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Convince me to go to Church (or not)

preslove

preslove

Lifer
I moved to a shitty area because of the Recession and was up to now thinking of leaving ASAP. I am thinking of staying for a little while longer, as I'm starting a project that may keep for a while, so I'm looking for social outlets.

There's a Unitarian Universalist church (I've met awesome UUers) about 20 minutes away from me that I've been thinking of going to, but the only church I've gone to were the rare family outings. I obviously didn't belong (the whole methodist hymn line skipping thing was hard & I walked the wrong way out of the pews at catholic mass).

I like the UU heterodox approach to spirituality & have always gotten along with UUers.

Should I go, or will my going hurt Richard Dawkins' feelings?

Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of Noodly Appendagers or Charlie Sheencultists near me :hmm:
 
I wouldn't because I can think of lots of better things to do on sundays. Also, I burst into flames whenever I enter holy buildings.
 
I don't believe, but if you get something out of it, go for it.

I care about Dawkin's feelings about as much as I do the Pope's.
 
I don't really know much about Universalism, but I hear they're pretty cool.

I can tell you that at the Christian discussion forum I frequent Universalism is a banned subject, even while Atheism is not.

That seems like a credit to Universalists to me. :thumbsup: :biggrin:
 
Need more info:

Why do you feel the need to belong to a church?

Do you believe in any god?

Do you believe there are any supernatural reasons for going?

Do you think god listens?

Do you think god acts?

Do you think god has the power or will to change your life in any way?

Is chuch for you a more spiritual or social undertaking?

Have you ever studied religion in school?

Have you ever studied any non-Judeo-christian religions?

Do you see any downside to going?

Are you afraid of a universe without god?

Are you afraid of dying?

Do you think you will go somewhere after you die?
 
Cerpin Taxt said:
I don't really know much about Universalism, but I hear they're pretty cool.

I can tell you that at the Christian discussion forum I frequent Universalism is a banned subject, even while Atheism is not.

That seems like a credit to Universalists to me. :thumbsup: :biggrin:
Click to expand...

From the WIki, since "Traditional Religions" isn't allowed by the web filter here...

Unitarian Universalism is a religious community characterized by support for a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning".[1] Unitarian Universalists do not share a creed; rather, they are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth and by the belief that an individual's theology is a result of that search and not obedience to an authoritative requirement. Unitarian Universalists draw on many different theological sources and have a wide range of beliefs and practices.
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The bolded part is my emphasis, and should explain why Catholics hate them.



Edit: I read some more, and the following would be pretty much guaranteed to send any Catholic clergyman into an apoplectic fit...

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote

The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;

Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.[20]
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And here's where the Catholics (and Muslims... and... and...) turn murderous:


We do not, however, hold the Bible – or any other account of human experience – to be either an infallible guide or the exclusive source of truth. Much biblical material is mythical or legendary. Not that it should be discarded for that reason! Rather, it should be treasured for what it is. We believe that we should read the Bible as we read other books – with imagination and a critical eye. We also respect the sacred literature of other religions. Contemporary works of science, art, and social commentary are valued as well. We hold, in the words of an old liberal formulation, that "revelation is not sealed." Unitarian Universalists aspire to truth as wide as the world – we look to find truth anywhere, universally.
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Interesting Stuff, actually...
 
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SphinxnihpS said:
Need more info:

Why do you feel the need to belong to a church?

Do you believe in any god?

Do you believe there are any supernatural reasons for going?

Do you think god listens?

Do you think god acts?

Do you think god has the power or will to change your life in any way?

Is chuch for you a more spiritual or social undertaking?

Have you ever studied religion in school?

Have you ever studied any non-Judeo-christian religions?

Do you see any downside to going?

Are you afraid of a universe without god?

Are you afraid of dying?

Do you think you will go somewhere after you die?
Click to expand...

I'm an agnostic/atheist who dislikes discussions about the difference between those words, as they always just amount to misunderstandings of language. I've meditated and gotten a lot out of it & there are also meditation sessions at this church. I'm pretty well educated about the history of Christianity, but less so than other religions. I know a little about Islam & Bhuddism, and went through a more secularized meditation path in my 20s.

I've just never gone to a new church by myself & I have to get up at 9:00 am on a SUNDAY 😱
 
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preslove said:
I'm an agnostic/atheist who dislikes discussions about the difference between those words, as they always just amount to misunderstandings of language. I've meditated and gotten a lot out of it & there are also meditation sessions at this church.

I've just never gone to a new church by myself & I have to get up at 9:00 am on a SUNDAY 😱
Click to expand...

Praying, physiologically speaking, is the same thing as meditation - both have your mind enter a similar state of being.

So with that knowledge, just work on meditating in your room instead.
 
Juddog said:
Praying, physiologically speaking, is the same thing as meditation - both have your mind enter a similar state of being.

So with that knowledge, just work on meditating in your room instead.
Click to expand...

I want to meet new people. I live in a very christian, conservative area and need like minded folk
 
My Unitarian friends are among the kindest, non-judgmental, open, friendly folks you could ever meet. They place great importance on social justice. There is a reason they fly those rainbow flags & banners proudly.



The Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote

The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
 
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