NationStates Jolt Archive

Or a synagogue or mosque or whatever structure acts as a formal place for congregation and worship for your religion or belief system?

Also, why do you go? Does your "book" or something say it's a sin not to?

I ask because in the last census 64% of Australians said they are Christian, but only 19% attend church at least once a month and only 9% every week. Got me thinking about why people go anyway, since God is meant to be everywhere, so what's the big deal?

Poll coming...

I go to church at most 3 times a year. Mostly because I don't want the drama that goes along with telling my parents I'm atheist, so I won't.

I usually go to the family temple twice a year, during the holiday of Obon. Do to several circumstances this year, I anticipate going there at least... six times? Ish.

And Shinto doesn't have a book. Dunno about Buddhism, but I am thinking I line up more with Shinto.

"Though Shinto has no absolute commandments for its adherents outside of living "a simple and harmonious life with nature and people", there are said to be "Four Affirmations" of the Shinto spirit:
Tradition and the family: The family is seen as the main mechanism by which traditions are preserved. Their main celebrations relate to birth and marriage.
Love of nature: Nature is sacred; to be in contact with nature is to be close to the kami. Natural objects are worshipped as containing sacred spirits.
Physical cleanliness: Followers of Shinto take baths, wash their hands, and rinse out their mouths often.
"Matsuri": Any festival dedicated to the Kami, of which there are many each year."
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto#Characteristics

The tradition and family affirmation and the physical cleanliness affirmation are the reasons I keep going back to the temple, which is basically Buddhist. I would be disrespecting my ancestors, my present family, and my traditions if I stopped going back. And one of the primary reasons to go back when I do is to physically clean the tombstones of my ancestors. So, while not exactly "sins", since there are no such thing in my belief system, it would go against what I believe in to stop going.

Christmas and Easter with my family, and occasional funerals. And Weddings, I guess.

I am baptized as a Catholic, but I consider myself agnostic since I'm 12.

I visit the church only for marriages or to burry a friend or family.

I go maybe twice a month. I probably should go more than that. I go to church because it helps me feel at peace and because I like the people at my church.

Nonreligious. I do visit them if religious friends wed there, or if the architecture is interesting and so on (though not during services).

I am a Catholic, and I do not think churches to have a particoular meaning on the front of faith. Simply, to pray in a church is easier than in other places - less sounds, better concentration, good atmosphere... What really makes the difference for a faithful is what ritual is being held. If you have the luck of having a priest around you who celebrates the Mass in the woods - which is not all that weird - you may even do not go to a church for a month, but it would not be a sin.

Me, Once per 2 weeks or per week.

Christenings, weddings, funerals. As they're usually near a pub, its not so bad.

Agnostic with Baptist parents (who know, and are cool with it). Go to church once a year or so because my parents appreciate it.

I wonder if anyone will actually be offended by only being given three (two-and-a-half?) poll options...

i used to go when i was at school for compulsory Easter Service and Christmas things, but since leaving school i haven't been to a church for any religious reason.

i did go into a church in amsterdam because it was pretty and i wanted a look.

I find myself occasionally going to the church building but usually because I'm either taking/dropping off a sibling for something they plan on doing or because I'm voting and its the place in my precinct where I vote.

Other than that, I don't attend church because I am an atheist.

I go to churches shockingly often for an atheist... but that's because I love the buildings (some at least) as they are often beautiful architectural work and generally have a pleasant, peaceful feeling inside them... perhaps not so much in the ones where people are preaching hate, but it's there most of the time.

Every sunday, because I am a Catholic.

I clicked on never but it is not right 2 times a year, I go out of family tradition and only because the rest of my family expects me to.

I am at church about 4 times a week, I only attend services on Sunday mornings. I am there for other reasons the rest of the time.

I used to go every week until I was about 16 but since then i've only been a couple of times for weddings and for my girlfriends choir concerts

I never go as I'm an Atheist and that kind of shit bores me to tears; to tears I say!

I'm at a Christian school, as a ministry major. So, I am at two to three actual church services a week, plus I guess I could count convocation Monday, Wednesday and Friday. So, I'm there a lot.

Tuesday and Thursday for Bible school, Wednesday and Sunday for services, and sometimes Saturday morning for prayer and/or Music team rehearsal... so generally five times a week.

But I love God and He loves me, so it makes sense. :D

The wedding I attended a couple of weeks back was the first time I had been inside a church, or any religious building for that matter, for years.

Which means lie-ins on Christmas Morning!


Actually, I have been to the Edinburgh Central Mosque a couple of times in the last few years for all-you-can-eat curry. Damn tasty, but not exactly religious worship.

Every sunday, because I am a Catholic.

What, so Catholics have to go to church on Sundays?

Exodus 20:25

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
'If you make an altar of stone for Me, you shall not build it of cut stones, for if you wield your tool on it, you will profane it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
If you build an altar for me made out of stones, never make it with cut stone blocks. If you use a chisel on it, you will make it unacceptable to me.

King James Bible
And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.

American Standard Version
And if thou make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stones; for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.

I don't go for religious purposes - churches are an abomination in the eyes of the Lord.

No more so than the Temple He commanded the Hebrews to build for Him.

Well ain't that the point - we make it up as we go along.

I am a born again christian! I attend services 3 times a week and we have other activities like films and concerts throughout the week, most of which I attend! So I guess I go more than most. The reason I go to services is to learn about Jesus and the word of God. The building itself has no spiritual value. Although some churches/religions will fill their buildings with idols and objects of worship.

I don't go for religious purposes - churches are an abomination in the eyes of the Lord.

No more so than the Temple He commanded the Hebrews to build for Him.

Or a synagogue or mosque or whatever structure acts as a formal place for congregation and worship for your religion or belief system?

Also, why do you go? Does your "book" or something say it's a sin not to?

I ask because in the last census 64% of Australians said they are Christian, but only 19% attend church at least once a month and only 9% every week. Got me thinking about why people go anyway, since God is meant to be everywhere, so what's the big deal?

Poll coming...

I go to meeting in which God is spoken on once a week. However, I am officially not part of any religion, and the people who attend are of various religions, so "religious" doesn't exactly suit me.

Well ain't that the point - we make it up as we go along.

What do you mean by that?

I don't go for religious purposes - churches are an abomination in the eyes of the Lord.

I'm sure many have seen this before, but there is a website (http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~slocks/babble.html)that has some funnily juxtaposed contradictions from the bible. Some of the best bits:

"For I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger forever." (Jeremiah 3:12)
"Ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn forever." (Jeremiah 17:4)

"But anyone who says 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell." (Jesus) Mat 5:22

"You fools!" (Jesus) Luke 11:40
"You blind fools!" (Jesus) Mat 23:17
"How foolish you are" (Jesus) Luke 24:25

"But God said to him, 'You fool!' " (Jesus) Luke 12:20

"You foolish Galatians!" (St. Paul) Galatians 3:1
"You foolish man" James 2:20

(Also - Psalms 14:1 and again at 53:1 - you have to think me a fool because I have said in my heart that there is no God - oops, both of us in hell now!)

EDIT
And another great one:
And Jesus said, "For judgement I am come into this world." (John 9:39)
"I came not to judge the world" (John 12:47)

i used to go once a week, then i told my mum i refused to participate so it was only on christmas and easter, then only christmas, now never for any kind of 'worship'. occaisionally for a bit of peace and quiet, but i can't stay when there's people praying or when there's a service, they make me feel uncomfortable.

I'm not religious but I go to the services every sunday and on any religious holidays. Plus some other church events as well. My parents are religious and insist on it.

Pagan here, and spiritual rather than religious. So, my "church" can be where ever I decide it to be, although some rituals work better in one location rather than another, as well as to which God I'm honoring or approaching.

But a formalized structure with a formalized service? Nope. Don't do that anymore.

Or a synagogue or mosque or whatever structure acts as a formal place for congregation and worship for your religion or belief system?

Also, why do you go? Does your "book" or something say it's a sin not to?

I ask because in the last census 64% of Australians said they are Christian, but only 19% attend church at least once a month and only 9% every week. Got me thinking about why people go anyway, since God is meant to be everywhere, so what's the big deal?

Poll coming...

At it's best, church is a social construct. A place where people can meet their neighbors and organize group activities and help those in the community who need it.

At it's worst, Church is the place where the sheeple go for their weekly dose of brainwashing and to drop of money they can't afford to help fund the richest organization on the planet.

As with all things, consume in moderation. :)

I go to church for weddings, funerals, major religious holidays, and when friends invite me. I do it to support friends/family - both in happiness and sadness - and to celebrate my religion.

Or a synagogue or mosque or whatever structure acts as a formal place for congregation and worship for your religion or belief system?

Also, why do you go? Does your "book" or something say it's a sin not to?

I ask because in the last census 64% of Australians said they are Christian, but only 19% attend church at least once a month and only 9% every week. Got me thinking about why people go anyway, since God is meant to be everywhere, so what's the big deal?

Poll coming...

The concept of fellowship is an integral part of my beliefs. That is why I attend.

What, so Catholics have to go to church on Sundays?

No, no one have to go to church every sunday, but I believe one should, if the person in question is a catholic.

I will melt if I enter a church.

I occasionally turn up on Remembrance Sunday but that's it; compulsory church attendance at school put me off for good.

Last time I was in a church was 3 years ago at a wedding and I hope I won't have to go there again. We don't go there with school anymore so it's great.

And yeah, I'm an atheist.

I'm agnostic, but I still go to church every week. After several years, my dad is now the only one who is remotely Catholic, while the rest of us no longer really care. I'm not really sure why my family still goes to church. It's either out of habit, or that my parents don't want me and my brothers sleeping in on Sundays.

(Non-religious, rare attending)

The last time I attended a church, it was because a friend had died.
The fact that he was tub-thumping atheist who wouldn't have been caught dead in a church just made the whole thing that much sadder.

I narrowly avoided having to attend a wedding about now. I explained that I would have to heckle the priest and throw food, and my invitation didn't arrive.

Or a synagogue or mosque or whatever structure acts as a formal place for congregation and worship for your religion or belief system?

Also, why do you go? Does your "book" or something say it's a sin not to?

I ask because in the last census 64% of Australians said they are Christian, but only 19% attend church at least once a month and only 9% every week. Got me thinking about why people go anyway, since God is meant to be everywhere, so what's the big deal?

Poll coming...


Well, it is said in scripture, that Yahweh does not dwell in the man made building, but in the temple(holy of holies) which is the heart of every believer.

Btw, I goto church services twice a week. But I am technically living at the church, so I wonder how that works out?

I never go to church unless I really have to (funerals or weddings). I also go to churches for the art and architecture, but that's probably not what this thread is about.

And really church for chrisitians is any where, where 2 or more are gathered in Spirit and Word. So one can say that my living room is church.

I go to the mosque about once a semester, and occasionally to eastern orthodox churches, though I also like quaker meetings and want to go to them more often. there are no Hindu temples to go to within a reasonable distance, unfortunately.

At it's best, church is a social construct. A place where people can meet their neighbors and organize group activities and help those in the community who need it.

At it's worst, Church is the place where the sheeple go for their weekly dose of brainwashing and to drop of money they can't afford to help fund the richest organization on the planet.

As with all things, consume in moderation. :)

For once, I disagree with you.

At its best, Church is a gathering of believer that are filled with the Spirit, and are preaching, healing, caring for the sick and poor, and so on.

At its worst...well, just look at American churches. That is church at its worst. Full of hypocrites, and self righteous morons.

i used to go once a week, then i told my mum i refused to participate so it was only on christmas and easter, then only christmas, now never for any kind of 'worship'. occaisionally for a bit of peace and quiet, but i can't stay when there's people praying or when there's a service, they make me feel uncomfortable.


Why do they make you feel uncomfortable?

I go to the mosque about once a semester, and occasionally to eastern orthodox churches, though I also like quaker meetings and want to go to them more often. there are no Hindu temples to go to within a reasonable distance, unfortunately.

You sound sort of like me. I do spend some time at the local masjid, debating with the MSA after salaat. I really do fancy Eastern Orthodox and Quakers too.

Neato :)

Funerals and weddings. Churches don't appeal to me.

I am in the awkward position of having no answers on this poll that accurately represent me. I am at least somewhat religious, and I often attend religious services - but not those of any one religion, and not for specifically religious purposes. I don't consider myself to be a part of any organized religion, but I'm a semi-professional choral singer, and a lot of my singing jobs are at churches and synagogues. I end up visiting various houses of worship anywhere from every few months to several times a week.

I am in the awkward position of having no answers on this poll that accurately represent me. I am at least somewhat religious, and I often attend religious services - but not those of any one religion, and not for specifically religious purposes. I don't consider myself to be a part of any organized religion, but I'm a semi-professional choral singer, and a lot of my singing jobs are at churches and synagogues. I end up visiting various houses of worship anywhere from every few months to several times a week.

That seems a very comprehensive answer to me.

You couldn't answer "Religious, 2 to 4 times a week" because of the implication that religious people can only attend church for religious reasons?

That seems a very comprehensive answer to me.

You couldn't answer "Religious, 2 to 4 times a week" because of the implication that religious people can only attend church for religious reasons?

I attend church about 4 times a week, once for Sunday service and then 3 times for other things......non-religious things.

I answered the poll based on the assumption that it meant going to church for worshippy purposes. I mean, I go to churches for other stuff once in a while, but, it's not really the same.

That seems a very comprehensive answer to me.

You couldn't answer "Religious, 2 to 4 times a week" because of the implication that religious people can only attend church for religious reasons?

Well, no. More because of the implication that at least some of those church attendances will be for religious reasons. :p

It's also dubious whether I am properly defined as religious when I don't belong to any specific religion. So I am stuck with "not exactly religious, attend church often, but never as part of my faith" - which, obviously, isn't on the poll.

I attend church about 4 times a week, once for Sunday service and then 3 times for other things......non-religious things.

So I guess the poll sucks (as polls are wont to do.)

Having wred the OP, the poll does seem to waste options on variations of attendance ... options which could have been used to cover non-worship reasons for attendance or to pay homage to Myrth.

EDIT: I see PWAC's point now. The point of the OP doesn't seem to be reflected in the poll, really at all. It's "tack a poll on this to make it more popular" again ....

I have seen similar stats from The USA and Canada, but the results are significantly different.

50% of Americans attend religious services at least once a week, but in Canada that number falls below 10%.

According to the Canadian census, I am a member of the fastest growing religious group in the country. The "no religious affiliation" group. In Canada, at least, mysticism is losing.

I occasionally go to Church's Fried Chicken. Does that count?

I find it interesting that someone on another thread mentioned something about 95 percent of the ENTIRE world being somehow religious. Then coming here and seeing the disparity of religious to non-religios people. Just ONE of the "non-religious" responses got more votes than ALL of the "religious" responses combined.

Granted this isn't the greatest example of a cross section of the world population, but still. If that person were anywhere near the realm of accuracy with his statement, wouldn't the numbers reflect that?

I go to mass on Christmas Eve and Easter to not piss off my parents.

I's atheist.

Usually Christmas Eve, just because it's nice to meet the community and such.

I find it interesting that someone on another thread mentioned something about 95 percent of the ENTIRE world being somehow religious. Then coming here and seeing the disparity of religious to non-religios people. Just ONE of the "non-religious" responses got more votes than ALL of the "religious" responses combined.

Granted this isn't the greatest example of a cross section of the world population, but still. If that person were anywhere near the realm of accuracy with his statement, wouldn't the numbers reflect that?

Perhaps people lie to the Census on this question. Even if they're 99% sure there is no God, there aren't any personal consequences for ticking the "pastafarian" box, the only entity who will ever know you lied is ... you guessed it ...

Religious belief shouldn't even be asked about by the Census. By the seperation of Church and State, religious affiliation is irrelevant to governance, and informing the decisions of government is the primary purpose of the Census.

I guess we misuse the Census to satisfy our curiosity about our fellow citizens. It seems like such a golden opportunity to do a huge-sample opinion poll, but if that undermines the provision of accurate information to government, we should probably resist the urge.

I am Christian, and at the age of 17 I choose when I go to church. For me its three times a week.

1. Sunday morning for Sunday School and Church Service.
2. Sunday evening for Youth Group.
3. Wendsday evening for Life/devotion group.

(and I haven't been a Christian all that long either.)

I find it interesting that someone on another thread mentioned something about 95 percent of the ENTIRE world being somehow religious. Then coming here and seeing the disparity of religious to non-religios people. Just ONE of the "non-religious" responses got more votes than ALL of the "religious" responses combined.

Granted this isn't the greatest example of a cross section of the world population, but still. If that person were anywhere near the realm of accuracy with his statement, wouldn't the numbers reflect that?

Yeah, while I generally like the average population of NSG, though it does not in any way reflect the RL cross section. If it did:

1. Homosexual Marriage would be legal in the US.
2. Bush would have lost in a landslide in both '00 and '04.
3. Iraq would never have been invaded.
4. The UK would never have been in the trench with the USA on this "War on Terror".
etc.

I think the differentiation is primary caused by the fact that most of the people who have led to the differentiation tend to avoid places like NSG, where their view point would be confronted by open and heavy opposition. IOW, they do not like to hear people with opposing view points.

I go to church quite a few times - there's a cafe there and its cheap! But also there are some great people, nowhere is perfect though! I feel at peace there.

As an atheist, I go to church for one reason: FREE FOOD!

Catholic-go to church every Sunday, and go to my youth group there. That reminds me, I am honestly leaving in 30 minutes for it. :p

Never. I'm heathen scum it seems:(

Never. I'm heathen scum it seems:(

where the hell have you been heathen? you have a TG !!!! (in about 3 minutes)

where the hell have you been heathen? you have a TG !!!! (in about 3 minutes)

Hey Smunkee!!

I've been geeking it up for the past few months on reptile forums:)

I keep checking back here but not having the urge to post anymore:(

I go to Church Every Sunday. Often I go on a Tuesday or Wednesday (it changes from year to year) for a youth activity.

Never.

I ask because in the last census 64% of Australians said they are Christian, but only 19% attend church at least once a month and only 9% every week. Got me thinking about why people go anyway, since God is meant to be everywhere, so what's the big deal?
That surprised me, too. If for no other reason, going to church at least informs you about what your religion is. It seems like the US is a nation of people who are Christian but don't know that much about...Christianity. Not a good sign.

Or a synagogue or mosque or whatever structure acts as a formal place for congregation and worship for your religion or belief system?

Also, why do you go? Does your "book" or something say it's a sin not to?

I ask because in the last census 64% of Australians said they are Christian, but only 19% attend church at least once a month and only 9% every week. Got me thinking about why people go anyway, since God is meant to be everywhere, so what's the big deal?

Poll coming...
My parents say for once a year on Christmas eve to go as a family; fair enough, one day is neither a considerable burden nor will get me brainwashed.

I'm an atheist, but I can be dragged there (churches and the like) for weddings and funerals. I hope my loved ones appreciate the sacrifice, since according to them I run the risk of going up in flames when I enter.

What, so Catholics have to go to church on Sundays?

Of course! That's how they keep up the weekly brainwashing, after all. That bread they eat? It's actually composed of nanites that infect the brain and alter it to do the Pope's bidding.

Of course! That's how they keep up the weekly brainwashing, after all. That bread they eat? It's actually composed of nanites that infect the brain and alter it to do the Pope's bidding.

How else could we communicate with telepathy?

I'm an atheist, but I can be dragged there (churches and the like) for weddings and funerals. I hope my loved ones appreciate the sacrifice, since according to them I run the risk of going up in flames when I enter.
You know what you should do? Get one of those stunt fireproof suits, the ones that actors use to set themselves on fire without actually harming themselves, put it on and put your normal clothing on over it, then rig up something to set yourself on fire as soon as you enter the church.

How else could we communicate with telepathy?

Telepathy?! This I did not know! DAMN! My anti-Catholic plans need to be revised!

You know what you should do? Get one of those stunt fireproof suits, the ones that actors use to set themselves on fire without actually harming themselves, put it on and put your normal clothing on over it, then rig up something to set yourself on fire as soon as you enter the church.



KewL!!

KewL!!

Make sure to milk it for all its worth to scare as much as of the crap out of them as possible.

Oh, and just to be even more crazy, make it some sort of chemical fire that can't be extinguished with water, just to scare them even more. :D

Telepathy?! This I did not know! DAMN! My anti-Catholic plans need to be revised!
It's too late, Benedict already knows. The Holy Inquisition will be at your house by sundown.
Do not attempt to escape, it will only make the purification more painful.

I'm a Jehovah's Witness and I only go once or twice a year. i would go more but my dad got excommunicated out of the faith so i cant go with him. so i only go when im at my aunt's and they go. I need to be baptized to be considered a Jehovah's Witness, so i guess im the infamous Other.

Which I am proud to be since I mix other religions in with my beliefs. Im a collector of sorts, i take the parts i like out of other religions and put them in my own.

What, so Catholics have to go to church on Sundays?

Catholics have to go to the Mass each Sunday and other holy days (Xmas &Co.), if the Mass is held in a church you have to go to Church. If the Mass is held in the swamps, you have to go in the swamps (or look for another Mass;)). It all depends on the priest.

I fell for this hand-scrawled sign that said "Punch and Pie".
I got fleeced on that one, iirc.

http://images.wikia.com/southpark/images/thumb/a/aa/The_Mole.jpg/200px-The_Mole.jpg

Catholics have to go to the Mass each Sunday and other holy days (Xmas &Co.), if the Mass is held in a church you have to go to Church. If the Mass is held in the swamps, you have to go in the swamps (or look for another Mass;)). It all depends on the priest.

Why do Catholics have to but not other Christians? Is there something in the bible about this?

Why do Catholics have to but not other Christians? Is there something in the bible about this?

Yes, strict application of the fourth (or the third, it depends on the source) Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. "Sabbath" is for "rest", not for "Saturday", so we honour Sunday and not Saturday, because we believe Jesus to have come back to life on Sunday. You also neeed to think that, in Catholicism, rituals are far more important than in other forms of Christianism such as Protestantism, there are more Sacraments, for example, and we believe transustantiation to happen. We are bound to them more thightly.

Attending church on a regular basis is a way to spiritually "recharge" each week. When I go, I find myself more at peace, more optimistic, and generally a happier person than if it's been awhile since the last time I went.

Is God everywhere? Well yes, in that His influence is everywhere, and He hears your prayers everywhere, but the point of going to Church isn't to benefit Him, it's to benefit us. By gathering together with others we fellowship and receive that spiritual recharge on a regular basis as a community.

Contrary to my usual attitude towards religion I went to a catholic service just once in my life when a friend had died. I ended up horrified hearing all the afterlife hogwash and having someone who was dear to me abused by some priest in order to advertise his own shop. Simply disgusting.

Never again!

Yes, strict application of the fourth (or the third, it depends on the source) Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. "Sabbath" is for "rest", not for "Saturday", so we honour Sunday and not Saturday, because we believe Jesus to have come back to life on Sunday. You also neeed to think that, in Catholicism, rituals are far more important than in other forms of Christianism such as Protestantism, there are more Sacraments, for example, and we believe transustantiation to happen. We are bound to them more thightly.

Actually, Sabbath is a variation on Shabbat, which comes from Hewbrew, shavat (to rest). The Shabbat isn't strictly on Sunday. In Judaism, it lasts from Friday at sunset to Saturday. So, to say "not for Saturday" is wrong unless you're talking about the Christian Sabbath.

Actually, Sabbath is a variation on Shabbat, which comes from Hewbrew, shavat (to rest). The Shabbat isn't strictly on Sunday. In Judaism, it lasts from Friday at sunset to Saturday. So, to say "not for Saturday" is wrong unless you're talking about the Christian Sabbath.

Random fact: according to The West Wing the US doesn't execute people between sundown Friday and sundown Sunday because of this.

Random fact: according to The West Wing the US doesn't execute people between sundown Friday and sundown Sunday because of this.

Because even executioners need rest; they're not machines, they can't just turn on the kill function.

Actually, Sabbath is a variation on Shabbat, which comes from Hewbrew, shavat (to rest). The Shabbat isn't strictly on Sunday. In Judaism, it lasts from Friday at sunset to Saturday. So, to say "not for Saturday" is wrong unless you're talking about the Christian Sabbath.

Indeed, I was talking about Christian (and, in particoular, Catholic) rest.:D

Contrary to my usual attitude towards religion I went to a catholic service just once in my life when a friend had died. I ended up horrified hearing all the afterlife hogwash and having someone who was dear to me abused by some priest in order to advertise his own shop. Simply disgusting.

Never again!
I'm sure your dead Catholic friend would be thrilled to hear you say that.

To summarize all NSG topics on religion: Religion is the root of all evil, despite that fact that arseholes are the problem, not the religion, and people who follow a religion or believe in anything other than scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws are complete idiots.
:rolleyes:

If anyone has anything more to add, feel free. :p

I'm a Pagan. To me, the whole earth is a sacred space.

So, I'm never *out* of "church."

To summarize all NSG topics on religion: Religion is the root of all evil, despite that fact that arseholes are the problem, not the religion, and people who follow a religion or believe in anything other than scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws are complete idiots.
:rolleyes:

If anyone has anything more to add, feel free. :p
That's a pretty good summary, at least of one side of the debate.

That's a pretty good summary, at least of one side of the debate.

I figured one side was enough, since we can just change it up slightly and:

"Athiesm is the root of all evil, despite that fact that arseholes are the problem, not the lack of belief, and people who worship no deity or decide not to believe in anything other than scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws are complete idiots who will rot in Hel(l)."


wala!

I avoid church religiously.

Religion is the root of all evil, despite that fact that arseholes are the problem, not the religion

Emphasis mine. Why could the religion itself not be the problem ? If an otherwise decent man murders his firstborn son to sacrifice his child to his god because his holy scriptures tell him to, is the problem that he is an asshole or that his religion sucks ?

and people who follow a religion or believe in anything other than scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws are complete idiots.

I would rephrase that as "and people who follow a religion or believe in anything other than scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws - but claim their religion fits all the evidence perfectly while everything that disagrees with it does not, are complete idiots or liars".

I have no problem with believers. I have a problem with believers that twist the truth because their own faith is insufficiently convincing for themselves.

I avoid church religiously.

Don't they actually avoid you religiously?
Like, due scripture or something?

I'm an atheist, but I wil find myself in a place of worship here and there. About once a year. Most often it is something to do with curiousity or appreciation of fine architecture. Sometimes I feel compelled to enter them when they are empty. It's quite unsettling. I have to be in the right mood though. Usually they just piss me off when I see them.

wala!

Speaking of edits ....
it's not spelled "wala".

Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified, and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin vanguarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition. The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose so let me simply add that it's my very good honor to meet you, and you may call me V.

"Sometimes" as a non-religious person doesn't cover it for me as it would be closer to hardly ever, but not never ever. On the rare occasion a rockin' gospel band will draw me in if I'm not in a particular hurry while walking by. Like a real rockin' one, with large women on shaking risers with a back up band that has a bass player with arms as big as my leg and a 9 year old drummer behind a kit the size of a VW Bug.

I should point out that I don't often listen to the lyrics of songs...

I'm sure your dead Catholic friend would be thrilled to hear you say that.

I'm quite certain he never believed that crap himself, actually. His family opted for a christian burial.

I'm an atheist, but I wil find myself in a place of worship here and there. About once a year. Most often it is something to do with curiousity or appreciation of fine architecture. Sometimes I feel compelled to enter them when they are empty. It's quite unsettling. I have to be in the right mood though. Usually they just piss me off when I see them.

Oh, I must have visited hundreds of churches, mosques, temples and the like, all for artistic and architectural reasons. Not once did they induce any kind of religious feeling, though.
One of the most awe-inspiring settings I ever saw were the coastal redwood forests, but I wouldn't call the feeling they invoked religious, although I'm quite sure some people would.

I probably go 10ish times a year. Which I consider pretty bad really. I need to go more. But finding time to go to mass is kinda tricky. Probably gonna be my new year resolution-more church.
Catholic btw.

I figured one side was enough, since we can just change it up slightly and:

"Athiesm is the root of all evil, despite that fact that arseholes are the problem, not the lack of belief, and people who worship no deity or decide not to believe in anything other than scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws are complete idiots who will rot in Hel(l)."


It's the thoughtless and totally unfounded fanaticism of these people that really gets to me. Going by the degree of aggressiveness in their rantings you could expect anything from them. They really scare me.

(and the Greek word is theos, hence athEIsm or are you above that and bash my brains out now?)