Church community

[unsunghero]

One of my many cousins is a hardcore atheist progressive and we used to get in some pretty back and forth political debates back in the day. We had to eventually put a pause on them so we wouldn’t have hard feelings at family get togethers and we still get along really well

I remember carpooling out with him for a Cali vacation and the topic of religion came up and he spontaneously said “would you like to debate the existence of God with me?”

Right away I was like “Hey, there’s an idea! No thanks”. And he said “Aw”

The he launched into how theist vs atheist debates are one of the most popular on the internet, even above politics, to where there are entire communities and message boards (that of course he studies) devoted to it. He was describing how just about every possible argument has already been made and people will often quote like professional debaters and religious scholar arguments as part of their argument. Seems like people can get pretty lost in it as a hobby

[Kaveh]

Originally Posted by Homesteaded [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

My wife and I finally found a church that we like. Officially joined it about a month ago. We all enjoy it. The kids are even seeming to be okay with it, they do have donuts though.

We go to church on Sunday, we also attend a small group during the week. This is roughly 10-15 adults, everyone brings the kids, everyone brings something to make a complete meal. Hosting rotates around the group. The wife and I haven't hosted yet but we hope to soon. After the meal, the kids go and watch a show while an older child, usually the preachers daughter watches them. For about an hour, the adults sit around and have what I'll call adult, in-depth conversations about all sorts of things usually around faith and the church but it's impacts stretch well beyond those two topics.

We are relatively new to the group and so far I've heard some very intimate things about these people that I've just started to get to know. It's hard for me to be as open as they are, I'm really jealous and I hope to get to that point soon. This week two of the members opened up to us about what I would call serious issues they are having or have had. It's so great to be around this level of conversation and honesty. It's been great to be apart of a community where it's not all judgement and angling. The group and the church feel like home. I'm sharing this because I think it's something that we as a society need more of. Open and honest, judgement free talk about our inner thoughts.

It's certainly not my idea but I firmly believe much of our societal woes are due to the complete abandoning of faith. Jesus lived. Jesus laid a groundwork for the good life. It's not easy, in fact it's harder to life that life than not.

Thoughts and Prayers

If it helps you and others, it’s probably a good thing. Can’t be any worse than therapy and probably cheaper than a support group

I generally support church in general and I’m glad to hear you’re involved as are your kids

[Kaveh]

Originally Posted by unsunghero [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Going to Church is like going to work out, sometimes you really don’t feel like it and wonder what’s the point, but if you can force yourself to go, almost never will you leave thinking what a waste of time or feeling worse off for having went

I try to go every Sunday to a Lutheran church with my dad and grandma. It’s very traditional, everyone there is like 70+, it’s a dry sermon reading, hymns and communion. I would much prefer a contemporary Christian service, but this is what grandma prefers so it’s what we are doing with what time she has left

I personally am not big into the Bible as a modern guide for life. It’s an extremely old book written for an old time period and the more pastors try to cram it into real life the more mental gymnastics they seem to have to use. I’ve listened to many a service and thought “well that’s kind of stretch”. I also am not big into rituals like communion, and not to be too sac-religious but other humans throughout history have suffered fates worse than even Jesus….sometimes also as a sacrifice for others. So unless there was some spiritual suffering going on as well (maybe there was), Jesus is not the king of the physical suffering mountain. The realist in me cannot ignore this fact. Forgive me for saying it, Jesus

However, I want to believe in a higher power and maybe one day I’ll understand it better, maybe that won’t be until I die. I do agree that church communities are very wholesome, and it’s a great way to meet people either through Bible studies or singles groups or other kinds of meetups

“Contemporary” is just diluted bull shit. You need to hear the many reasons you’re going to hell if you don’t lead a perfect live where you take upon the burdens of others as opposed to being burdensome yourself. Manhood isn’t for everyone, that’s why we have many in this p99 community who have opted for dick removal. Contemporary church might be for you if you have that procedure

[unsunghero]

Originally Posted by Kaveh [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

If it helps you and others, it’s probably a good thing. Can’t be any worse than therapy and probably cheaper than a support group

The “Singles” Church group I used to attend after church wasn’t really about dating at all. It was just a bunch of single-only men and women but the topic of discussion was usually about how to do some good in the community or within a person’s family. Pretty wholesome stuff. The reason I bring it up is that these Church groups are widely known and easily accessible

So while I do believe the atheist argument that you don’t need to follow some religious Dogma in order to do some good in the world…that is true. The question is do you have your own version of these Church groups? How widely known and accessible are they? Did you have to seek them out?

The church ones can be on almost any city street corner, what are the alternatives? I know they exist, but I do believe Church still has an edge on them in terms of widespread recognition and accessibility

This is once again assuming the premise that both theist and atheist groups can organize to do some good in the world

[Kaveh]

I was just joshing my man I was fired up because they can’t make mezican food here in anchorage and I just had the runs BIGLY

[unsunghero]

Originally Posted by Kaveh [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I was just joshing my man I was fired up because they can’t make mezican food here in anchorage and I just had the runs BIGLY

No I only quoted your post because you happened to mention doing some good in the world and church being cheaper than a support group

But the rest of my post was mostly referring to arguments put forth here by others that you don’t need to attend a church to be a part of a community that does some good for others

The point I was trying to make is that yes, there are non-religious groups like support groups and such that give people a sense of community and can cover topics like doing good for others. But Church still has all of them beat in terms of how visible and accessible it is to the public. If you want to join a community and do some good, there’s probably a church within walking distance. It will be a very obvious building

Is there a support group within walking distance? Does it have a support group signed building? Nope. The alternative positive communities to church take a bit more seeking out

[Kaveh]

Church is underrated but there are definitely some full of shit ones

[Encroaching Death]

I never understood why atheists get so mad that other people believe in God.

I don't get mad because someone likes the New England Patriots.

I don't watch football. I'm also not religious. Someone liking a god has nothing to do with me.

[Homesteaded]

They get mad because the Godly life runs perpendicular to their life.

[Botten]

Originally Posted by Homesteaded [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

They get mad because the Godly life runs perpendicular to their life.

[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

*looks about*

What.. too soon?