i have never been christian a day in my life, have been tormented by christians, more for being jewish than for being an atheist (since i don't have an "atheist name," whatever that would be!) and think christianity is a particularly illogical religion, beyond the original illogic of being centered around the existence of a god or gods. however, this does not deter me from visiting beautiful buildings, including but not limited to churches. more often than not, my polling place happens to be a church (although i generally use an absentee ballot, and yes, i have already voted in the midterms). i used to patronize and food shelf that was located in a church. my favorite church is the parish church of st. martin-in-the-fields, across the street from trafalgar square in london, mostly because of its great acoustics and free chamber music concerts many weekday afternoons, but also for its lovely summer weekend flea markets in the parking lot, and the overpriced but atmospheric cafe in the crypt, under the church. i have no fear of churches. churchgoers... that's another matter.

g