Does anyone go to church and not believe in God?

[OhDear2200]

I’m curious, I’ve been a dip in and out of church (C of E) through my life.

Can’t decide if I believe or not. But is it so bad continuing to go/be involved in the church community if I don’t believe? I like the routine, meeting people and singing

Just wonder if I am the only one!!!

Loads of people where I live just go for a year or so to get their kids into the church school. So there's plenty of non believers out there.

How does that work fish? Do they have to make themselves known each week for it to count?

When people say, "That's not very Christian."
I like to remind them of Jesus casting out the money lenders from the Temple with a bullwhip. I think that gives me reasonable scope.

A good church welcomes everyone, of all faiths or none. We offer a caring community, good music, tea and biscuits, emotional and spiritual support, a peaceful safe haven, and the knowledge that God loves you.
We have a commitment to share God’s love with our fellow humans, and we’re happy to do that.
I was a rabid atheist until my DH died aged 36. I received unconditional support from our local church minister, and had an encounter with the presence of God that converted me to Christianity. I’ve been a regular worshipper ever since. One of the women who runs our Sunday school is an atheist, but she approves of Christian ethics and loves the inclusive community. (Our church has a female minister and is gay friendly). I’d urge anyone who is curious about faith, or who feels something lacking in their life, or just wants to join a friendly bunch for a good sing on a Sunday, to give us a try!

yy red. No modern songs please.
Except a few school hymns that the vicar chucks in from time to time.

The dc's want to go to midnight mass one year. I fear I'll tear up .

this thread made me feel better

I go to church very occasionally. I originally went in once because my dad was dying and I didn't know how to cope. It was a very instinctive thing but the vicar was lovely.

I don't believe in any of it, but I went along to a service later, then I found people were really nice and it sort of felt like London 20 years ago (!) - when you could still be accepted as British in spite of skin colour.

in fact, in terms of being single, childfree, not white etc, the people I've met there have been the most non judgey people.

so I pop in occasionally and have even had drinks with the vicar's wife and a couple of her friends. We talked about this and they said that church was for everyone. Tbh I mostly find the service very boring, but I like the community.

@OhDear2200

I am sorry I have derailed this thread. Something in me wanted to respond and I didn't mean to make this personal.

@Lessstressedhemum

Thank you for that. I really needed to hear it. Wise words that I shall try to practice.

@CuntForThisOne

I don't know how to explain this but I feel it so strongly. We are in 'communion' when we are in the church setting and giving part of ourselves to create a space for those who need it. It is a real thing we are creating, you can feel it and it has real power for some very vulnerable people. When it comes from a genuine place, it does resonate with those who need it yet I feel it is just being taken by those who just want it or are not contributing. It is an active thing in many ways. However, the church by its very nature must stay open to everyone and not judge and I know I shouldn't - I am just sick of being there for people and the sense that the church is no longer the place it was.

I think I am very tired and fed up. I have no right to suggest you have no place there. You are free to participate however you wish.

I go at least the first Sunday of the month with MIL despite being a non believer (I married in a Humanist ceremony). MIL has been part of the church forver, but doesn't like to attend alone so since FIL went into the care home so one of us goes with her each week.

I go, I stand when everyone stands, sit when they sit, I add to the collection, but I don't take communion or recite any prayers (I sit quietly for that time). I slip out five minutes before the end and start making the tea and unwrapping the baking in the church hall for those staying for the coffee morning.

@raindrops2019 - thank you for your contribution - you’ve not derailed as it is important to take into others views (very unMN I know!).

Hope you find some peace somehow.

I started going because my DH wanted to, and I had no objection to it. It was because of him that we got married in church, and had the DCs christened. I love it. Don’t believe a word, but no-one’s ever asked (although I think they might know, because I don’t do communion. I love the music, I love a good sermon, I love the people and how they’ve welcomed my family.

@OhDear2200 Thank you. I hope I do too. I don't know whether this is caused by dealing with reality or dealing with others' failure to deal with reality.

Thank you for explaining so fully, Raindrops2019. I'm so sorry you feel that way, and I hope you find a way through it. I wonder, too, if it depends partly on the church that you are serving. My local church is, as it happens, a cathedral - and while I love the music and the services, I am not sure that the clergy as quite as committed and genuine as you seem to be. I know them all very well in other contexts, and know that they are mostly 'career clergy'. I don't mean to say that they are lacking in faith; I have no idea what their beliefs are. However, I do feel very confident that I am not taking more than they are easily able to give.

I would, however, tread very carefully with a smaller church, where I might feel that I would be encroaching more personally on people.