Do you ever miss the community that church provided?
I live in the deep south, where almost everyone is a christian. Being a single dad with two kids makes it difficult to meet like-minded people in my area. Unfortunately, the local atheist group doesn't meet that often. I guess that's why attending a local church is very tempting. Have any of you felt the same?
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18 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Absolutely I've been feeling like I lack purpose or detection without the constant confirmation from peers and a good telling me what to do
Cardinal93
Level 4
Nov 8, 2018
1
No, there’s more real communities out there to enjoy
Green_eyes
Level 8
Nov 8, 2018
1
Having been raised in a very tight-knit faith community, the sense of ‘belonging’ is strong, and seemingly impossible to overcome. We kids did everything together: church, school (run by the church) and all extracurricular activities. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I made my first friend with a person outside of my faith.
And yet I eventually came to the realization that my religion had simply co-opted a natural human need, and that I didn’t need all the hand waving and empty promises to belong. The deepest, most meaningful and emotionally intimate bonds I have formed are with fellow apostates (i.e., those who, like me, once believed but have 'left the church'.) Only those who have walked away from an oppressive cult-like following can fully understand what it is like to be, from the perspective of the believer, a ‘lost soul.’
My advice, if I may, is to find and befriend fellow 'former members.' Of such folk the community of the future is built.
p-nullifidian
Level 8
July 16, 2018
1
No, I haven't severed my relationship with the church I grew up in. My church was awesome, I just so happen to not believe in God anymore. I sometimes go to the Wednesday prayer dinners to stay in touch with the church family. They know I'm atheist and it doesn't bother them. Even though my sister is also atheist she still sends her kids to the church and volunteers. You can be apart of a community without sharing all there values and beliefs.
BBliberty
Level 4
July 4, 2018
4
That's good that you still have a relationship with them and can enjoy community. I sometimes wish I could have the same situation.
Community? As soon as the service ended, the interesting-looking people were always out the door and away as fast as their legs could carry them.
David_Cooper
Level 7
June 30, 2018
1
Oh, and I've never really known a church family. When I explored religion I went to a diff church each week so as to learn as much as possible. None of them made me want to stay.
Amyreneeferox
Level 4
June 30, 2018
0
I had a similar experience.
Hey u look familiar ! But I've worked just about everywhere so that's not surprising. I didnt know augusta had an atheist group that ever actually met up though. Its not in the UU building is it ?
Amyreneeferox
Level 4
June 30, 2018
0
Hi Amy. We've probably seen each other somewhere since we live in the same town. The athesist group I'm referring to is the CSRA Non-Theist Group. Here's their facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/CSRANT/. I ike some of the people in the group, but they only meet about once a month. Since I have kids, I'm rarely able to make it to the meet ups. Do you and your wife meet up with any like-minded people?
@mellowretro thanks I just sent a request to go the group. We r not in any meet up groups right now because I never could find then n augusta. The closest one that applied to us was a vegan group in Columbia. Has the augusta non theist group been around long ?
@Amyreneeferox Yes. It's been in existence for several years. Maybe I'll see you at a meet up one day.
I have never belonged to such a community so have no experience of it, however I still know what you mean. One can start off one's own community amongst neighbours, friends and like minded people. It takes time but it is doable. Open up your home to others and you will soon have a community.
Jolanta
Level 9
June 30, 2018
0
I may have to do exactly that. Thank you for your idea.
@mellowretro Good luck. I have made many friends just by having a movie afternoon on Sundays at my place. The old friends brought new friends.
Yeah, I know what you mean. Even though I no longer believe in any supernatural entity that requires worship, I sometimes think about the benefits that come of the community that centers around such religious organization. It’s possible that there are benefits to a society to not be completely atheist unless the things that bring benefits to religious communities can be properly replicated. I would have a hard time joining a church at this point but sites like MeetUp.com and others allow the ability to find local groups of like-minded people to engage in a variety of activities including community involvement. You might want to check into those if you haven’t already.
LivingParadox
Level 4
June 30, 2018
1
Thank you. That's a good idea.
No. I found different communities to be part of that aren't judgemental brainwashed assholes
LadyAlyxandrea
Level 8
June 30, 2018
0
Like my local 'steps to end poverty' group, my taekwando dojang, and this one
@LadyAlyxandrea Hopefully I can find groups like that near me as well.
Yes, I was kind of sad to learn the truth, and in good conscience i can't attend a church.
gater
Level 7
June 30, 2018
2
I feel the same way most of the time. But there are days when the desire to make friends is so strong that I consider attending church. So far, I've managed to resist.
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