Songbird
She rules her life like a bird in flight
I’m not a Christian, but I like church. I like the music, the socializing, the social causes, the smorgasbord of activities to choose from, the potlucks, the community, the network of support. It’s where I grew up, met my husband, and commemorated events. It’s where I had the platform to perform from an early age, and it’s the vehicle that led to spending a summer in Tanzania when I was 18.
I’m not alone. I’ve met people with a range of beliefs who attend churches for similar reasons. One atheist I know is his congregation's organist. The enjoyment and fulfillment he derives from church surpasses why he’d participate in an establishment based on a philosophy he doesn’t adhere to.
It would be nice to join a community that is for me more intellectually honest. But there is frankly nothing like a religious group. There is nothing else that competes with the social offerings, the unifying communal effect evoked by intense belief, or the level of support, at least to this degree. There are many exceptions, but I’m addressing the majority.
Richard Robinson wrote in 1975 that “we need to create and spread symbols and procedures that will confirm our intentions without involving us in intellectual dishonesty.”
Any ideas how to go about doing that? Is it possible to replace religion?
And how do you feel about a nonbeliever joining or participating in your church, synagogue, mosque, etc.? What about in a leadership role?
I ask because when I told a few people from my church about my deconversion a few years ago, they were grief-stricken and shocked. One suggested I lay low, not participate in Bible studies or discussions. I got the impression Christianity is an army that kills its wounded. Got doubts? Here’s the door. But that’s another discussion.
I’d like to hear your thoughts. It’s good sometimes to crack open the crunchy shell and let out the gooey inside.
I’m not alone. I’ve met people with a range of beliefs who attend churches for similar reasons. One atheist I know is his congregation's organist. The enjoyment and fulfillment he derives from church surpasses why he’d participate in an establishment based on a philosophy he doesn’t adhere to.
It would be nice to join a community that is for me more intellectually honest. But there is frankly nothing like a religious group. There is nothing else that competes with the social offerings, the unifying communal effect evoked by intense belief, or the level of support, at least to this degree. There are many exceptions, but I’m addressing the majority.
Richard Robinson wrote in 1975 that “we need to create and spread symbols and procedures that will confirm our intentions without involving us in intellectual dishonesty.”
Any ideas how to go about doing that? Is it possible to replace religion?
And how do you feel about a nonbeliever joining or participating in your church, synagogue, mosque, etc.? What about in a leadership role?
I ask because when I told a few people from my church about my deconversion a few years ago, they were grief-stricken and shocked. One suggested I lay low, not participate in Bible studies or discussions. I got the impression Christianity is an army that kills its wounded. Got doubts? Here’s the door. But that’s another discussion.
I’d like to hear your thoughts. It’s good sometimes to crack open the crunchy shell and let out the gooey inside.
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