# Atheists: How often do you go to church? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 28, 2011, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923 "2011-09-28T20:24:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/41 "2011-09-29T03:24:45Z")
> [@Acid\_Lamp](#): > > Weddings and funerals Except for these, I haven’t been to a church in at least 30 years. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/42 "2011-09-29T03:32:37Z")
About five years ago, to pick up a donation of a phone system - I was just the “rainmaker” to organize the donation, then a couple weeks later, I was the installer of the PBX at a senior apartment building once I’d sorted out the phones and switching modules. I never did find out what a church needed with a 12-line, 36 extension phone system. :dubious: Before that, it was about 18 years ago that I was in a church with their organist to check out the organ (stop giggling!) and discuss the idea of replacing their doddering old “tracker” console with a modern electronic one. It was cool to be shown the inner works of the organ and to realize the multitude of thin cables that physically joined keys to pipes running through trenches in the floor with a lot of little pulleys to turn corners. But alas, I know nothing about renovating church organs. ---
**Author:** ![Revenant\_Threshold](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f1d935/32.png) [@Revenant\_Threshold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revenant_Threshold)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/43 "2011-09-29T03:36:37Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Weddings and funerals. This, basically. When I was younger, I went on Sundays if I was staying with my cousins, and i’ve been on occasional holiday sighseeing trips and one to the church where the same cousin’s aunt is priest, but that’s it. ---
**Author:** ![Monkey\_Chews](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/65b543/32.png) [@Monkey\_Chews](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monkey_Chews)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/44 "2011-09-29T03:49:19Z")
Apart from the occasional wedding or funeral (where I wouldn’t hesitate to go based on the venue), I go basically once a year, on Christmas Eve, with my grandma. Every year I say it’s going to be my last year. I’ve basically been going for the last decade or so because “this might be grandma’s last Christmas ever”. But the old bird has stuck around and quite frankly shows no sign of intending to ever have a last Christmas ever. She’s 92 now, but every time for the last couple of years I’ve decided that enough was enough, I’d done my grandsonly duty, and wasn’t going to keep going to this event I hated so much just because it might be my last time to go with grandma (I come from a large, and devout Catholic family, and I know it means a lot for her to have the whole family go to church with her at Christmas). And then afterwards she’s made a point of coming up and giving me a big, special thank you for coming with her. She knows it’s not my thing, but it does really make her happy to have everyone there. So every year Christmas comes around, and there I am at church again, trying desperately not to scream for an hour. I think I’m okay with it, and will probably keep going until it really is her last Christmas ever, which judging from the way she’s going will probably be in about 30 to 40 years. ---
**Author:** ![Sleel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/73ab20/32.png) [@Sleel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sleel)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/45 "2011-09-29T03:51:21Z")
I’ve visited lots of Japanese shrines and temples, only twice for any kind of religious service: my wife’s uncle’s funeral (Buddhist), and my son’s dedication ceremony (Shinto). Japanese are pretty secularist in their outlook, but both Buddhism and Shinto are woven into the traditional culture around birth and death. The last time I attended a Christian church service was close to 20 years ago, though I did go to one church group meeting in college out of curiosity—and because a cute girl asked me to go. Everyone had this _need_ to be there that I found rather pathetic and ultimately depressing. ---
**Author:** ![Dereknocue67](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@Dereknocue67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dereknocue67)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/46 "2011-09-29T08:17:26Z")
I do some woodworking and made some minor repair to a sanctuary pew about 2 years ago and this was the first time I had been in a church for about 20 years. Since I donated my time and materials, God is now beholding to me! ---
**Author:** ![Yorikke](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yorikke/32/4335_2.png) [@Yorikke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorikke)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/47 "2011-09-29T08:27:36Z")
Funerals or weddings. That’s it. Joe ---
**Author:** ![Shakester](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shakester/32/437_2.png) [@Shakester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shakester)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/48 "2011-09-29T09:21:54Z")
There’s a church around my way that has musical gigs every now and then, I’ve seen a few bands there, and hope to play there myself at some point. It’s a working church; they do Christian stuff on sundays and community stuff on other days. It’s a lovely old 19th century Methodist church. I’ve met the pastor, he’s a nice guy. I have no problem with religious people as long as they’re not evangelical about it. I went to an Anglican church fete last year, too. So, there’s _two_ churches I’ve been to in the last 12 months. ---
**Author:** ![BowlOfDucks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/2bfe46/32.png) [@BowlOfDucks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BowlOfDucks)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/49 "2011-09-29T09:56:20Z")
Last time I went to a Kingdom Hall was probably 16 or more years ago ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/50 "2011-09-29T12:58:40Z")
> [@sandra\_nz](#): > > But I’m assuming you’re referring to attending religious services. Not at all. Maybe I should have phrased it “How often do you find yourself in a church?” It can be for any reason. Note my post above in which I walked through an empty, open-air church while eating ice cream. It’s one of my favorite places to visit, and my big summer vacation wouldn’t be complete without it. One thing I love about churches is that they are designed to be more inspirational than functional. The very architecture is designed to bring people closer together and contemplate the deeper mysteries. Even if you don’t agree that such mysteries exist, it’s fascinating to visit the minds of the architects who did. And some of them have absolute historical significance. I would love to visit Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, or Church of the Basilica someday. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/51 "2011-09-29T13:02:41Z")
> [@Sal\_Ammoniac](#): > > I’m sure). I’m guessing concerts don’t count. Seems to me I was in Old South half a dozen times last year for that. Of course it counts. I love that church. And across the street is Trinity, one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever been in. And when I lived in the neighborhood, I used to love walking through Christian Science grounds. I love the reflecting pool. ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/52 "2011-09-29T14:16:50Z")
Another UU here - pretty much every week, except during the Summer. My family takes the Summer off. I can’t remember the last time I was in a Christian church, though. Probably a few years ago to see my niece sing with her children’s choir. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/53 "2011-09-29T15:49:10Z")
Weddings and funerals. To be honest I don’t think of that as “going to church.” That to me is “going to A church.” “Going to church” means you attend a ceremony for the purpose of worshiping God. You might go to a structure known as “a church” for any number of other reasons - wedding and funerals, obviously, but maybe you’re touring the Sistine Chapel or attending some other function unrelated to worship. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/54 "2011-09-29T15:59:15Z")
Then let’s change the phrasing, as what I meant was being physically present inside of a church building for any reason. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/55 "2011-09-29T16:04:47Z")
Weddings and funerals i can’t avoid. ---
**Author:** ![yojimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yojimbo/32/232_2.png) [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/56 "2011-09-29T16:17:53Z")
Only when I have to i.e. Weddings and Funerals ---
**Author:** ![stpauler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/57 "2011-09-29T16:24:30Z")
My BF is a Catholic and I went to services with him when we were in California. He was able to explain things at least which was nice. Next time I go to services with him, I told him I want a non-hugging section. Then we went to a Lebanese festival last weekend that was held at their Maronic church. This weekend I’m going with him to get the dogs blessed. It makes him feel good and it’s only a couple hours of my time (and I give no money or lip service to anything). He knows my boundaries and what I will and won’t do. And he also has to watch Rifftrax which he doesn’t really care for. So give and take. ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/58 "2011-09-29T16:55:18Z")
I volunteer at one every weekday, 30 hours a week. It’s required for me to be working or volunteering while I’m on Families First and I’m still out of work. The only volunteer opportunities they have are in churches, which I think is insane but I do what I gotta do. Most of the day is spent working in the computer lab (they have an after-school program) or stuffing donation envelopes. Sometimes they have a food drive or baskets to put together. I don’t mind. the people are nice enough and although I have to sit through prayers occasionally I just bow my head respectfully and think about whatever I need to be thinking about. Other than this I haven’t been to a church in years, but I went to some church events and took my daughter to youth group. Her choice, not mine. The church she attends is wonderful though. Very liberal and “open and affirming”, very much into social justice. If I ever wanted to go to church regularly that’s where I’d go. ---
**Author:** ![Canadjun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/76d3ee/32.png) [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/59 "2011-09-29T17:01:48Z")
I’ve been going to church (i.e. actually attending services) most weeks for a long time. Gives me an opportunity to socialize (which I am **not** at all good at without a “push”) and give me a chance to sing without feeling like a goof. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2011, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923/60 "2011-09-29T23:34:33Z")
Probably around 2-4 times a year. I generally go to Christmas Eve service with my parents, and I’ll often go another time or two when visiting them at non-Christmas times. Sometimes I’ll accompany a friend or girlfriend to church if they ask for some special event. Most weddings I go to aren’t in churches any more, and I’m lucky to I generally find it pretty boring, but there are lots of people in my life who find it of great importance, and sometimes I like to spend time with them during a time they plan to be at church. I’m perfectly capable of sitting quietly for an hour or so. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-how-often-do-you-go-to-church/597923.md?page=4)