(Non)Mass movement: Atheist mega-churches take Western world by storm

[[deleted user]]

“The Sunday Assembly is a godless congregation that celebrates life. Our motto: live better, help often, wonder more. Our mission: to help everyone find and fulfill their full potential. Our vision: a godless congregation in every town, city and village that wants one.”

So says the homepage of the organization set up to promote Jones’ and Evans’ atheist congregations. Founded in January this year, it went from its cradle in an East London community center to sending out press releases containing expansion plans, coupled with a 3,000 percent growth in the several months the movement was in operation.

http://rt.com/news/atheist-mega-churc...

[Jimmy]

I am in favor, although I bet most atheists are not.

[Alicja]

That's another benefit of being an atheist... I want no part of anything church-y. But good for those that want it. Everyone is different.

[Jimmy]

I think on Goodreads, I'm usually the only person who supports the idea.

[Betsy]

Probably not for me. I'm not a joiner. However, many people cling to religion for the sense of community. Why shouldn't atheism offer an alternative community for those people?

[Mimi V]

it's not for me. my sunday mornings are sacred -- kept for reading the New York Times, leisurely drinking of coffee, and general laziness.

i have, however, recently joined a local group of atheists for bi-monthly meetings and dinners, because i enjoy a feeling of community.

Jimmy -- have you ever attended something like this?

[Jimmy]

I've never been to an atheist church.

I knew of a secular humanist society once, but I never got a chance to go.

Thus, it seems foolish of me to make any extreme judgments without having been there. I'm still having trouble grasping why atheists are so opposed. Each group is probably a bit different.

Why not have an atheist church that sponsors a Little League team? A center for a spin off of the Boy/Girl Scouts? A place for children to learn critical thinking skills?

[Betsy]

Actually, the Unitarian church has long provided a community experience for freethinkers and skeptics. Although they don't claim to be atheists, and welcome all religions and denominations, as well as nonbelievers, I have the impression that most of the members are ... shall we say less than religious. I may be talking out of my hat, since I've never been to one, but my sister attends regularly and has talked about it quite a bit.