Atheist Mega Churches ----- WTF?

[tsig]

We have speakers. Some people call that section the sermon, but I personally don't like that term - it's not preaching; it's spreading some knowledge, or joy, or ideas. For example, we had Dr David Bramwell talking about postal mischief - the history of a Mr Reginald Brey who used the Victorian postal service to hilarious effect, and how he (Dr Bramwell) and a friend had tried some of the same 'pranks' out for a while.

There's no formal Q&A, but after the Assembly we all have tea, coffee, cake and so on, and talk during that, and then after that we go to a local pub for lunch and further discussion.

We focus on simply being, really. The strapline for the Sunday Assembly is "Live well, help often, wonder more" and each Assembly has a theme - one that will support one or more of those items.

We have a laugh, and relax in a gathering with a sense of community. The format includes:
- singing
- a reading on the theme of the day
- a guest speaker on the theme of the day
- a regular slot where someone "tries their best" - a brief chat by someone about how they attempted something, and about what they learned even (often especially) if they did not succeed
- in Brighton we are considering a proposal from a member about including a 5 minute science slot

No stories of 'how I became an atheist' or 'before I found Atheism, I was a boring person who never drank, gambled or ran around'?

 

[tsig]

Why do atheists try to present themselves as these laid back mind yer own business types who are hounded by believers. I've seen far more attacks on believers for espousing their views than I've ever seen on atheists.
It's tosh, the idea that atheists shrug their shoulders and get on with it is ridiculous. Just see what is the busiest forum on this site. It's the religious thread, filled with, you guessed it, atheists.... LOL

Could that be because of the kind of forum this is?

Go to any Christian site and say you're an atheist.

 

[EHocking]

Over the last weekend, I introduced a lecture theatre full of people to no less than 23 speakers over two days.

What's the difference between a preacher in a church, and a speaker in a lecture theatre? Only the subject matter.

As I mentioned before.
It is VERY rare that you have a Q&A session after a church sermon.
A fairly significant differenct between a religious sermon and a lecture, surely?

Like I said, I haven't been to the local one, but I imagine that they would have speakers like those we presented at the Convention, speaking on subjects similar to what we heard at the Convention. Also, songs. What, exactly, is wrong with that?

Weellll, dunno if Polish Death Metal is my cup of tea...

 

[truethat]

Could that be because of the kind of forum this is?

Go to any Christian site and say you're an atheist.

I do, and in general in life no one cares very much. Worst I'll get is "I'll pray for you" which I know sends immature atheists into apoplectic rage over such things. But honestly Christians don't really care as much as you not believing as you do about them believing.

Anyone who doesn't have a chip on their shoulder and seek out controversy would tell you the same thing.

Oh and btw, uh, why the heck would you join a Christian site if you are a laid back, "meh" sort of atheist. LOL

 

[tsig]

I do, and in general in life no one cares very much. Worst I'll get is "I'll pray for you" which I know sends immature atheists into apoplectic rage over such things. But honestly Christians don't really care as much as you not believing as you do about them believing.

Anyone who doesn't have a chip on their shoulder and seek out controversy would tell you the same thing.

Oh and btw, uh, why the heck would you join a Christian site if you are a laid back, "meh" sort of atheist. LOL

What Christan forums do you post at?

 

[truethat]

I've visited them in the past. Which ones do you post at. And again, why are you visiting a Christian website if you're just a laid back atheist minding his own beeswax?

Come now, surely you can see that you're being transparent here. LOL

 

[arthwollipot]

As I mentioned before.
It is VERY rare that you have a Q&A session after a church sermon.
A fairly significant differenct between a religious sermon and a lecture, surely?

I'll grant that difference, yes. But I'd argue that that's one reason why the Assembly is better.

I get that it's not for everyone. It's probably not for me. But I can see why it appeals to some people.

 

[truethat]

arthwollipot, where are your Atheist churches? I'm interested in joining one.

 

[EHocking]

I'll grant that difference, yes. But I'd argue that that's one reason why the Assembly is better.

Don't know where the segue to Assemblies is about, I was only "correcting" the absolutist statement (e.g., the "only" part) regarding church and lecture.

What's the difference between a preacher in a church, and a speaker in a lecture theatre? Only the subject matter.

But you made me look so...

I get that it's not for everyone. It's probably not for me. But I can see why it appeals to some people.

"A global network of super people who want to make the most of this one life we know we have"

"we’ll be announcing our awesome Crowdfunding Campaign"

"Just by being with us you should be energised, vitalised, restored, repaired, refreshed and recharged. No matter what the subject of the Assembly, it will solace worries, provoke kindness and inject a touch of transcendence into the everyday"

"Through our Action Heroes (you!), we will be a force for good"
​

Urk. I was surprised not to read "grok" somewhere in there. This sort of NewAgey balderdash turns my stomach, frankly. At least Skeptics in the Pub isn't conducted like some sad, out of touch, aged hippy, love-in...

"Awesome"

Really?

 

[tsig]

I've visited them in the past. Which ones do you post at. And again, why are you visiting a Christian website if you're just a laid back atheist minding his own beeswax?

Come now, surely you can see that you're being transparent here. LOL

I'm not on any Christian forum. Why are you so quick to defend them?

I don't know what my opacity has to do with this.

 

[tsig]

Don't know where the segue to Assemblies is about, I was only "correcting" the absolutist statement (e.g., the "only" part) regarding church and lecture.
But you made me look so...

"A global network of super people who want to make the most of this one life we know we have"

"we’ll be announcing our awesome Crowdfunding Campaign"

"Just by being with us you should be energised, vitalised, restored, repaired, refreshed and recharged. No matter what the subject of the Assembly, it will solace worries, provoke kindness and inject a touch of transcendence into the everyday"
"Through our Action Heroes (you!), we will be a force for good"
​

Urk. I was surprised not to read "grok" somewhere in there. This sort of NewAgey balderdash turns my stomach, frankly. At least Skeptics in the Pub isn't conducted like some sad, out of touch, aged hippy, love-in...

"Awesome"

Really?

Praise the transcendence.

Do we put the flowers in our hair now?

 

[truethat]

I'm not on any Christian forum. Why are you so quick to defend them?

I don't know what my opacity has to do with this.

Because for years I've watched Atheists whinge and complain about how they are so overwhelmed by Christians.

Yet so many of the Atheists that I see are not these mellow non believers. Instead they seek out discussions with believers and attempt to trash them for their beliefs and get into debates or arguments where they want them to concede.

Pretty much most believers I know just go on believing. I am not "quick to defend them" as much as annoyed that so many people outside the US seem to have gotten the opinion that America is filled with aggressive prowling Christians when nothing can be further from the truth.

 

[chillzero]

No stories of 'how I became an atheist' or 'before I found Atheism, I was a boring person who never drank, gambled or ran around'?

Nope, not at all.

Don't know where the segue to Assemblies is about, I was only "correcting" the absolutist statement (e.g., the "only" part) regarding church and lecture.
But you made me look so...

"A global network of super people who want to make the most of this one life we know we have"

"we’ll be announcing our awesome Crowdfunding Campaign"

"Just by being with us you should be energised, vitalised, restored, repaired, refreshed and recharged. No matter what the subject of the Assembly, it will solace worries, provoke kindness and inject a touch of transcendence into the everyday"

"Through our Action Heroes (you!), we will be a force for good"
​

Urk. I was surprised not to read "grok" somewhere in there. This sort of NewAgey balderdash turns my stomach, frankly. At least Skeptics in the Pub isn't conducted like some sad, out of touch, aged hippy, love-in...

"Awesome"

Really?

OK, I can see how that is coming across, but - you are reading words put up there by 2 comedians. They are, to a degree, parodying some of the happy-clappy love-in evangelising you can get from religious groups sometimes here in the UK.

The main point is this:

The Sunday Assembly is a godless congregation that celebrate 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.

(highlight mine)
It's about voluntary inclusion, enjoying life, and doing what we can to help others if and when we can. Even in our committee for our Assembly we see different approaches, although we agree with all three main items as an overall ethos. Being of an often less mature mindset, I am quite focussed on the 'wonder more' aspect. One or two others focus on the 'help often' part, and a few I can see attending to the 'live well' - though that one often incorporates the other two as necessary (depending on the person).

I do understand it is not for everyone, and I am not trying to convert anyone, or particularly to defend it. I am however feeling a need to clarify when things are slightly out of context, or misunderstood because people are looking from afar and judging without experiencing, or learning more.

 

[EHocking]

I am quite conducive to me being caught out by a Poe, but I did read more than just the front page.
If your gag reflex is sensitive, don't read the rest of the blurb about their mugs.

Three Miracles You Can Hold in Your Hand: Earth, Water, Air
At the Sunday Assembly we think that merely being an alive human is miraculous. Life is what makes your matter matter. And, you’re an alive human. What? That’s the best. To celebrate this outrageous good fortune we’ve made three lovely collectables containing earth, air and water – just three of the things that make the everyday miracle of life possible.
​

The Free Hugs made me shudder as well.

But as arthwollipot said, if it works for you fine.
For me, I'll stick to volunteer work that doesn't require evangelical introspection.
YVMV - and there's nothing wrong with that.

 

[chillzero]

I really don't like the miracles concept myself.
See ... we don'ty all have to agree with everything - it's not a cult!!

 

[tsig]

I really don't like the miracles concept myself.
See ... we don'ty all have to agree with everything - it's not a cult!!

Of course it's not a cult but we're going to have to convene a High Atheists Council meeting to consider your position.

 

[EHocking]

But you do agree with me - therefore a cult.



BUUURRRRRRNNNNNN HERRRR

 

[dafydd]

This is how religion got started in the first place.

Hail the almighty Vectron!

 

[George 152]

Because for years I've watched Atheists whinge and complain about how they are so overwhelmed by Christians.

Yet so many of the Atheists that I see are not these mellow non believers. Instead they seek out discussions with believers and attempt to trash them for their beliefs and get into debates or arguments where they want them to concede.

Pretty much most believers I know just go on believing. I am not "quick to defend them" as much as annoyed that so many people outside the US seem to have gotten the opinion that America is filled with aggressive prowling Christians when nothing can be further from the truth.

The above is why you do not let the religious set the terms of reference.
Ever heard of any-one interrupting a church sermon to show how the bible is wrong and the authority in the pulpit is based upon goat herder folk tales ?

 

[tsig]

Because for years I've watched Atheists whinge and complain about how they are so overwhelmed by Christians.

Yet so many of the Atheists that I see are not these mellow non believers. Instead they seek out discussions with believers and attempt to trash them for their beliefs and get into debates or arguments where they want them to concede.

Pretty much most believers I know just go on believing. I am not "quick to defend them" as much as annoyed that so many people outside the US seem to have gotten the opinion that America is filled with aggressive prowling Christians when nothing can be further from the truth.

Is this the same America that has a church on every corner proclaiming Jesus, where the majority think it's their right to put Christian propaganda in schools and have preachers proselytize the children on school time, where many government bodies still pray to Jesus before every session and no politician can be elected without proclaiming his belief in Jesus?


Because if you're living in an America where those things don't happen I'd like to move there.