Forced to Participate

[metaldeathhorse]

in a lock-in. For those that don't know, a lock-in at church is where you go to church at a certain time (in my example, 7:00 p.m.), and you stay at church until morning (again, in my example, 7:00 a.m.).

Well, my sister refused to tell me where she was taking me to, blindfolded me, promised me pizza, staying out late, and drinking lots of caffeine. Needless to say, I was excited. Until I emerged from the vehicle, to realize where she had taken me: of course, her church.

I apologize for the drawn-out story, but I feel it was at least partially essential to what I intend to portray here. I ended up actually having fun with the whole thing, as a social experience. I got to hang out with people my own age, and made a few friends. I also enjoyed the atmosphere with the
adults. They were all very friendly, and made me feel welcome.

But, I am an established Atheist, and do not wish to change my beliefs anytime soon. I guess what I'm getting at is: would it be immoral or wrong of me to go to the Youth Group meetings merely to socialize with friends, and even perhaps participate in other church gatherings even though I am an Atheist?

I feel that if I'm not going to church for "god", that I shouldn't go to church. But, on the opposite end, I do enjoy spending time there as a social event. What is everyone's opinion on my dilemma?

[BuryYourFlame]

As long as you are respectful during the talks etc. there is no reason why you shouldn't go, especially if you have friends/fun there :)

[computerwizard]

No reason not to go as long as you keep an open mind and don't insult anybody. I'm sure they want you there just as bad as you want to be there, so I don't see why you shouldn't go. Just know that eventually they may try to talk you into becoming religiously active, as that is supposed to be the main focus of church. My advice: just be open to dialogue about religion and you can go without disrespecting anyone. As long as you are willing to consider their side, then everyone benefits socially, and the people feel that they are accomplishing their religious duty to reach out. Who knows...maybe you'll change your mind about atheism.

[quartermaster]

In the true sense of what a church is supposed to be, it is for everyone. It would not be immoral to go to church for such social reasons, as a matter of fact, that is the purpose of a church, to be a place of social gathering for people to enjoy and others to praise. A church is, in its truest sense, supposed to be for the community, and thus, they would see it as them doing their job if a professed atheist was drawn in by their programs and activities. So no, it would not be immoral, but in fact, you would simply be using the services that the church is meant to facilitate.

[The Batman]

I voted before i read the post, but really if you have fun at church and you meet good people that go. I really don't feel comfortable at a church even though I'm technically christian.

[INFERNO]

Generally the people who attend church are believers and although the church is sometimes referred to as the "house of god", I don't see why you shouldn't go. I'm glad you found it exciting as the few churches I went to were dull and boring, although I've never been to a lock-in. I think it's good that you're going because it gives you a chance to understand another belief. Atheism is about disbelieving in a higher power or deity but it doesn't mean you are not allowed to learn about the other beliefs. Although the church is a "house of god", I tend to view it as a place for social gatherings. There's no rule saying non-believers cannot attend.

The only precaution I would say is that certain groups of believers can get rather aggressive towards non-believers so keep that in mind. That being said, other groups are fine with non-believers so it's not all bad.

You obviously enjoyed yourself and had fun there so I would say to go again. Perhaps you can learn even more about the beliefs or just have a place to socialize with others. If you're a fan of religious debates (civil debates mind you) then that's another benefit of going to the church as you'll probably have a good amount willing to debate in a civil manner. Just respect their beliefs and have them respect yours. Perhaps you can even tell them why you're an atheist and they can tell you why they're a Christian.

I go to university and although I don't attend the multi-faith church they have set up for those who want to go, I still have friends of various faiths: Hindu, agnostic, atheist, Christian, Judaism, etc... . No reason why you cant mingle with other faiths.

[ThatCanadianGuy]

Unfortunately, I'm "forced" to go to church every sunday, as well as "bible camp" every summer even though I am an outspoken atheist. That is... I'm outspoken everywhere except at home. Most of my family has no idea that I'm an atheist, so I'm actually "still in the closet" about it. They are pretty hardcore believers so I need to wait one more year, until I'm in university before I tell them. Sometimes the situation just makes it that way for you.

However, I'm assuming that your family already knows that you are an atheist? That's why you were "tricked" into going to church. Well, if you don't want to go, and they aren't actually forcing you, then don't go. I mean, its a total bore for me, and the bigoted/hateful messages I hear every sunday from the pastor piss me off. I can't wait to get out of that place.

[Camazotz]

There are other places to hang out besides a church. Church is supposed to be a place of worship for Christians, not somewhere to socialize. Why not go to a park or somewhere religion doesn't interfere. It'll keep all parties happy.

[Hyper]

Any real Christian will tell you to keep going, even if its just for that

Eventually you might get interested in God and all that and even if you don't.. You'll have a broad view on life in general knowing different types of people

[scuba steve]

i don't see why not. Loads of my friends go to church simply to socialise and they are not christian. Although i do understand that it would piss alot of the church is for worship type people. But even my granny goes to church everyday more to socialise than to worship and she is a devoted Catholic.
I wouldn't do it though... simply cause church bores the balls off me and i admire you for being able to keep it up kid even though you don't believe the crap the priest's saying.

[quartermaster]

There are other places to hang out besides a church. Church is supposed to be a place of worship for Christians, not somewhere to socialize. Why not go to a park or somewhere religion doesn't interfere. It'll keep all parties happy.


Technically, a church is a body of people, not a "place." If a church was just a place to worship then it would be meaningless, as anyone can "worship" by themselves in the comfort of their own home. A church is a support community, a body where everyone is supposed to be welcomed. Of course, there are many churches that do not follow this and are focused more on their "group-think" and the building of their own base to understand what their purpose is, as per the biblical explanation.

Make no mistake, I am not trying to get our original poster to go to church, nor am I endorsing any particular religion within this thread, but I feel I need to clear up some misconceptions about what a "Church" is supposed to be by its biblical sense. It is not a building that makes a church, it is the body of people that make up a church, as such, they gather to worship together, but it is a folly in understanding to say that a church is not a place to socialize, because that is one of its fundamentals, to be a gathering place, to create a community etc. Worship can be done anywhere, it is having that social and group aspect that makes church so important in the Christian milieu.

[liveyoungdiefast]

If you have fun there then keep going. I would hate to see an atheist slowly converted though.

[Dorofolash]

Myself being absolutely disgusted by organized religion would not step foot into a Christian church, but you go for the social benefits, which I see nothing wrong with. You're going for socialization not worship. Do not attend masses, let it be known that you don't share their beliefs but accept their beliefs and still want to be friends.

[tripolar]

If you are having lots of fun at the church youth group, continue to go. Having the friends and having fun at church is fine. But if they try to force anything you don't believe in stop going.

[Cromm]

The first half of your OP reads more like an intervention or hostage situaiton, rather than a social gathering!

In answer to your main quetion: is it wrong to goto church when you know you don't really belive... well, I think it's -pointless- if not wrong, to goto services if you don't have reason to; but as long as your honest about your intents, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't attend a church function.

Events like these are commonly orgainzed by churchs and church groups, precisely because it's meant to feel like a social gathering, rather than a religious one. It's a way of getting young people involved in the church, without making it feel like church. They will likely try to give you 'the soft sell' on religion and worship.

Having said all that... if you enjoy hanging out with these people, why not hang out with them outside of church. Suggest you all goto the movies (with parents if they're -really- conservative), throw a party (again, with parents supervision), or just go and loiter in the mail or something.

If you like the people, but feel awkward in the place, the solution seems simple.


~ CC

[mrmcdonaldduck]

as long as long as you dont insult them you should be fine.
maybe you will even change your mind about god.

[Requin]

If you like going then your beliefs shouldn't get in the way. If you find it uncomfortable then maybe tell one of the guys there that as you are not a christian you find it difficult to take part in those sort of areas.

Really, just decide what you like, would you miss it? Do you need to go there?