A question for non-theist UU's. (hell, attend, church, atheist)

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by spiritually inclined

Do you know if the United Church of Christ and Episcopal churches are okay with atheists participating? Not that I HAVE to tell them I am an atheist, yet at the same time I do not want to feel forced into hiding.

James

Sorry, I don't know one way or the other. The impression I got from des however is that she does not hide her atheism in front of her minister.

I tried googling "UCC atheist" but the only thing of note that I got was this blog entry by our most beloved UU blogger, philocrites about some interesting new books on atheism:
http://www.philocrites.com/archives/002250.html

[Trey of Diamonds]

Originally Posted by spiritually inclined

I am living in Texas, so Unitarian Universalist churches probably won't be common here, though I've seen a couple. But they are far away.

James

Depends on where in Texas you are. Here in Houston we have 8 churches scattered throughout the city. If you use the congregation finder at UUA it will tell you where the nearest one is. I recommend popping in on one to see if it fits your needs. UU isn't for everyone but everyone is welcome and you just might find a spiritual home. If not, the coffee is usually pretty good.

[applewuud]

Originally Posted by spiritually inclined

Do you know if the United Church of Christ and Episcopal churches are okay with atheists participating? Not that I HAVE to tell them I am an atheist, yet at the same time I do not want to feel forced into hiding.

James

It depends a lot on the personality of the Episcopal priest or UCC minister at a particular church. Most of the priests I know wouldn't have a problem with you exploring, as long as you're open to considering their ideas as well.

For myself, I felt "forced into hiding" whenever I had to say certain parts of the Apostles' Creed in the Episcopal or UCC service. But overall I find the ministers of mainline Christian churches much more accepting of honest theological struggle than their image would suggest. People in the pews are often much more conservative.

[BrandonE]

Originally Posted by applewuud

But overall I find the ministers of mainline Christian churches much more accepting of honest theological struggle than their image would suggest. People in the pews are often much more conservative.

Defninitely agreed. If it hadn't been for a Methodist minister that told me that he didn't believe Buddhists would be condemned to hell, I may not have ended up here at all.