# Atheist Churches, Good or Bad Idea. **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 7, 2013, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579 "2013-02-07T12:10:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![stpauler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/21 "2013-02-07T13:13:39Z")
The benefits and rights bestowed upon churches shouldmake this become a more widespread thing. In the US, churches do not have to submit financial disclosure statements thusly the atheist church wouldn’t have to file IRS Form 990. James Randi really should take advantage of that. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/22 "2013-02-07T13:14:18Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > What kind of topics would the guest speakers cover? Did you not read the linked article? _“Next month’s sermon is titled “Lend a Hand,” and will focus on the need to volunteer to better the world.”_ They also mention a prominent scientist, who apparently gave a power-point presentation about physics. ---
**Author:** ![pchaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/258eb7/32.png) [@pchaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pchaos)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/23 "2013-02-07T13:15:34Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > “Who here doesn’t believe in any gods? Me, too!” I doubt it. Like other churches, they would want to pull in new members. In particular, they might discuss why agnostics should become atheists. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/24 "2013-02-07T13:19:23Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > Like other churches, they would want to pull in new members. This isn’t even true of all religions, let alone all non-religions. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/25 "2013-02-07T13:22:35Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > In particular, they might discuss why agnostics should become atheists. :dubious:Seriously? ETA: goddamn! ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/26 "2013-02-07T13:23:44Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > I doubt it. Like other churches, they would want to pull in new members. In particular, they might discuss why agnostics should become atheists. Members of what? At best, I see it as a social club for some atheists that might find that week’s topic of conversation to be interesting. Atheism isn’t something you join, it is only a statement of disbelief. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/27 "2013-02-07T13:25:03Z")
I agree that it doesn’t seem that different than UU. It’s really not that different than a church- you have a talk about an ethical or moral subject guided by a text (in this case, rather than just the bible you’ll look at various religious and non-religious lines of thinking), there is some singing, there are groups for kids and singles and older people, there is time for personal meditation or exploration (which is analogous to prayer), there is an emphasis on community service and charity, and there are rites of passage such as weddings and coming of age ceremonies. The parts of church that actually hinge on the magical sky fairy stuff are pretty limited. ---
**Author:** ![Human\_Action](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@Human\_Action](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Human_Action)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/28 "2013-02-07T13:35:58Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > I’m not sure about the concept of an atheist church, for the same reason I prefer not to refer to myself as an atheist. The word atheism only describes one not terribly consequential thing I reject, and says nothing of what I accept and value. For me, Humanism far better describes my personal philosphy, **probably with an emphasis on nature and/or science.** And I stress “capital H” Humanism, as opposed to humanistic. IMO&E, there is a significant difference. Bolding mine. You may wish to look into [Naturalism](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturalism_(philosophy)), it seems to accord with your beliefs. > [@](#): > > Naturalism commonly refers to the viewpoint that laws of nature (as opposed to supernatural ones) operate in the universe, and that nothing exists beyond the natural universe or, if it does, it does not affect the natural universe. Adherents of naturalism (naturalists) assert that natural laws are the rules that govern the structure and behavior of the natural universe, that the universe is a product of these laws. ---
**Author:** ![Cumberdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@Cumberdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumberdale)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/29 "2013-02-07T13:39:55Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > What would be preached at an atheist church? The one I went to in Dallas when I lived there would talk about free-thinkers, atheist writers and the like. I went there to socialize and meet others of similar minds. Pretty much the same reason many go to church. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/30 "2013-02-07T13:46:58Z")
> [@Cumberdale](#): > > The one I went to in Dallas when I lived there would talk about free-thinkers, atheist writers and the like. I went there to socialize and meet others of similar minds. Pretty much the same reason many go to church. Were there any ceremonies or rituals involved, or was it more like a lecture/social gathering? ---
**Author:** ![Cumberdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@Cumberdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumberdale)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/31 "2013-02-07T13:51:06Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Aren’t the Unitarian Universalists pretty close to that? I thought so, but the one I visited was so far to the left it was a turn off. I am pretty sure the pastor (is that what they are called?) had a picture of Lenin in his office. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/32 "2013-02-07T13:52:20Z")
> [@Human\_Action](#): > > You may wish to look into [Naturalism](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturalism_(philosophy)), it seems to accord with your beliefs. There is a Naturalist - or is that Naturist? - community just S of town. I dunno, I think most folk look better with at least SOME clothes on! 😛 An appreciation of the natural world is a significant part of the AHA principles and the H manifestos. ---
**Author:** ![Cumberdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@Cumberdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumberdale)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/33 "2013-02-07T13:56:15Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Were there any ceremonies or rituals involved, or was it more like a lecture/social gathering? They were just starting up and I moved before it really got going, so it was mainly a lecture/social gathering. They were beginning the process of looking into getting license or whatever is needed to officiate weddings. I also believe one of the members spoke at a funeral/memorial service. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/34 "2013-02-07T13:58:29Z")
The problem I have with the concept of an atheist “church” is that this plays into the hands of people like the OP and quite a few other religionists who claim that atheism is a religion. Drop the “Church” and any official statements involving common grounds and causes, and I’d be more supportive of the idea. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/35 "2013-02-07T14:03:59Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Drop the “Church” and any official statements involving common grounds and causes, and I’d be more supportive of the idea. Library. Support your local. ---
**Author:** ![ITR\_champion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c67d28/32.png) [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/36 "2013-02-07T14:08:14Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > What do _you_ think the common beliefs are among atheists? I doubt there are any. When I read posts like [this one](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=15870785&postcount=16) where one atheists says that another atheist isn’t good enough to truly be an atheist, I expect that the atheist church will soon start having schisms. Perhaps someday the whole movement will split into three groups. Reform Atheists will believe that atheists should adjust to changing conditions, believing or not believing in God as the spirit of the age suggests. Conservative Atheists will believe that it’s necessary to hold a central non-belief in God, but that further strictures on certain other topics may be negotiable in certain situations. Orthodox Atheists will compile a work of 37 large volumes carefully explaining exactly what atheists must do in any imaginable situation. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/37 "2013-02-07T14:08:43Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > I’ve never gone to one, but I’ll just speculate, they are probably similar to religious churches. Major difference being atheists normally don’t pray. I like the idea of an atheist church. > > But on the other hand…if you aren’t religious then why go to church. Questions like this show that you continue to just not ‘get it’. Athiests, in general, do not need an excuse or a place to get together - there may be individuals that enjoy a repeating community type approach - but it still wouldn’t be called a “church”. ---
**Author:** ![Human\_Action](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@Human\_Action](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Human_Action)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/38 "2013-02-07T14:15:34Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > There is a Naturalist - or is that Naturist? - community just S of town. I dunno, I think most folk look better with at least SOME clothes on! 😛 > > An appreciation of the natural world is a significant part of the AHA principles and the H manifestos. Naturalism more specifically is the belief that the natural world is all that exists. If you don’t believe in a god, but also don’t believe in crystal healing, [mystical energy](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_(esotericism)), or other mystical woo, then you’re a Naturalist as well as an atheist and Humanist. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/39 "2013-02-07T14:23:26Z")
> [@Human\_Action](#): > > Naturalism more specifically is the belief that the natural world is all that exists. If you don’t believe in a god, but also don’t believe in crystal healing, [mystical energy](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_(esotericism)), or other mystical woo, then you’re a Naturalist as well as an atheist and Humanist. OK, then I’m a Naturalist. I’m not all that into placing labels on myself, but ISTM that Humanism might better stress the social aspect of humans. And when I was more concerned about such things, it seemed as tho there was a larger Humanist presence/network, than Naturalist. Actually, I think the term that best describes me is “beach bum.” Anyone want to join me in my church? 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![pchaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/258eb7/32.png) [@pchaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pchaos)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579/40 "2013-02-07T14:23:46Z")
> [@simster](#): > > Athiests, in general, do not need an excuse or a place to get together - there may be individuals that enjoy a repeating community type approach - but it still wouldn’t be called a “church”. What would it be called then? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-churches-good-or-bad-idea/649579.md?page=3)