Recently Went To Church (meaning, punishment, baptism, funerals)

[Arjay51]

Out of curiosity and a sense of fairness, I recently to a church service. First time in a great many years.

I was interested in finding out if the method of delivering the message had changed over the years, evolved.

It may have been the church that I went to but I found the experience to be even less inspiring than I did in my youth.

At least the ceiling did not fall in when I entered.

Has anyone else had this type of experience and how did you find it?

[Djuna]

The only churches I have set foot in since my deconversion have been historic churches. I like to take photographs of the architecture.

I would never actually go to church to listen to a tired, boring, meaningless sermon.

I am free of all that now, why look back?

[jackmccullough]

I assume your line about the ceiling not falling down was a joke, but I caution you that that kind of joke would only make sense if there were a god in existence watching who enters the church. It doesn't make sense for an atheist to make a joke like that.

[hiker45]

Back in 1979, our daughter was in a pre-school program at a church and I became curious about religion. I asked the pastor at the church a few questions and my wife and I went to a couple Sunday services, but it didn't do anything for me, so we didn't go back.

Haven't been a church since, except for the historic ones. The little church in St. Augustine sure is beautiful.

[Asheville Native]

Weddings and funerals only, and only the ones I can't get out of.

[pamelaBeurman]

When I go to a church, it's for either a baptism, wedding or a funeral.

My religious belief are very different from most of my friends or family but I still show them the due respect of attending.

[Arjay51]

Originally Posted by McCullough

I assume your line about the ceiling not falling down was a joke, but I caution you that that kind of joke would only make sense if there were a god in existence watching who enters the church. It doesn't make sense for an atheist to make a joke like that.

Sure the joke makes sense. Some of my religious friends have told me, with apparent serious conviction, that their god rewards and punishes by his own standards.

The roof not falling in is just one more piece of evidence that he does not exist. I certainly have not lived my life by their standards, or what they say are his and no punishment. Hence the reference.

Relax. It was an experiment and seeking of knowledge. It confirmed a truth that I already knew.

[baystater]

Originally Posted by Asheville Native

Weddings and funerals only, and only the ones I can't get out of.

ditto

[Georgiafrog]

Haven't been to church since I was married, and wouldn't have then if I wasn't 19 years old, and had a bit more of a clue. The marraige has been wonderful for almost 14 years, but no thanks on the churches. I am an unreligious theist.

[brightdoglover]

I've only been in a church for one funeral (and wondered, as a teenager, why people were all kneeling on entering the pew, and felt uncomfortable for not knowing how to be polite). A few weddings. That's it.