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

Ive never felt a sense of community at church because i have nothing in common with those people. But i don't think a need for social interaction outweighs the need to stay away from theologians.

No, there’s more real communities out there to enjoy

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.

I rarely ever went to church and never as an adult. I guess, I don't miss it.

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.

NO ! Don't get so lonely, isolated, alone that you resort to attending church ! LOL
Try taking the lead of the existing Atheist group and encourage/organize more frequent get-togethers.

No.

Nope.

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.

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 ?

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.

No! Not ever! Never! I am very particular with whom l associate.

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.

No. I found different communities to be part of that aren't judgemental brainwashed assholes

Yes, I was kind of sad to learn the truth, and in good conscience i can't attend a church.