed that you were just torturing christ, who is literally that cracker, for no reason.  In the past, many people have actually died because of this imaginary crime.

Oh, and another reason why I think I should be allowed to go to church is simply because even many Christians don't entirely agree with what the church teaches or everything about Christianity.Genetic_Code

But they have a tendency to fake it in church ;)

Oh, and another reason why I think I should be allowed to go to church is simply because even many Christians don't entirely agree with what the church teaches or everything about Christianity.Genetic_Code

[QUOTE="Genetic_Code"]Oh, and another reason why I think I should be allowed to go to church is simply because even many Christians don't entirely agree with what the church teaches or everything about Christianity.helium_flash

Then if someone feels threatened by me, I'll leave. I don't have to put a stain on their reputation, not that they already have enough stains. That sounded harsh, but what I was meant to say that they aren't perfect. In fact, the church in general is rather moderate although they wouldn't admit it, so no, I have no problem with being honest about atheism. Perhaps it'll make the moderates more honest with themselves.

Unfortunately, yes, I have to go to church every Sunday. As most of you probably know, I am an atheist but I haven't told anyone in my family, so my mother believes that I still share her faith. That's why I keep wondering if I should just tell her. It makes it tough for me to go out of town, because both her and my dad go through the trouble of finding a Catholic church in that city, and going to it. At least on a normal Sunday I can have my mom drop me off at church and then ditch with my friend. :PForerunner-117

I'm kinda jelous of the people who were forced to go to church O_O 123625

I'm not really sure whether it's right for an atheist to sing worship songs in Church. One thing I know, though, is that the building isn't the real "Church". The "Church", as such, is the body of believers inside the building.

In regards to the poll, yes, I go to Church every Sunday, and go to various worship groups throughout the week. I do so because I believe in what I worship - God. :) 

[QUOTE="Forerunner-117"]Unfortunately, yes, I have to go to church every Sunday. As most of you probably know, I am an atheist but I haven't told anyone in my family, so my mother believes that I still share her faith. That's why I keep wondering if I should just tell her. It makes it tough for me to go out of town, because both her and my dad go through the trouble of finding a Catholic church in that city, and going to it. At least on a normal Sunday I can have my mom drop me off at church and then ditch with my friend. :Phelium_flash

I know, right? :P

I'm kinda jelous of the people who were forced to go to church O_O 123625

I do think there is a value to having knowledge about religion even if you don't believe.  When I was "saved" I went a minimum of twice a week by choice and am still glad that I did in a way.  There is a certain amount of cultural and philosophical value to it.  Even after I became agnostic, a friend and I would often get ****** and go listen to the wednesday evening services.  I do like many of the stories, but then again, I have always liked mythology as well.

I was considering singing in a church choir because I like songs such as River in Judea, For Unto Us a Child is Born, and On Eagle's Wings to name a few. I don't have to believe in Samus Aran to enjoy a Metroid game, so I have no problem with that. However, singing church songs in a church during church conveys more than just entertainment, but it is specifically designed to preach, to send a message that falls under an authority of which I have no reason to believe in, then I believe I'm in the wrong place. However, what if I were to write a song about a female who is very grateful for her life and generous, even though that this female in my song is not based on any actual individual in particular, but just an abstraction in my mind?

Is it wrong for an atheist to sing in worship, to pray, to take communion?

Genetic_Code

I personally do not think there is anything wrong with it aside from communion, baptism, etc.  As a "pastor in training" I'd freely welcome any person into the church.  There are a few things I would not allow such as communion as I believe that is reserved for believers.  How can one remember the sacrifice of Christ if the person never knew?

I will admit several things, however.  If you come to the church I'd expect you to do more than go just to get your "spiritual fulfillment."  I'm completely against those who go to church just to make themselves feel good about themselves.  Church is about praising God, glorifying God, proclaiming God, and learning about God not spiritual fulfillment.

Also, if one were to come to church who is a nonbeliever I'd likely be a little more aggresive in my "come to Christ" attitude thinking you to be a seeker.

[QUOTE="Genetic_Code"]

I was considering singing in a church choir because I like songs such as River in Judea, For Unto Us a Child is Born, and On Eagle's Wings to name a few. I don't have to believe in Samus Aran to enjoy a Metroid game, so I have no problem with that. However, singing church songs in a church during church conveys more than just entertainment, but it is specifically designed to preach, to send a message that falls under an authority of which I have no reason to believe in, then I believe I'm in the wrong place. However, what if I were to write a song about a female who is very grateful for her life and generous, even though that this female in my song is not based on any actual individual in particular, but just an abstraction in my mind?

Is it wrong for an atheist to sing in worship, to pray, to take communion?

mindstorm

I personally do not think there is anything wrong with it aside from communion, baptism, etc. As a "pastor in training" I'd freely welcome any person into the church. There are a few things I would not allow such as communion as I believe that is reserved for believers. How can one remember the sacrifice of Christ if the person never knew?

I will admit several things, however. If you come to the church I'd expect you to do more than go just to get your "spiritual fulfillment." I'm completely against those who go to church just to make themselves feel good about themselves. Church is about praising God, glorifying God, proclaiming God, and learning about God not spiritual fulfillment.

Also, if one were to come to church who is a nonbeliever I'd likely be a little more aggresive in my "come to Christ" attitude thinking you to be a seeker.

Unfortunately, yes, I have to go to church every Sunday. As most of you probably know, I am an atheist but I haven't told anyone in my family, so my mother believes that I still share her faith. That's why I keep wondering if I should just tell her. It makes it tough for me to go out of town, because both her and my dad go through the trouble of finding a Catholic church in that city, and going to it. At least on a normal Sunday I can have my mom drop me off at church and then ditch with my friend. :PForerunner-117

[QUOTE="mindstorm"][QUOTE="Genetic_Code"]

I was considering singing in a church choir because I like songs such as River in Judea, For Unto Us a Child is Born, and On Eagle's Wings to name a few. I don't have to believe in Samus Aran to enjoy a Metroid game, so I have no problem with that. However, singing church songs in a church during church conveys more than just entertainment, but it is specifically designed to preach, to send a message that falls under an authority of which I have no reason to believe in, then I believe I'm in the wrong place. However, what if I were to write a song about a female who is very grateful for her life and generous, even though that this female in my song is not based on any actual individual in particular, but just an abstraction in my mind?

Is it wrong for an atheist to sing in worship, to pray, to take communion?

THUMPTABLE

I personally do not think there is anything wrong with it aside from communion, baptism, etc. As a "pastor in training" I'd freely welcome any person into the church. There are a few things I would not allow such as communion as I believe that is reserved for believers. How can one remember the sacrifice of Christ if the person never knew?

I will admit several things, however. If you come to the church I'd expect you to do more than go just to get your "spiritual fulfillment." I'm completely against those who go to church just to make themselves feel good about themselves. Church is about praising God, glorifying God, proclaiming God, and learning about God not spiritual fulfillment.

Also, if one were to come to church who is a nonbeliever I'd likely be a little more aggresive in my "come to Christ" attitude thinking you to be a seeker.

Need to be, no.  Deserves to be, yes.

[QUOTE="THUMPTABLE"]
Why does your god need to be praised and glorified? That seems bizarre.mindstorm

Need to be, no. Deserves to be, yes.

[QUOTE="mindstorm"][QUOTE="THUMPTABLE"]
Why does your god need to be praised and glorified? That seems bizarre.Teenaged

Need to be, no. Deserves to be, yes.

Would not part of honoring and respecting God be going to church and worshiping with other believers?  In fact, should we do more than honor and respect God if he is indeed a God worthy of worship?

[QUOTE="Teenaged"][QUOTE="mindstorm"][QUOTE="THUMPTABLE"]
Why does your god need to be praised and glorified? That seems bizarre.mindstorm

Need to be, no. Deserves to be, yes.

Would not part of honoring and respecting God be going to church and worshiping with other believers? In fact, should we do more than honor and respect God if he is indeed a God worthy of worship?

For example I disagree with people that say that if you are a real Christian then you MUST be going to church, otherwise you are not a real Christian.

[QUOTE="mindstorm"][QUOTE="Teenaged"][QUOTE="mindstorm"][QUOTE="THUMPTABLE"]
Why does your god need to be praised and glorified? That seems bizarre.Teenaged

Need to be, no. Deserves to be, yes.

Would not part of honoring and respecting God be going to church and worshiping with other believers? In fact, should we do more than honor and respect God if he is indeed a God worthy of worship?

For example I disagree with people that say that if you are a real Christian then you MUST be going to church, otherwise you are not a real Christian.

I do not disagree though I will say not going to church gives strong evidence to not being a Christian.  Indeed, going to church does not make a Christian, but as cars typically drive on roads, Christians fellowship with others within the church.

Here one must understand the definition of the church.  Many think of it as the building while Christians are part of the Church of Christ.  No desire to be part of the greater Church is a proclamation to not desiring to be part of the body of Christ.