A few of the people in the church that I attend are Atheists. Some are Buddhists, Christians, Jews and Pagans. There are even a few Humanists and Agnostics. And, we all get along fine. You won't generally find that kind of mixture in most churches.. but I attend a Unitarian Universalist church where diversity of belief is the norm.

Services at a U.U. church include anything from a Jewish Seder to a Sufi dance. Most U.U. find a foundation that they are most comfortable with. I am a Pagan based U.U., but that doesn't stop me from listening and learning about Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and the thousands of other belief systems in our world.

The main reason I attend the services is that it gives me an opportunity to socialize with like-minded individuals. I like the idea of learning about different theories, concepts and ideas, and I leave feeling that my spirit has been well fed.

I believe.. and it is just my opinion.. that those who do not adhere to one specific belief or maintain a belief in a specific higher power tend to be more intellectually open. This is not to say that they are more intelligent.. perhaps just more self-educated about spirituality, religion and belief.

All of the Atheists that I know are very intelligent and well-versed on the subject of Theology. They have done their homework.. and basically come to their own conclusions concerning the subject matter. In many cases, Atheists come from a highly religious background. But, for one reason or another.. the spiritual shoe just didn't fit right.. so they tried different religions and beliefs seeking one that did fit. Eventually, they came to the conclusion that they didn't need the spiritual crutch that religion tends to offer.

It takes a lot of courage to be an Atheist. To openly declare that you don't believe in a God that most of the world believes in opens you up to ridicule and open hostility at times. And, it also means that you don't have a clearcut answer for the how, what, why and where are you going of your existence.

I don't believe in the Biblical God, but I don't call myself an Atheist, because I do believe that there is some kind of intelligent higher power responsible for all of this.. although I don't claim to have a clue as to what that is. So, for me to go and sit in a Christian church and listen to something I have no belief in what-so-ever seems like a colossal waste of my time. And, it only serves to make me stronger in my own convictions.

Should or shouldn't an Atheist go to church? I guess the answer is a simple one.. only if he wants to.

Learn more about this author, Linda Paul.
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