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Atheism & Agnosticism

Why atheists can and should attend church services

I myself am a Buddhist, but I do attend services at Catholic churches, Jewish synogogues, Muslim mosques, Protestant churches, and so forth. Why? Because I'm very curious about learning the different faiths and their teaching. There is a lot to gain by attending any service. Though I wouldn't say an Atheist should still attend church service, but it doesn't hurt to observe.

Wanting to be an Atheist, Buddhist, Catholic, Mormon, Jainist, Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, or any other faith is solely up to you, the individual. Of course you're going to be brought up in one religion when you're a kid. My eleven year old cousin is currently raised to be a Catholic because her mother is a Catholic. But my mom and the rest of her dad's side of the family are showing her the teachings of Buddhism. Ultimately in the future when she's an adult, the choice of faith is solely up to her.

The same as choosing to be an Atheist in the future. Even though I'm happy being a Buddhist and not wanting to convert to another faith, I enjoy the opportunity to learn about other faiths. Plus it's a good way to make friends. I got plentyof friends whom are Protestant, Muslim, Catholic, and so forth. My best friend is a Protestant. My American aunt is a Methodist. Back in middle school, I've went to my best friend's youth group and met very great people. His youth pastor was pretty aweseome.

They didn't try to convert me. However, they were curious about the teachings of Buddhism. I was more than happy to explain it. Plus, I didn't try to convert them. As Buddhists, we just want to live in "peace." We don't really see the need to convert people. We're more than happy to share insight on Buddhism.

In the case of Athiesm, consider all your options before going that path. It's not going to kill you. Just be sure to stay away from the congregations that preach hate and intolerance. Plus, attending various services could give you things you can apply to everyday life. There are plenty of Shinto teachings that I apply to everyday life but I'm not a Shintoist nor do I observe the religion. But they do have teachings I can apply to my daily life.

Doesn't hurt to be open-minded a bit. And attending service doesn't neccessarily mean you're going to convert. That takes time let alone making it your choice. It's going to take a whole lot more than attending one church service to make someone convert. Of course there are plenty of preachers that are good, but most aren't that good in terms of converting someone in just one service.

In short, why not attend service just for kicks and giggles? In terms of Atheists should or should not attend church services, what do you have to lose? Once you've looked at all of your options and see that you're happy with being an Athiest, so be it. One faith works for one person and another works for another. Same with Athiesm.

Learn more about this author, Can Tran.
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Why atheists can and should attend church services

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Why atheists can and should attend church services

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