there generally free to enter but I don't get what you would get out of it. I've been more lonely with the wrong people than on my own. I guess it's up to you.

Do what you want. Just be prepared for a "community" that probably wouldn't accept you if they knew what you really believe.

Speaking only for me there is no amount of loneliness that would make to any church gathering..

Try Unitarian Universalist churches. Basically the same thing but for atheists

I don't see anything wrong with going to church if what you're looking for is a community to belong to. Depending on how large your city is there is a website called Meetup.com where you can find groups of people who are interested in doing the things that you like. They usually list groups within your area as well as out of your area. You'll likely find a group to join. Best of luck to you.

I have been an atheist for quite a while, but I would never let my Father know that outright. I loved him so much and I miss him everyday. And I had no problem going to church with him on a regular basis. We would sing all the hymnals in harmony, it filled my heart to know we had that bond. If you think this sounds hypocritical, I disagree. It was a way for me to honor the father I loved so much without injecting any controversy into it. I just loved spending time with my Daddy!

Not a Christian I checked out a Unitarian Universalist Church for socialization.

If I lived in a heavily religious area, I might find some sort of volunteer work to do in a church, that does not involve religion - teaching people to read, or helping kids with homework. But I doubt that I would bother going to Sunday morning services. In my city, I found a Unitarian Society - it provides the benefits of a church, without requiring people to believe in god(s).

I suppose it depends what you mean by go to church. Personally I would fell a hypocrite if I went to services and took part in the prayers. However, I often help out my local church with events they put on in my village as a part of the community. The vicar is aware that I am an atheist, as are several of the congregation. It hasn't been a problem and I don't get preached at.

I am in the UK though, where atheism is neither rare nor frowned upon, so I understand that it may be more difficult where you are.

Some groups meet in churches but aren't necessarily associated with that church. The church makes the space available as a community service. If you're looking for a community, try meetup.com.

Personally, I find it unseemly to attend a church service in which I have no belief. I think you raise a greater issue, however. What passes for most modern churches have little to do with religion but are really only social clubs. The last thing any of the attendees want to talk about is God or religion. Therefore, if you really want to go, for the bingo or ping pong, or whatever else they do, go ahead.

I had discussed ,with a Christian friend, going to church to meet women. He told me there is a special place in Hell for people like me.

I have never believed ever since I was a child, but I was still dragged to Church and made to go to Sunday school. And when I was a teenager I tried going again because I wanted to believe because I thought I wasn't normal if I didn't believe. Never could believe, i've cried in church because I felt like I was lost, I was ashamed that I didn't believe and questioned why God had abandoned me. But as I got older, I realized how silly it was to feel like that and came to realization that there was no god. I still go to church sometimes because my mother who raised me is religious and won't go to church by herself. She also can't see to well, so she doesn't need to be driving. So, i'll dress up and go with her so she will be happy. She has done so much for me and without her I probably would have been pimped out, traded for drugs or be dead; possibly raped and dead in a ditch somewhere long ago. So, I show my thanks by going with her. It is so hard to sit through, but I sit there quietly and try not to sigh and roll my eyes too much. Sometimes I will still cry, doesn't happen often anymore, but when they call people up to "be saved" I sometimes get teary eyed because I think how great it must be to be blinded like that. How great it must feel thinking that there is someone out there who is looking out for you, and that you won't just rot in the ground and be long forgotten. But, I always snap back, appreciate and am so thankful that I am not blinded by lies and know that it is not a God who has given me strength to continue on in this harsh thing called Life, but my own strong will power to keep living. So, yes, I think it's okay. I live in the bible belt, so this is my only get away from the nonsense of religion.

Maybe out of curiosity… My young daughters once asked about it, there was a church where our gravel road met the highway. I said, ‘sure, I’ve always wondered what it looks like in there.’ “What would they do” asked one? ‘They’d go nuts, we’d be mobbed!’ ‘They’d be so happy to have us ...they’d want to know everything about us!’ ‘We’d be lucky to get out, then they’d know where we lived…’

We never went, but knew we ‘were welcome’

I wouldn’t advise it. Shit, I’m in a new home in a strange land.. You could likely throw a rock from one church to another across the entire county (I’d aim for the colored glass)! Alone, I’ve been encouraged numerous times to ‘come to our church!’ They think I’ll meet someone… As much as ‘someone’ sounds good, I’ve already drawn the line at a couple religious someone’s..

It’s like, you’re surrounded by them enough in everyday life, why give them the opportunity to surround you completely? Honestly, I’m nowhere near as condescending or abrasive in real life but I sincerely fear my ability to politely say no.. And that fuckin mid-west though … twice across America - and I’d never seen such an intellectual dead zone.. Seemed like the people had given up caring about everything except zombie walking to their church. Glancing at your profile (always feels invasive), I’m impressed with ‘where you’re at’ philosophically … but it’s no doubt gonna be lonesome around there.

I tend to ramble, and if it feels like ‘fatherly advice,’ can’t help myself. But be that guy who stands alone, and maybe you’ll find others wanting to stand with you ~

You needn't be a card carrying member to try out different groups. If they're good folks, they'll welcome you !

Check out a Unitarian Universalist church. Most it seems are comprised of atheists/agnostics mixed with buddhists/pagans and some progressive Christians.

I think most theists WANT nonbelievers to attend services. Lol.

Try to remember that not everyone who attends is a full theist. At least half are agnostic or nontheist. They are embarrassed or scared or even lonely for companionship.

If you are worried about being hypocritical, ask why you want to go.
If it’s to make fun of, or antagonize, the people there, you’re an ass and need to stay home. Just as you wouldn’t want them to come to your home and harass you.
If you are lonely, why not go?

I've been attending a UU church for a few months, because I've found that I'm happier when I belong to a community striving to do some good in the world. The church I go to has a leader from a different charity attend each week, and tell what their charity does, then we pass a plate and it's your choice if you want to donate. It makes me feel good to help out, and the church is very liberal. There's no need to check your brain at the door.

If you’re not Christian, and you need community, go back to school.

Do as you must. Keep the Mute Button Handy. To us is Not Sinning to attend church. Use whatever is available to you for your agenda purposes... that may include at some point procreate and multiply so...

I would suggest a Quaker meeting before a church.

If you want to associate and can tolerate those people. Then have at it.

Why shouldn't I go to church? As long as I am respectful of others it might be entertaining, or the music might be good. Last time I went to church was my daughter's wedding. I even read scripture without being stuck by lightening. The next time I go to church will likely be the grandbaby's baptism but I get the feeling my daughter isn't rushing that. I'm not going to make an effort to go to church, but if the kids request then I will be there. I've sat through movies I couldn't wait to get out of, I can handle a church service.