The Rise of Atheist Churches?

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As religiously unaffiliated people become a larger and larger portion of the US population, scholars are noticing a rise in atheist/humanist/agnostic gatherings that mirror some of the characteristics of Christian churches (i.e. meeting on Sundays, participating in collective rituals such as singing). What can we learn about these gatherings? Can we call this a godless form of religiosity?
Full interviews:
Anthony Pinn: • Churches for the Godle...
Houston Oasis: • Houston Oasis Interview
This video was supported, in part, by Sacred Writes: Public Scholarship on Religion, funded by the Henry R. Luce Foundation and hosted by Northeastern University. They paid for my travel to Rice University.
Follow me on Twitter @andrewmarkhenry
Source on the US population of Nones: religionnews.com/2019/03/21/n...

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

What do you think? Is "atheist church" inherently contradictory? Can we call this a form of religiosity or not?

[@mrghost3209]

I don't think it's contradictory, however it does demonstrate a need for a unifying group identity. I'm an atheist, and view it as a very simple 'absence of belief' - the group doesn't interest me, and nor does the identity. I don't think about potatoes but I also don't feel the need to join a group that also doesn't think about potatoes. It's down to the individual and what they feel the compulsion to explore and be drawn to - each to their own, but I think this is about a sense of belonging more than atheists coming together to be atheists in a singular identity.

[@namingisdifficult408]

I don’t think it’s inherently contradictory, but it does force us to examine how we define ‘church’ and similar gatherings.

[@mrghost3209]

@@namingisdifficult408 I think that's a fair assessment to make, and maybe worth a RfB video too

[@rachelfourie9083]

I find it hilariously ironic

[@hgkghkhgkgh8378]

If it walks like a duck. If itquacks like a duck. If it looks like a duck. Then it’s a duck.

[@orangedalmatian]

Godless congregations are already a thing. They're called Discord servers. 😂

[@chrisbrown8640]

" Where the Carcass is there the Vultures will gather "

[@mikethearchangel11]

ey true true. but there’s catholic discord servers. check out Servus Dei if you wanna see

[@fluffynator6222]

@@mikethearchangel11 Tell me more, I'm too scared to look at it myself.

[@armaniganevia892]

@@DA-jw4lx ??

[@liamc1102]

There's Christian discord servers btw

[@supervideomaker9136]

As an agnostic, I can see the appeal of this. Humans are basically social animals. They need interaction. Church’s are a great way to provide this. Personally, sometimes I wish I had a community I could identify myself with and gather with my whole life. Then I got to college and was able to join clubs and meet those people

[@metsfan1873]

Many people seek this kind of community, without the deism. Many people find it in subject-matter groups - groups organized around a common interest area, political viewpoint, hobby, whatever, even a sports team or entertainer. What else are Deadheads really doing? It also provides an identity - which can be both good and bad. The problem arises, I think, when you seek to structure around the religious model without a religious core component. That does not seem to compute for large numbers of people. And if you look at the parallels it makes sense: How could you have a sports fandom without a team or athlete to support, or a musical fandom without a musician/group/style at the core? People may love a genre of music, but nobody turns out in large numbers for "music in the abstract." I think that a "nonreligious religion-equivalent" has to be committed to a positive "something." The idea of organizing a group around "what it is not" does not seem to be cohesive.

[@jaxonboys3366]

Some humans are social animals. As a whole yes, but let's stop generalizing. Wolves and coyotes are pack animals until they need something done right. " A person is intelligent, People are stupid, easily disturbed and dangerous".

[@jaxonboys3366]

​@@metsfan1873such as MAGA.

[@violasses]

this is called a "third place" btw. a center of community, away from home and work

[@macysondheim]

As an agnostic you have no sense of values or morality sir… so you really have no business posting comments on this matter.

[@elvieann4949]

I think it's a fantastic idea. The lack of community is one of the most difficult things about not being religious in a country where everyone else has these circles. This is doubly hard when you live in a very religious area and are effectively shunned.

[@InternetMameluq]

>In a country You know, I didn't consider that this would be something that specifically spoke to Americans, I thought of this as a more universalist endeavour.

[@savagepanda4049]

The Unitarian Universalist love atheist.

[@Bravetrain13]

​@@InternetMameluq well he looked at evangelical christians in the U.S. population in this video so given the video references U.S. data I think it's safe to relate this to America

[@WokeandProud]

The only people you need to worry about shunning you are the fundamentalists.

[@delusionnnnn]

I've always thought "atheist fellowships" mostly appeal to converts who came from backgrounds of regular church/synagogue/mosque/temple/etc. attendance. For those like me who came from liberal Christianity but didn't attend church, and for whom churchy language and "fellowship" always felt superficial, touchy-feely, and kind of unsettling even when I believed, these "atheist fellowships" serve a purpose I've never felt a need for. I could see how a former evangelical Christian atheist or a former Mormon atheist might feel a sort of "church-shaped hole" in their life, however, that an "atheist fellowship" or even a UU congregation might end up solving. My atheism simply isn't something I need to think about every week. For me, an atheist meetup would be as irrelevant to my life as a bowling league, a rotary club, or a VFW hall - very alien. I'd rather make friends around shared interests instead of clubs.

[@LeadHerring]

I don't think these people are meeting to talk or think about atheism, but out of a need for community. While related, I don't think that a sense of community is the same thing as having a group of friends.

[@ballshippin3809]

Can you apostate from an atheist church 🤔

[@HauntaskhanHYPNOSIS]

This question in itself is blasphemy to us atheists. Lol

[@BlazeLycan]

I think that's called; being religious.

[@BramVanhooydonck]

Apostate agnostic lol

[@williamliamsmith4923]

Yes. Finding (same or different) religion again is possible.

[@deldarel]

I believe not

[@kendellmerritt7557]

PROBLEM: Doesn't believe in religion SOLUTION: Start a religion

[@christiantorrevillas6938]

no, athiest is not a religion

[@gregbrogan9061]

And "Doesn't believe in religion" is not a "problem"

[@susanhawk8730]

Not a religion but maybe a community. But even communities can be oppressive.

[@Programm4r]

​@@christiantorrevillas6938 Atheism is ruled as a religion by the federal/supreme court.

[@Programm4r]

@@psammiad sorry, but The Federal Court has recognized atheism as a “religion” for purposes of the First Amendment on numerous occasions, most recently in McCreary County, Ky. v. Kaufman vs McCaughtry

[@mariabenetti8902]

A bit like having a pub for non-drinkers... 😉😂

[@vanlepthien6768]

That's a café without a liquor license.

[@mariabenetti8902]

No, I literally meant a public house (like we have in England). They look and feel nothing like cafes; people mainly go there to socialise and to drink alcohol. If they wanted a cup of tea then, yes, they would go to a cafe. It is the same with a church. People attend for specific reasons, least of all to observe the sabbath and praise God. It is funny how some people who state they do not require religion and do not require a faith to exist or feel a sense of belonging have replaced those with something visibly similar. You could interpret that loosely in a way that suggests they were missing something within their lives. Maybe they could appreciate, on some level, why those who belong to a faith group together to form communities. People need people and they seek those out according to similarities to find support.

[@jessicaikharo9116]

You are so right 😅

[@DA-jw4lx]

Exactly

[@gemox3225]

Funny comment but the logic is so so.

[@traildoggy]

Lisa: Why are you dedicating your life to blasphemy? Homer: Don't worry, sweetheart. If I'm wrong, I'll recant on my deathbed.

[@jusfugly]

Blasphemy is a victimless crime. It has no real meaning in the real world.

[@elirien4264]

@@jusfugly I do wonder why an "all powerful" god would be so concer6about such petty issues as "blasphemy". It just means "disrespect". Wouldn't god be above that?

[@jusfugly]

@@elirien4264 You'd think so. But just look at their ten commandments. The first four are wasted on their god's ego. They seem to believe their god is a bit of a Karen.

[@zantupatikabujiyapasargada4018]

@@elirien4264 Do you respect your parents?

[@zantupatikabujiyapasargada4018]

@@jusfugly It isn't *their* god, it's *the* god

[@corrda1993]

Nones are the opposite of Nuns.

[@smedleyjefferson1450]

lol

[@matewhatthefuck6516]

Loool

[@honeylemon2372]

😂🤣

[@sb6489]

So, instead of a nunery, we should form a nonery.

[@naveedrehman2987]

LAUGH OUT LOUD!!!!!!!!!!

[@toukofukawa1166]

Underrated channel right here

[@sugarrollz3524]

danganronpa pfp? Noic

[@josevelasco1388]

Few days ago, I watched a video from this channel after 5 years. It has actually grown in views and subscribers significantly!

[@noxaurum1]

One of the best things about being a "none" is not having to wake up early on Sundays. I'll pass

[@alejandramendoza8823]

Totally agree.

[@falling1888]

I don't think they have a reason to put an assembly in the morning lol

[@falling1888]

@Jessica Jujubean You know you can just google the topics of their meetings, like any other thing you'd want to understand. Get rid of the idea that it's a spiritual-based meeting and maybe it will make more sense to you. They usually invite knowledgeable guests or members to talk about interesting topics or pressing issues or it can be gathering for some culture like music, or it can be both first some culture, then a particular speaker. There are many possibilities of how to organize your meetings when you care more about what interests your people rather than whats the tradition.

[@falling1888]

@Jessica Jujubean Well that's because they are not just atheists but identify as humanists. Why are you arguing against something you don't understand? Google secular humanist organizations, like I could be explaining here how it's a community comprising of not just atheists, but also agnostics, rationalists and many more that want to organize over shared values, but ultimately it should be on you to educate yourself if something doesn't make sense to you. "The very idea makes me laugh" just sounds to me like an excuse for staying ignorant

[@falling1888]

@Jessica Jujubean Well youre critizing New Atheists like Dawkins and Harris under a video featuring secular humanists. While making humanist points like: optimistic nihilism, importance of enjoying and celebrating one life we have, the futility of doctrine and preaching. Now you make me laugh, you may be more like the people in the video than you think

[@undrwatropium3724]

Community without worship and religion sounds great to me

[@Nanology101]

Churches don't have a monopoly on community, we're social animals and it doesn't matter what you believe in, we all tend to need community and others in our lives. Not sure if these so called "Atheist Churches" are tax free, but that wasn't brought up.

[@alltheworldsastage4785]

The church has been the driving force that created a strong sense of community based on shared doctrinal issues and positions, in America even from its historical origins.

[@VulcanJedi2006]

they did have a monopoly on community--and still mostly---unless you count a Pokemon game a community of bowling leagues---the problem is those place don't really pray for people or ask them about surgery or maybe offer food--and worship or singing time--they could

[@mosesking2923]

Community over a shared idea can be found in literally any place: comic book stores, political activist groups, etc. That is just a social club. The difference between a social club and a church is that you will never find family in a social club. If your house burned down, nobody in that social club would care about you. Nobody would take you in for months to give you shelter and food. Nobody would pitch in to rebuild your house. Nobody would give you endless free car rides to work. If a social club gives you comfort, eh whatever. Just don't compare it to a church. That's just pathetic.

[@sugarrollz3524]

Eh prefer to be alone I don't talk much

[@sugarrollz3524]

Stayin home is the best

[@ashleeknowlton5805]

Religion brings a sense of community. I was never raised with religion so I never had that sense of community. My (now ex) boyfriend however was raised Southern Baptist. He became an atheist in his early twenties and it was incredibly difficult and almost heartbreaking for him. The hardest part is losing the sense of community. Having a place for non religious people to gather and build relationships is vital for the health and sanity of an individual who is used to having a close knit group with similar views. (And frankly to those like the Jehovah's Witness' who are isolated their entire lives are prone to extreme depression after leaving the Witnesses. Non-religious affiliated communities are exactly what they need to transition and become stable in an unstable world.)

[@burnttoast111]

@@ryanmayfield6231 I'm an atheist, and I have had relationships with people with a fairly wide range of beliefs. What a person believes never really mattered to me as long as they were a good person and treated me fairly. If other people can't extend this courtesy to you, they were likely never your friend in the first place. You are better off without living a lie with such false friends. I've been treated poorly by people like your former friends, and I would never want to be friends with them. I hope you can get there, because you shouldn't want to be friends with people who don't treat you well.

[@burnttoast111]

@@ryanmayfield6231 On the off chance there is not a secular community in your area, or if you find you really don't feel a part of it, there are many other types of communities which exist, based on common interests or activities. You can do some kind of an activity/hobby that you enjoy which people get together in a physical location to do, and find community there. Like a group that gets together to play board games, etc.

[@GrandMasterAbe]

Leaving your religion makes you depressed lol

[@burnttoast111]

@@GrandMasterAbe Not for me. It was actually a relief, and brought a feeling of joy in looking at the world in a way that made more sense. The idea of a god I was taught just didn't mesh with the world I saw, which created cognitive dissonance. Once I stopped believing, that dissonance was gone. Granted, I wasn't enmeshed in any religious community, and didn't regularly attend church services.

[@burnttoast111]

@@ryanmayfield6231 Glad I could help!

[@waynebrinker8095]

I have absolutely no interest in regularly meeting with a group based solely on our mutual lack of belief in god or the spirit world.....that includes the spiritual atheists.

[@Palahume]

Thank you.

[@silasfrisenette9226]

The meeting isn't based on the mutual lack of belief in a god. It is based in the common belief of the human as a rational, moral being. It is based on the agreeement that one needs community without needing a god.

[@waynebrinker8095]

@@silasfrisenette9226 IF, that is true, why can't a theist participate? Are they not rational, moral beings.

[@freddy4603]

@@waynebrinker8095 you'd be surprised how many atheists smugly believe they're so much smarter than theists... this coming from an atheist

[@jonsart5643]

@@freddy4603 hopefully they'll wake up that not believing in God doesn't automatically make u smart or at least smarter than theists.

[@funwithpliers]

Wow, South Park nailed this years ago...

[@scottostrowski5406]

What was the episode? I’d like to see their take

[@meowmeowy4926]

@@scottostrowski5406 S10E12 Go God Go and S10E13 Go God Go XII

[@generatoralignmentdevalue]

Years ago like when the non-churches featured in this video were founded?

[@Programm4r]

@@generatoralignmentdevalue it’s not a non-church. It’s a church.

[@v.sandrone4268]

Has the number of nones increased or are people more comfortable listing themselves as nones.

[@Richard-jm3um]

Both Probably.

[@banefury]

yea some nones put it their after birth religion to avoid controversy

[@deluxeassortment]

I didn't believe in God for 20 years before I stopped listing myself as Christian. I just had difficulty admitting it, even to myself. I even prayed, hoping I was wrong or that I would just start believing.

[@TimBee100]

I certainly think the nones have increased. It was much rarer 40 years ago. Back then, if I said I was an atheist, people would be somewhat taken aback. Now, nobody bats an eye.

[@christianhowles]

In a way I think the feed into each other. Certainly there are people who label themselves as a religion the don't truly believe due to societal pressure but on the other hand Western society has become increasingly more likely to have little to no social pressure for being a none (depending on where you live of course). Americans are certainly becoming more secular due to shifts in what people believe or don't believe but also are becoming more willing to identify as nones as well.

[@Eudaimonist]

The term "atheist church" may (if taken absolutely literally) be an oxymoron, but I can understand how some organizations could be called that. I am a long-distance member of the Fellowship of Reason, which has a congregation in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. They call themselves a "reason-based moral community", have a monthly meeting that focuses on ethics, and acknowledge Aristotelian ethics as the main influence. They have other activities as well. While the organization does not forbid theists to join, it is solidly atheist.

[@OptimusWombat]

I wonder if "Atheist Congregation" might be more accurate?

[@wantedwario2621]

Is this in any way related to the French revolutionary "Temple of Reason"?

[@Eudaimonist]

@@wantedwario2621 Not in any direct way, no. It's not inspired by that.

[@Eudaimonist]

@@OptimusWombat I personally have no objection to that term. It sounds accurate.

[@consideringorthodoxy5495]

Well. The word church comes from the word Ecclesia which means a gathering. It was the name of the regular assembly of Athens where the citizens would discuss and vote. And it was the terms the Greek Jews called the assembly’s of Jews. And it is the Greek word for churches to this day. So I’m going to say that that it’s not necessarily a contradiction, just that it’s affiliated with Christian worship spaces.

[@heatherwillis5505]

I'm new to your channel, but I'm so glad I can't tell where you stand religiously or politically!

[@Mr.E.D.]

Its great how unbiased Andrew is to the religions he talks about. Ive tried figuring out his personal religious views from the videos on this channel. After dozens of videos, I'm still at a complete loss.

[@Copperkaiju]

I'm pretty sure he's an unusually polite atheist. I'm just guessing though.

[@frankloomer8176]

@@Copperkaiju yes, "unusually polite" likely hits the mark, though ive never made a tally of the various assertively atheist websites out there. The local one in my town is rabidly anti-religion, with caricature postings gratuitously provided online by providers. Kinda like passing cartoons around. I suspect our guy might be more secular/naturalist/science than atheist per se, with a personal sympathy or history of his own religious upbringing, with few axes to grind. Enjoyed the video.

[@kroutkas5507]

@@frankloomer8176 I think the word you're looking for might be "antitheism" (explicit opposition against God/gods and religion) or "anticlericalism" (explicit opposition against religious institutions). Andrew might indeed be an atheist (or agnostic or one of its variants, it's nigh impossible to say without direct confirmation from him)

[@noirekuroraigami2270]

@@frankloomer8176 a lot of the anti-theists people I know were raised in strictly religious households. IMO, I think a lot of the vitriol comes from the feelings of being lied to and controlled.

[@innitbruv-lascocomics9910]

​@@noirekuroraigami2270 Every action has an equal and opposing reaction.

[@jacobjohns9187]

Why is no one bringing up the "cult of reason" from the french revolution

[@karldehaut]

Jacob Johns cult of reason adored a Divinity, a goddess, miserably fail. What it describes is an USA phenomenon. If this kind of tought is projected in France (during decades a large population of nones exist) then football clubs (soccer) are churches😂

[@Peristerygr]

1)Many come from science or computing fields and some of them despise history so they wouldn't even know it, 2) Many are americans and this is a french thing so it doesn't matter.

[@karldehaut]

Grigoris Karelis You're right. By the way the cult of Reason is theistic. Robespierre hated atheism therefore atheists...

[@jacobjohns9187]

@@karldehaut the cult of reason was a state sponsored atheist religion. It was in no way theistic. The cult of the supreme being which replaced the cult of reason was theistic, but that is another story. Reason was not a goddess. No one prayed to it. It was considered the ideal virtue which would lead to perfection. The few rituals that existed were used primarily to scandalize and blaspheme catholics. Come back after you know what you're talking about.

[@EcclesiastesLiker-py5ts]

The cult of reason was a full blown religion. It worshiped a new God and had new ritual, but it was no less a religion.

[@abigailsmith6977]

As a none, myself, I think a piece of the puzzle that is often missing from conversations about this is the desire not to be affiliated -to be independent. There is a growing group of people who are increasingly uncomfortable with being labeled, and that includes religious labels. Partly because we’ve been trained to find problems with the structures we’ve grown up in, and partly because there is so much corruption in almost every organization... and there are probably other reasons as well. We feel like it would be an affront to our integrity, to bear the name of an organization that violates our values so egregiously. We want the freedom to come to our own conclusions, and not to have others assume they know what we think or how we will act based on our label. This is just as important a component as the problem that religious doctrines so often don’t match reality or reason.

[@Delt4_Cr4wfish]

At the end of the day only one end can be true. But you cant get your values out of none. If u get your values from the people around you then u would of been on the side of the Germans during ww2. Its your opinion vs mine and what u do in this life doesn't matter. You could be a good person or bad. But the universe would be over eventually. So if your choices dont matter then y not be bad. Its like playing a video game u go in and wipe out a town and take there stuff. Then revert to a previous save. Morality based on society is baseless and crumbles to the dust it is made of.

[@emiljamsen9502]

@@Delt4_Cr4wfish but the end of the day is not yet come, and no one knows when it will be. If some days there’s only two options I say there is three. Or maybe five options. God and evil does not exist. It’s only a construct in our minds.

[@Pikastation28]

I agree

[@fructiferous]

@@Delt4_Cr4wfish if you can't be moral without threat of punishment, that says more about you than it does me.

[@getthekool1758]

@@fructiferous Well you can´t be moral without consequences. Either good or bad, they will be there.

[@DL-rl9bd]

I love this idea. A few years ago, when I fully relinquished my former Christian religion, I thought an atheist church would be great. I think it goes back to Nietzsche’s sentiment, “God is dead, and we have killed him”. When religion and/or faith in God is gone, a void is left, and what will we do about it? Like it or not, faith and religion does serve a purpose in people’s lives. The religion is the external, tangible expression of this purpose, subjective to time, place, culture, environment, personality, and preference, etc. I think it’s fair to say, for many, that community and relationships can be a major part of this loss. And, yes, for many it is a source of moral compass, as much as atheists hate to hear religious folks appeal to that idea.

[@JohnDoe-xc5kn]

@@jellyfishi_ what pills are you taking

[@truedarklander]

@@jellyfishi_ ??????

[@wiwaxiasilver827]

I question that myself, as there are many ways to fill the space, like any other social communities or just hobbies in general. Plus, I operate on biological logic-based subjective morality. Because of this, I question the need for a group that is devoted to nonbelief, other than brief support groups for those who newly lost their beliefs or helping people harmed by religion.

[@somethingelse4150]

Agree with your sentiment strongly. But, I think you may miss the context and meaning of "God is dead". He went on, we killed him with our pity. A very different meaning than what the uninitiated would perpetuate.

[@somethingelse4150]

@@wiwaxiasilver827 The space that is filled is false answers. Religion is a false certainty. Teaching atheism as certainty is the same as the false certainty of religion. It is a religious practice.

[@olinayoung6287]

Thought provoking, as always. Thank you!

[@happyraver1958]

I’m an atheist in the Bible Belt, Oklahoma. I usually go to the Unitarian Church because it’s the only one I know of that will not shove religion down my throat and won’t try to “convert” me to one religion or another. I was hoping to find an Oasis but none exist in Tulsa unfortunately.

[@stevekluth9060]

Nobody is going to stop you from founding one. At least, none of the nones will.

[@meredithr9824]

In tulsa? Yeah, that'd be tough.

[@VulcanJedi2006]

so there ya go---the UU already offers this for people--good

[@reanimationeas342]

@@meredithr9824 I am in the same boat myself.

[@happyraver1958]

@Chairman Dan so, if the church doesn't try to make you switch religions or coerce you into believing their own version of the gospel it's a bad church? Who knew!!! It's sad how some (entitled) Christians DEMAND respect for their beliefs while at the same time get offended when other Christians respect other people's beliefs (or in my case, the lack thereof). Isn't that the very definition of a double-standard? Do you want to go down the rabbit hole of respect for your religion, Christianity or belief in deities in general? I'm down for whatever.

[@Stoneworks]

This is an amazing video. I’ve been thinking about this concept for a while but I never knew it was an already developed practice among the non affiliated. Thanks for covering this topic!!

[@saklee1777]

lol even if i was an atheist it would just be embarrassing to go to these things. lol a church?! its some stupid social club! no offense but i say stupid cause they actually think atheism is a religion. if its a religion you’d be worshipping a deity/God(s)

[@Stoneworks]

@@saklee1777 I don't think they think atheism is a religion, I think they see it as a social club that fulfills the same social roles as church (I say, not having watched the video in a while)

[@BunniRabbi]

@@Stoneworks No one claimed atheism was a religion.

[@user-ux8bw7ue1c]

This is a marvellous concept. Would love to attend one of these gigs

[@brentwalker3300]

Now I see why Evangelicals are losing their minds. Hilarious. I'm still a follower of John Oliver's church of "Our Lady of Perpetual Exemption".

[@BossCat42]

Very informative channel. Not only do you inform the viewer, you present dilemmas that make us form an opinion or at least analyze what we just watched. Bravo sir👏🏻 KZbin needs more channels covering important social issues like religion, not videos informing us what words offend which groups of people.

[@markcharron]

Love this topic. I'd say "atheist church" is more of a misnomer, but I personally believe Humanism is closer to a traditional religion than most people realize and could very well become a church if people gathered in its name.

[@Brokenhill42]

If you trace the etymology of "church", it really just means assembly. In contemporary America, it has a strong religious connotation, but at it's root that's not technically true.

[@v.sandrone4268]

Humanism is closer to a church than most churches, at least based on its adherents behaviour.

[@Soapandwater6]

@Daniel Eyre The word church implies worship of a God. It should be called a humanist group or meeting. I don't see it as a religion, either.

[@IsaiahAmos017]

it can be a religion just call the cult of Jean Roddenberry

[@mosesking2923]

Community over a shared idea can be found in literally any place: comic book stores, political activist groups, etc. That is just a social club. The difference between a social club and a church is that you will never find family in a social club. If your house burned down, nobody in that social club would care about you. Nobody would take you in for months to give you shelter and food. Nobody would pitch in to rebuild your house. Nobody would give you endless free car rides to work. If a social club gives you comfort, eh whatever. Just don't compare it to a church. That's just pathetic.

[@janettomlin950]

😊 i Really appreciate your documentary on this subject! Awesome presentation, easy to follow. I would like to know more. 😊😊

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

Ah, this is what my local pub is for.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Finally someone who's honest!

[@MichaelFenley]

I still am staying in bed on Sunday.

[@mitchelputman538]

B Michael Fenley , my friends ask me what church do you attend ? I say ST Mattress .

[@juless3568]

@@mitchelputman538 👍Best choice, and the choice of your favourate activites.

[@proculusjulius7035]

@@mitchelputman538 aaah a fellow attendant to the St Mattress of our holy forty winks 😂😂😂

[@Kanal7Indonesia]

You're just lazy lol

[@MichaelFenley]

iGusti NgurahRai nah just don’t waste time on bad ideas.

[@leiladekwatro3147]

"I dont believe in a religion" *W E C A N M A K E A R E L I G I O N O U T O F T H I S*

[@mastermind2681]

They exist

[@elzoog]

Yeah, these guys are pretty stupid and arrogant. To see that, what if there were 10 choices on the survey including "no religion" and the person picked "no religion" because that's the only one he could think to pick (i.e. he's not one of the other 9 religion mentioned)? Maybe he's a believer in Zoroastrianism, for example. Not only that, but even if "no religion" definitely DOES mean he's an atheist, why do they think he would be interested in secular humanism or "inclusive language" (not all atheists respect those things, some are libertarian atheists who don't want to be told what to do).

[@mastermind2681]

@@elzoog unfortunately Zoroastrianism is a suicidal organization as it doesn't allow converts or people to marry into the faith, so it will become a no religion in a few hundred years ironically.

[@vikingeatchicken571]

Hogan Tan Believe whatever you want God bless you!

[@howarddewing6617]

Liberal antileberalism.

[@lukewomack7915]

Sounds like they read Jean Paul Sartre’s “Existentialism as a Humanism” and thought how can we make this more happy.

[@morriganify1]

Looking forward to checking out Houston Oasis.

[@emmetcameron1026]

Just wanted to point out that while Unitarian Universalists didn't get together under that name until the 20th century, both Unitarians & Universalists existed before then, & when I was a kid growing up with UU grandparents, pre-UU figures from those groups were still part of what I was taught as "our history" as a religion. Another thing that might be helpful for folks to know about UUs is that while you'll find a lot of atheists at UU fellowship, you'll also find a lot of people of varied beliefs who happen to be in interfaith marriages/families. Many interfaith couples choose UU officiants because they are very accommodating about incorporating different traditions into the ceremony, & some families find it preferable to attend a UU fellowship together on a regular basis rather than worshipping separately (although they may still attend other places of worship for certain occasions, &/or some large UU fellowships have groups within them which observe particular religious traditions together -- like Jewish or Pagan holidays).

[@aaronmoreton]

My wife goes to a UU assembly. She's a polytheist. There is a pagan group there that she's ecstatic about (doubly so because there is another Heathen there).

[@TechBearSeattle]

Both Unitarians and Universalists both come from very strongly Christian-identified traditions. The UUA emerged as some universalists moved from Christian universalism (Jesus saves everyone, whether they are believers or not) to theological universalism (all manifestations of God, whether or not identified as God, are valid) and some unitarians moved towards a more monist view of God.

[@jamesgossweiler1349]

UUs sound so blended it should be called the "Whatever Church."

[@imakevideos5377]

Em Cameron I like Hindu temples, even though I’m an atheist, I can go there to meditate without pressure. Plus they serve food in the mornings and you can meet people there.

[@johndemeritt3460]

@@jamesgossweiler1349 , a lot of people make that mistake -- believing that UUs don't have to believe anything. What makes Unitarian Universalism different from Christianity is that ours is a covenantal rather than a creedal religion: that is, we subscribe to a covenant between members describing how we will behave, rather than having a creed defining what we will believe. TechBearSeattle is generally right in the description of Unitarian Universalism's historical roots; however, what's left out is how Unitarianism -- the idea that Jesus was a human being and not the Son of God (since God is unitary in nature) -- and Universalism strayed from their Christian origins and eventually became humanist. By the 1930s, many Unitarian and Universalist congregations had become so decidedly humanist in nature that uniting the two traditions became both plausible and, to many, desirable. That's why, in 1961, the Unitarian Universalist Association formed. Early on in the newly formed UUA, many people were atheistic humanists, but UU congregations have evolved since then. What's remarkable is that we manage to center our worship around that which inspires awe and wonder in our lives and the search for truth and meaning. As a result, we often have neo-pagans, atheists, humanists of all stripes, Hindu, Buddhists, Jews, and Christians (recovering and otherwise) together in our services, most of whom find most of our services rich and meaningful experiences. In all, if I were to give Unitarian Universalism a label, it wouldn't be "the 'Whatever Church'," -- it would be "the Adaptive Church", meaning that Unitarian Universalism adapts to the times and needs of its congregations members.

[@jjkjc]

The TED movement seems like a church-alternative to me. It's not intentionally a church substitute, like the organizations you examine, but it has a lot of similarities with the church experience.

[@VulcanJedi2006]

lol--yes totally!

[@blancaroca8786]

Excellent idea... this needs spreading. Urgently.

[@JadetheGoober]

But they usually have different beliefs and gather to the TEDs to gain perspective on things they aren’t familiar with. Church is a place people go to affirm beliefs they already have. But if you have no beliefs then??? How do you gather? Like what songs would you sing, Dust in the Wind? Not hating, genuinely curious.

[@EcclesiastesLiker-py5ts]

Sort of, they definitely treat their gods differently.

[@tobias8826]

@@JadetheGoober Your question reminded me of community singing in sweden(allsång). They usually pick really old Swedish "pop"-music to appeal to power of nostalgia. So maybe something similar?.. or they don't have time to sing with so much to talk about when they don't agree on everything 🙂

[@onioncontrol]

As a religous person I can see nothing but good to come from this. People coming together as a community in appreciation for what we have.

[@charlieq1612]

Scientism becoming a religion is not good.

[@WokeandProud]

@@charlieq1612 No such thing as scientism its a made up buzzword by butthurt religious folks who don't like the fact that reality doesn't agree with thier strongly held beliefs.

[@lethokuhlemsimang2208]

"having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" 2 Timothy 3:5

[@ChristysChannelYall]

Amen!

[@erizaodoh1229]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@larryduran6162]

Amen!

[@wesleygordon1645]

They don't even have a form!

[@Hannodb1961]

Hello, fellow South African!

[@smytheandtaylor7299]

One of the core tenets of the 7-year-old Houston Oasis is, "Reality is known through Reason" - Which is to say, yes, absolutely the scientific method would be central to any particular philosophy they would endorse.

[@MegaVIDEOGAMEVIDS]

If we lived in a purely materialist world your belief in the scientific method would be irrational. Why would it work now as it did 1000 years ago and as it surely will 1000 years from now? And yet it does, a universal immaterial process. Not bound by space, time or matter, such a process would need a standard to go off of, a source from which it is anchored. That source is what we call God.

[@RandomPerson-de5jq]

@@MegaVIDEOGAMEVIDS Which God exactly? I mean religious texts (atleast of Abrahamic religions) are all filled with illogical stories, contraductions, scientific errors, violence, rape etc. There are so many religions with different gods and goddesses they can never be all true at the same time. Jusy because some things are unknown to science doesn't imply existence of supernatural entity. Unlike holy books science changes with time as we collect more information. Read about scientific method to understand why it works

[@MegaVIDEOGAMEVIDS]

@@RandomPerson-de5jq you're comment is chock-full of unjustified presuppositions. you speak truly when you said: "they can never be all true at the same time" and it is in this line of reasoning we discard other religion's gods and goddesses. The scientific method only works if the past is a justifiable "thing" the unbeliever has access to. The unbeliever, however, has no justification for the past other than appealing to it.

[@aa-to6ws]

@@MegaVIDEOGAMEVIDS And the criteria to dismiss other religions who have the same amount of evidence and big numbers of followers than your religion? And under what criteria one religion is false? Exodus, Jesus on his third day, Noah's Ark, Genesis, all of this stories have unreliable sources, misconceptions, or are straight up false based on the geological evidence. Most of the evidence to show these books are wrong were found by Jews and believers of similar religions. Or the fact we never had a written record of Jesus when he was alive, most of these books are from 100 up to 300 years a.c, in another language, and almost all written in 3rd form, not as witnesses. I was searching for proof what I believed was true, and unfortunately there was no evidence to support my religion from others, all have lies and errors, and the dogma has placed them as miracles and absolute truth.

[@Anarchsis]

Sounds like Ayn Randy’s philosophy of Objectivism.

[@susanhawk8730]

They could be called Meetings like the Quakers did instead of churches.

[@Palahume]

That would be more appropriate.

[@btsismyoxyjin6577]

Exactly

[@krinkrin5982]

Wouldn't a group that plays together regularly also fall under that new definition if the game brought forth questions of morality, purpose, and agency? A pub poker table could qualify.

[@VandalIO]

3:14 atheist celebrating life ? 😂 I can see a religion forming

[@nlouise3621]

This was very interesting. Thank you!

[@cyn3rgy759]

Going to a preachy service without God sounds about as fun as going to regular church...

[@ricejuice8982]

It's not about that it's about the community

[@speedeespeedboi9527]

I wouldn't attend even when served free lunch

[@jfrd-pw4hk]

It’s not a preachy service.

[@HungryMusicologist]

This has been a thing in Norway for years. The largest humanist organization has long had alternatives to baptism, confirmation, weddings and funerals in addition to other activities regarded as religious.

[@jasonwelle]

Have you read Kaya Oakes's The Nones Are Alright: A New Generation of Believers, Seekers, and Those in Between?

[@FrostNightVideoProductions]

...I need an atheist church. I was thinking about this recently. I made a massive group of friends in my Engineering college recently, and it keeps growing with everyone adding more people and we all congregate around a certain group of tables in the building and treat each other like... fellow tight members of a church. This only seems possible in a college situation. I don't know how I'll make a community like this again after college, when everyone had time between classes and regularly meet up. I've dealt with severe depression my whole life, but having this group of people to commune with makes me feel like life is fun. It's worth living. We even "pass bread" or buy a loaf of cheap French bread from Panera and pass it around

[@Soapandwater6]

Love the passing bread idea! :) And your tight group of college friends.

[@mosesking2923]

Glad you found a community of friends. Unfortunately it is a lie, merely a cheap knockoff version of something else. Community over a shared idea can be found in literally any place: comic book stores, political activist groups, etc. That is just a social club. The difference between a social club and a church is that you will never find family in a social club. If your house burned down, nobody in that social club would care about you. Nobody would take you in for months to give you shelter and food. Nobody would pitch in to rebuild your house. Nobody would give you endless free car rides to work. If a social club gives you comfort, eh whatever. Just don't compare it to a church. That's just pathetic.

[@FrostNightVideoProductions]

@@mosesking2923 I fully recognize your argument, and I can see it being true in many cases. But these people *are* family to me. They've given me a place to sleep and food to eat when I cant get home. Early morning rides to the air port, food runs during study sessions, and if the case ever arose I dont doubt they'd give the clothes off their backs. One of my friends sprained her right ankle and couldnt drive, and we took turns driving her to classes and home. It's been a long time since I wrote that comment but I've found a family in whatever social club this is. We might not all have the same religious beliefs, but we're all struggling through engineering school. Thanks for your response!

[@theflaggedyoutuberii4311]

No you need Jesus

[@FrostNightVideoProductions]

@Chairman Dan cute to be coming from a religion that regularly robs other groups of people. You ever thought why people might say church? At least for me, it's because I was raised Christian. Theres churches everywhere in America and much of the European world. Likely it's because the word most people think of when thinking of a religious assembly place is church because that's what's all around us or even what we used to go to. Stop getting so sensitive about words. Your religion doesnt own a word.

[@joshramirez7]

Quality content as always.

[@engelabezuidenhout8610]

Really battle to understand the thinking. Why would they have to go to a "church" to worship nothing. What am I missing??

[@karljenkinson8241]

Why do religions have a church to worship nothing???

[@valerieh.708]

I'm not sure they call it a church. Maybe a Gathering? Since we didn't see any video of those gatherings, we don't know if they call it a church or if the content maker is giving it his spin.

[@jvmeel7454]

Bruh... This video was unbiased and not one-sided.... This is not something I see everyday... You're a good dude, dude😁

[@HauntaskhanHYPNOSIS]

Its also about rights and equal representation. Many theists believe that an atheist should have no opinion about laws regarding religion because it literally doesn't mean anything to an atheist. They don't see atheists as secularists but as people that want to abolish religion.

[@laleydelamor1327]

Primordial Eudaimonic I’m catholic and some of my family members are atheist, including my son. Our catechism is saying we should respect other religious people, aswell as atheists. We are all humans sharing the same planet. Maybe some day we will find the key of Love. Acording to Bible, our predestination is World without religions and long time without wars. Wish You all the best ❤️

[@HauntaskhanHYPNOSIS]

Holy crap. I didn't say every theist, I was talking about how a lot of them view it and how even the media treats it colloquially. I didn't mean to offend anybody.

[@labsquadmedia176]

For some historical perspective on the "Rise of the Nones" I recommend the essay, "The Decline of Religion" (C.S. Lewis, collected in "God in the Dock" , Eerdmans, 1970). Lewis noted a similar phenomenon among Oxford students Oxford Students, but provides an alternative explanation to the hue and cry of his day that makes sense in the current trends in America. If nothing else, I think Lewis's analysis might cause one to question the "Rise" part of the phrase (a la "Freakonomics").

[@alexisF1031]

this man does not understand atheism but has done a great job getting to know “us” getting to know the group of people that fall under that category. but, thank you for the video!

[@fuzzybear7620]

This is great news! 👍

[@erichstocker4173]

A really nice and succinct definition of humanism. I really like it and find it useful. Enjoyed this vlog.

[@kaarlimakela3413]

What we need IS a way for LOCALS to get together weekly outside of religion or anti anything except for isolation. Locals. Community ...

[@brapboy72]

I like this because the sense of community is one of the things I like about organized religions.

[@k.vanderpool1012]

For me (a 47 year old woman) who has been raised in the bible belt, still lives in the bible belt, and is literally surrounded and bombarded every day by Christianity, simply spending time around like minded people is a freedom and comfort that I have desperately craved for many years but until recently never had the ability to partake in. That's what these gatherings mean to me. As for gathering on Sundays, well that really comes down to 2 things; our society has designated Sunday as a day for rest and worship so it's the best and most convenient day of the week for us too; plus it's easier to fly under the radar of other Christians since they're occupied with their own gatherings and less likely to give us trouble while we gather. ...and yes, that happens sometimes.

[@travelchannel304]

I think that is how the 1st Chiristisns chose late Dec. Cause of Solstice events. Safe & easy to blend in. LoL

[@richwilson7619]

So it sounds like you follow and believe the traditions of man rather then the Word of YHVH

[@fructiferous]

@@richwilson7619 there's no V in hebrew

[@gamingislife3332]

@@richwilson7619 kinda but we can agrue the same for you and other Christian no matter the interpretation

[@dansattah]

​@@richwilson7619If cannot demonstrate YAHWEH scientifically, we have no reason to believe in him.

[@namingisdifficult408]

Interesting topic!

[@drbernardmambwe3416]

Thank you.

[@fawwazshah]

The problem with these types of institutions is that individuals will begin to gather around the leader of the community and I wonder if soon it will sort of become a cult. I suppose there needs to be a system of check and balances, leader rotations every number of years for example, to mitigate against the cult potential.

[@wietsesartsythings969]

.... As an atheist, one of the beautiful things is I dont need structures other than the regular every day needs ( a society or culture or whatever where I can find a job, groceries and so on.) I dont want to belong to some group of people that will always, always at some point in time turn in to a book of rules and an authority on ideas. That is the cool thing about checkng the non-affiliated box. I dont answer to any authority or dogma on how to think or interact with other people.

[@caleb5234]

I don’t believe in a god or supernatural stuff anymore. I feel a lot better after leaving, and my life as a whole is better, but that is the one thing I miss. I miss the social and community aspect. Great video as always.

[@vasecore7508]

You definitely should because there is great benefit to Christianity. Most people really don't know what Christianity is FOR and its goals that's the issue.

[@youtoo2233]

You aren't kidding about leaving religion, for nearly 50 years that crap stressed me out, now so glad to be away from it

[@fluffypuppy4831]

Same I’m 15 and I’m a closet atheist. I feel partially trapped (my family is Catholic) but also partially free.

[@youtoo2233]

@@fluffypuppy4831 its not easy admitting this to a very religious family. They've been brainwashed to believe you will suffer horrible eternal consequences. Don't worry about it, all religions do it whether its Christianity or Islam or Mormonism or Jehovah's Witnesses, you name it. IMO its all made up. There is no proof any of that happens after death

[@babettekern7161]

@@fluffypuppy4831 poor thing , forgive them for they do not know whom they neel to . Keep being you , never stop looking for answers .

[@kimeister2766]

I think many atheists, including myself, miss the sense of community. Especially in small conservative towns like mine, there’s not much to do but go to church. It’s pretty hard to meet people when the only groups in town are religious.

[@bb1111116]

There is a major overlap between these non-religious gatherings and the Unitarian Universalist movement. A large number of UU members are atheists, secular humanists.

[@Euphoryaaa]

I just came here to say that this is exactly like all the Ricks in Rick and Morty getting together and forming the Citadel of Ricks because they hated government

[@Zook85]

So are we going to call comic shops that host Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering tournaments every Wednesday churches now?

[@Zook85]

@Jonathan Soko I shouldn't take the bait, but... Please tell me how they are places of witchcraft and evil?

[@Zook85]

@Jonathan Soko No, I want you to explain to me why card games are witchcraft and evil.

[@Zook85]

@Jonathan Soko What if the spell is to heal someone? Or to do good in general? Fight off demons? A horde of demons is about to maul innocent children, and the only line of defense is a spell that turns the demons into fluffy harmless bunnies. Still evil? Also, we're talking about fantasy card games, the cards of which are most likely recycled paper. Still evil?

[@Zook85]

@Jonathan Soko I'm an atheist, and yes, I'm defending card games I don't even play. Why? Because they're harmless card games. You didn't answer any of my questions by the way.

[@jessssssgames]

Yes but the one requirement is you have to take a shower every day. I'm jk I love the nerd community

[@howardjamespatterson4119]

Attended a public lecture on atheism last year at our local library . Most sides of the issue had fair representation . Very interesting ,the guest speaker was a christian minister that had proclaimed his atheism and retired after 30+years in the the service. There was a lot of emotionalism during the open mic question period . People on both sides of the issue proclaiming there personal views , life experiences , virtues , beliefs .Kind of expected cooler heads . Was surprised how thoughtful and open minded the younger crowd were .Listening to others perspectives on life was inspiring, revealing, thought provoking . Just hope people keep searching after they think they know it all .

[@kagitsune]

7:00 This is a good point about why people seek out religions. As humans, we're pretty bad at synthesizing objective reason through intellectual rationalizing alone. We need an emotional aspect to drive a point home: like awe for astro/quantum physics, or compassion to drive a humanist ethic. And we are fiercely social creatures. This non-theistic church concept is a great idea for building some strong communities.

[@RodChiefs]

oh no! i’ve become the very thing i’ve sworn to destroy

[@Ash_Queen16]

The irony is laughable

[@unknownx7252]

People like to be around others who share their views

[@memememememe515]

Maybe you will become an apostate... ha ha!

[@FredericoKlein]

I am pretty sure the goal of most agnostic and atheist people is not destroying communal gatherings.

[@saklee1777]

lol. atheist “church”? i dont they realize the definition of a church. guess thats why they sing songs together and raise their hands up during them too. lol its like a christian worship service.

[@ryantheloser6099]

It's literally just an oxymoron in physical form.

[@adamplentl5588]

How so?

[@IsaiahAmos017]

kind of you have to wrap your head around it if you’re foreign to the idea kind of like Star Wars episode seven when you first look at it it is Canon but it makes no sense so how could it be but it is

[@someguy2135]

Most churches affiliated with a particular religion dole out answers. These churches are for people who have questions, but do not assume that any one church has the answers.

[@j0hncon5tantine]

it sounds pretty dumb to me............

[@punkwrestle]

my lil pony Most religion is.

[@alexdiaz1492]

I already didn’t like singing at a church when I was a “christian” but as an agnostic, I’m thinking why have it at all? Like it was the most annoying part… anyone else agree?

[@Palahume]

I'm a Christian, and yet I still agree with you... Praise and worship is super annoying. Lol 😆

[@silasfrisenette9226]

I think "Genetically modified skeptic" had an episode on this - the singing is what gives the sense of grandeur, the sense of unity, the sense of a "holy ghost" (= the tingling feeling one can get when emotional). Singing IS annoying (I find the same as you, that this was the awful part) but it is what keeps churches alive and members emotionally attached.

[@dayakarrao2206]

I wanted to study more, very nice. By your study till now, did you find out the "purpose" of yourself?

[@spennyb89]

Oi! I've been binging your stuff for the last couple days. Excellent work!

[@lensman67]

I was a member of the Stanford Humanist (an atheist "church") way back in the 1980's and 90's so this is nothing new. As far back as 1775 there were only 1,800 ministers of any sort in all 13 colonies put together. The first US census found that only 17% of Americans cited any religion at all while in 1796 only one member of the graduating class of Yale believed in a God, which was interesting considering that Yale, at the time, was a divinity school. It would seem that America is getting back to it's humanist roots.

[@albertohernandez8721]

Do you have a source for this?

[@lensman67]

Yes, it is "The Churching of America, 1776-2005: Winners and Losers in Our Religious Economy by Roger Finke (Author), Rodney Stark (Author) They are statistic professors who simply relied on primary sources and the research of Grad Students, who spent a lot of time measuring churches, checking tax rolls, finding old church membership records etc. No agenda, just the raw numbers drawn from the original sources.

[@mosesking2923]

@@lensman67 Community over a shared idea can be found in literally any place: comic book stores, political activist groups, etc. That is just a social club. The difference between a social club and a church is that you will never find family in a social club. If your house burned down, nobody in that social club would care about you. Nobody would take you in for months to give you shelter and food. Nobody would pitch in to rebuild your house. Nobody would give you endless free car rides to work. If a social club gives you comfort, eh whatever. Just don't compare it to a church. That's just pathetic.

[@moondog7694]

@@mosesking2923 It's not true that people in a political activist group won't take you in. I remember seeing in a libertarian Facebook group for a major city that there was a wall post by the owner of the group announcing that one of their members is now homeless and is hoping that some libertarian will step up and let her live with them for a while or find her a place she can stay.

[@BillPalmer]

@@mosesking2923 You’re painting with a pretty broad brush there. You somehow seem to be claiming that a faith based church is inherently superior than any other grouping. Sure, the boys at the comic book store might not be the ones to rely on when you’re down and out. That certainly does not mean that other groups cannot such as fraternal organizations. Churches do have a long history of providing that community social center role. That doesn’t mean that no other organization could do the same. Many do.

[@matrixboy303]

It seems, if you accept the definition of "Church" or "religion" to center on the communal aspect and the goal of acquiring meaning, then the philosophies of Epicureanism or the likewise, would fall under this definition as well. Would one go wrong in calling this new communal atheism as a modern school of philosophy, analogous to the communal philosophies of ancient Greece and Rome?

[@michaelmathews8984]

I have been amazed at some of the things people have said. Then told me they were Christian. Thanks for the video.

[@MrHodoAstartes]

As a contrast, in Germany these functions are generally perfomed by civic organisations like clubs which organise communities around particular interests or common goals. Some of these do indeed have developed rituals and ceremonial garb while others have dress code dictated by function. For example sport shooting clubs organise traditional festivals and provide a vital function in gun regulation as they serve to make sure all members are trained and capable in gun safety, and mutual monitoring of mental health to prevent shooting incidents. Similarly, a lot of rescue services are actually performed by voluteers that organise in clubs with very high degrees of national organisation. Almost all rural fire fighting is performed by local volunteers from the community. Similarly, medical services and life guard duties are often performed by local chapters of highly trained civic clubs who command substantial equipment and training. As such, the DLRG offers their expertise in maritime rescue operations and salvage wherever needed and even ambulances are usually provided by the professional wings of larger volunteer organisations. All of these have large youth programs which ensure a steady stream of recruits and an opportunity for societal integration. This is one reason for the country's rapid secularisation. Community and ritual is not the sole domain of churches. If you want to be part of anything, you join a club.

[@Jane_8319]

I’m glad somebody brought up the difference between atheist churches and UU churches.

[@Egilhelmson]

I missed that “difference”. I caught that they claimed that they were different, but so are different dojos different, with a big “So What?” as the best comment on it.

[@scottmcloughlin4371]

I worked for an openly agnostic pastor of the Unitarian Church while a student at Harvard. It's more common than folks imagine.

[@Quis_ut_Deus]

If we reduce agnosticism to the proposition that we can't prove God it is not contradictory with faith.

[@DoctorProfessorPablo]

Honestly, d\this sounds like something I would try. I'm sure it can help with the lonliness aspect.

[@PhozMix]

In the UK many of these humanist churches have dissipated as the novelty has worn off. Haidts book the Rightious Mind may shed some light on this: religious communities and congregations out last their secular counterparts as they're able to enshrine the sacred, which gives meaning to members sacrifice, and means an endless amount of reasoning is not needed for following an agreed-upon ethical system. In other words, members will conform in the light of the sacred, for the sake alone of it being sacred. God as a transcendent centre of the community provides a point of focus which the community can bind to, providing comfort and discipline in a way a secular community cannot. Without physical enforcement, they dissipate (I can also point to the numerously failed atheistic communist societies/commune attempts VS Franciscan, Benedictine communities which have lasted hundreds of years)

[@fabbeyonddadancer]

Can you expound on these examples some more

[@claudius_drusus_]

@@fabbeyonddadancer read up on the monastics of the late roman empire.(4th and 5th century).

[@EliteprosoldierMW3]

That was brilliantly and truthfully dissected analysis between atheistic community and theistic community, without pulling punches thank you! Many liked your comment but I guarantee they won't comment on this truth.

[@EliteprosoldierMW3]

This was so potent that I had to screen shot your take on this.

[@hunterglass1840]

What people fail to realize is we have been here before.

[@JtheCritic]

What do you mean?

[@wouldyouliketomeetkenbamba9495]

@Nostalgia For Infinity Ah yes the forgotten tradition of Hindustani Atheism. But the Buddhist and the Jains still believe in the supernatural though, just less theocentric.

[@LaPapaya]

Positivism church all over again

[@bb1111116]

Nostalgia For Infinity; I would add Confucianism.

[@miglek9613]

@@JtheCritic there are both religions that don't include a god (like Wicca, some forms of Buddhism, etc) and atheistic organisations that act as religions (like one of the branches of satanism, can't remember the name) so this is nothing new essentially

[@michaelm8460]

The KZbin algorithm suggested this channel, and it likes like a winner. Religiously I loosely identify as a UU , which can be described as `all,of the above', but I don't use religion as a source of spiritual teaching, but as a way of understanding our society. These talks look like a good source of information....let's gets startec

[@KenMattsson]

The Unitarian Universalist Association was founded in 1961 but the two groups that they were made from (American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America) have there origins 400 or so years ago with the first Europeans coming to these shores. My congregation was founded in 1636.

[@Kwolfx]

There was once a strip club owner in Florida (I think it was Florida.) who tried to get around new zoning laws which were aimed at forcing him out of business by declaring his club to be a church. The dancers were called priestesses and each of them had to addressed as "Sister," like "Sister Electra" or "Sister Cashmere." The lap dances were called Spiritual Offerings of the Flesh and customers who wished to purchase a lap dance had to place the necessary amount of money in a small wicker basket held at the end of a wooden pole by a club employee, now called a Deacon. I believe it only saved the club for about six months because the city this club was located in sued to try to prove the new "church" wasn't a church at all. Even though city officials couldn't prove their case; the club owner even created a written creed; or set of beliefs, for his church; something about nude dancing feeding the spirit, the legal fees alone forced to club owner to relocate elsewhere. Now there's a religion I could get behind.

[@coverup2034]

That strip club owner is a messiah. How dare the city government question his godly authority

[@Mari_Oh]

Indeed, it sounds like a religion in which you can literally "get behind."

[@reyes2446]

You mean sit under😂

[@DavidNotSolomon]

That is how evil works through false hood - it was not a church, and mimicking the church or Christian iconography is often used by evil orgs, eg the upside down cross of veganism.

[@pennyforyourthots]

@@DavidNotSolomon "the upside down cross of veganism" Im sorry, the what now?

[@ShadowJedi527]

I believe that a Jedi church, not controlled by Disney evil empire, is needed for the people who follows the light side of the Force.

[@TheChanclasVerdes]

There's already the church of the Force.

[@rumrunner8019]

Behead those who insult Yoda!

[@chickkye7009]

I am the member of sith church. Be head those who insult Emperor Palpatine.

[@Durandal734]

So it's treason then

[@TheAmarican]

Poor ignorant people. All you need is JAINISM. Jainism is awesome!!! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_in_Jainism

[@adriamasero996]

As the dr has put it, it sounds like a revival of ancient greek philosophical communities (which, yes, some might argue that those were religious as well). In the end, the concept of religion has expanded its semantic horizons since the west realized that the term "abrahamic religions" is not a synonym for "religion".

[@spencer1980]

Absolutely you get an interview

[@Victor-if5yx]

I understand how they feel about it all In my case, i'm a agnostic, i sometimes feel so lonely and without a reason, a perspective of be part of something and without a sense of community

[@MrMezmerized]

But you can join any community you like, right? I was in track & field for many years. Then after a break I returned as a coach and I realised how much I had missed being around likeminded people. Nine years ago I started coaching at the club I started at when I was eight and it was like coming home. I now also coach a regional group, and nationally I know a loooot of people from the old days as well as new people (the Netherlands is small). And I compete again. It's not about big questions regarding existence etc., but plenty of community sense, purpose and fun.

[@Victor-if5yx]

@@MrMezmerized exactly, when you are surrounded by people with the same energy as you, the things always get better, no matter how big are the problems, you just realize that life is simple, only you gotta do is know how to live

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Distractions can't always be solutions.

[@brucebaker810]

Hi there. I'm an atheist. This video popped up in my feed. I was intrigued. Before I go on, I want to say I was EXTREMELY impressed with this video. To be frank, I expected to be misrepresented and strawmanned. The host gave a very even handed to positive view of the entire matter. Once I had a slight quibble with Mr. Pinn's characterization. And the host made the same point I'd have made. I have heard, long ago on the Atheist Experience show, of the North Texas Church of Freethought. Very churchy because that's what enough atheists there missed. The whole churchy ritual. I don't know if they're still extant. Kudos to you. And a thumb.

[@tzgardner]

Check out videos on KZbin for Frank Turek, Ray Comfort and Ravi Zacharias

[@machinismus]

When I was little, my family used to go to the Church of Freethought in Dallas. I liked it a lot, and the potluck afterwards was fun.

[@scottleespence752]

As far back as the late 1980s I was attending Humanist gatherings on Sundays in the SF Bay Area. Our chief organizer was a Jesuit turned Atheist who was also the Humanist Chaplain at Stanford University.

[@anitareasontobelieve378]

I think it's cool to find a place to make friends like oneself.

[@sspsp6545]

I kinda get it. The community is the only thing I miss, and thinking back really all I got from Religion was based on the community I had.

[@JeanmarieRod]

Seek God/Truth, which is Jesus Christ. Not religion. He died and rose again after healing and performing miracles, as prophecied repeatedly for centuries.

[@vaughanlloydjones3884]

That isn't true and you know it. The Church was made just for you. Go home.

[@Reignor99]

@@JeanmarieRod Robbie, that's not real. Grow up.

[@beanteam2217]

@@Reignor99 why isn’t it real? What’s real?

[@Reignor99]

@@beanteam2217 The story of Jesus of Nazareth as told in the Gospels is a fictional, mythological story. It didn't literally happen.

[@mrniceguy7168]

I think we’re going to have to have a lot more participation in community organizations in the future (and now) as people become less religious. I don’t see an atheist church taking off but we need something to fill in the church for our mental well being.

[@Soapandwater6]

Having a "church family" is not a bad thing. Many atheists/ humanists would still like to meet on Sunday mornings with a common purpose.

[@martytu20]

@Emir Mohamed Al-Bergha The rise of identity politics, populism, nationalism and racial supremacy movements say otherwise. An atheist church will eventually splinter into strong atheism, weak atheism, agnosticism, or even deism.

[@imakevideos5377]

Mr Nice Guy I like Hindu temples as I can go to meditate there and have breakfast

[@babettekern7161]

@Alfonso G people have lost their way . In our tribes we put our children in ceremony, our suicide rates and confusion are allmost zero . We have flourishing children that become amazing adults , they help others heal . Allways be in service of others .

[@TheDizzleHawke]

Most people don’t regularly attend church anyway, and it’s been that way for decades. For the special occasion church attenders, two or three times a year, it’s more of an obligation than anything else. By and large, they seem cope with life just fine the other 49 Sundays of the year.

[@animcmillan5240]

Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life no man comes to the father but through me. You cant get much clearer than that.

[@karljenkinson8241]

OK story. First half was evil, jesus bit was nice, ending was just weird. Very erratic author. Can't recommend.

[@AA-ui6sy]

What’s really interesting about this, what I really want to see answered, is how godless churches will inevitably compare to traditional (e.g. Christian) churches on a micro level. For example, people I know (including myself) who are “nones” now but went to traditional church as children, will often remember their time in church as boring, or wondering why they were there in the first place, or even dealing with ornery church faculty, etc. So will we see something similar with godless churches? Will we see a generation (or more accurately, a portion of a generation) raised in godless church settings, who then become disenchanted with them due to similar reasons that people I knew became disenchanted with traditional church settings? In other words, are negative impressions on organized religion (and organized irreligion) a problem inherent to having an omnipotent, judgmental being as the anchor for communal rituals, or is it the rituals themselves that are to blame; or is it something else entirely? Also, let’s say we do see a bunch of ex-godless churchgoers in the next however many years: do they then convert to traditional church? Abandon any/all church? Or create something new? And what about things like meetup groups or community centers, who similarly provide a sense of community without religious affiliation: why are they seemingly not as effective as traditional churches? I’d suppose because of a relative lack of CREDs and the much longer history of religious institutions when compared to that of these more social-focused groups, but I’m putting this out there because I honestly don’t know.

[@PCB-dg7pt]

AA, the word you might be grasping for is real "fellowship" or group identification like minded people that share strength on a non religious level and enjoying human values like Love and freedom to assemble, the expression of joy and happiness. It is these qualities that some like to learn and grow in with other like minded people.