To go back to religion/Christianity even with no faith?

[AsItWasAndIs]

I grew up always identifying as a Christian; I went to a Church of England primary school and kind of accepted everything they told as the truth, even though none of my family are religious. During my 20s I have gone back and forth with it. Some years I have been religious, and other years I have been an atheist.

I have been an atheist for a few years now, but every once in a while I feel called back to want to pray and read The Bible. But I second guess myself and deep down I don't think I believe in God... But I have found life so hard, with such low self-esteem. Having a religion has helped me so much in the past; it has gotten me through so many difficult times in my life.

WIBU to ignore the fact I have no faith at the moment and just go back to religion and hope the faith returns with time?

I think so/ you are feeling a calling why not explore and see what happens

Why not just go with it and explore. Have you read CS Lewis Mere Christianity? Or thought about Alpha?

You can go to church for any reason you like and no one will ask why you are there

i can see the appeal that sometimes its nice to have something to hope for or believe in, for me i just dont trust the texts

I’m pretty sure about 80% of a church population are fairly agnostic. My BIL is heavily involved in his local church because my SIL is a believer, but he’s quite open about his lack of belief. He helps run lots of events, drives the minibus to pickup people who otherwise couldn’t attend, and all sorts of other support. There’s nothing to stop you going - if anyone asks just say you’re struggling with your faith at the moment and are looking for a guiding and supportive community to help you find the path again.

i'm really impressed by the homily of some online priests/mass. very modern and inspirational interpretation of the bible text, or maybe a more modern way of applying the teachings.
either way i do find prayer relaxing and the homilies a way to focus my attempts at being a considerate human.
maybe check out online options?

I think you've just defined faith! I think we should all be free to explore religion/spirituality how we need to. Ignore the man-made rules and restrictions put on 'how' it should be done.

I am an ambivalent atheist. Like you went to c/e primary and did the church stuff as a kid. I don't believe in god now and haven't for years, but I miss the comfort of believing and I miss the community of the people at the church. I've wondered about going back just for the community feel and the nostalgia of the religious rituals. I certainly day dream about joining the bell ringers group when I retire, maybe the choir too!

I don't think that's an unreasonable thing at all for you to go back. They'll be glad of an extra bum on a pew and the collection money if nothing else!

Explore spirituality (not religion) and find out what rings true for you. I believe some things from Christianity, some from Buddhism, and some from other more modern spiritual teachers. I also have spent time meditating and tuning in to my own inner wisdom. Go on a search and find out what works for you. It will be fascinating and could change your life.

I often think people want and need to believe in God but there's a part of their brain saying "No, it's not true". I'm a little like this myself. I'd love to have faith. I feel it would be a great comfort and support through life but I don't know if I can believe wholeheartedly.
My mum was the same. She started going to church and it's the most important thing in her life. I'd say she does believe in God now, although sometimes she says things like maybe it's all just symbolic, not the actual truth but stories to guide us through life etc. She's also critical of some parts of the bible. There's a lot of violence, for example, that she dislikes. I like the fact she has faith but doesn't blindly believe everything and questions a lot.

This is probably like me. I like being part of the Church but I’ve not yet fully convinced myself that I completely believe in everything I listen to.

You don't have to believe literally in the bible or heaven and hell to have religious feelings. The Christian myth (thats what I see it as) is still a very potent thing which has shaped the moral universe we all live in. The narrative and imagery still has the power to move me. People go to church for many different reasons; some more for social reasons. If you find it fulfilling why not go?

Maybe just going will give you some sort of comfort. I’m not a believer (though also raised C of E as so many of us were then) but I find the atmosphere in old churches very peaceful and calming. If I had a lovely old church nearby (a dd has one she doesn’t go to*) think I might be tempted to go to Sunday Evensong, just for the atmosphere - and familiar old hymns - if they still sing such things, that is.

*except for the children’s service on 🎄Eve - it’s invariably packed!

If I’m at DD’s on a Weds evening I invariably hear the bellringers practising - I love hearing that, too.

I feel like lots of people feel called to find meaning in life, and sometimes a faith group is the right place to explore that call.
You could try a creedless faith community like the Unitarians or a a liberal faith like the Quakers where you will meet a huge spectrum of believers from atheists ti agnostics to theists and Christians.
These progressive liberal spaces tend to have some of the feel of church without the dogma.

I think it's fine. My mum goes to church regularly and enjoys it but she definitely isn't super religious, I don't know if she even believes a lot of it. But church is like a community she'd miss it if she didn't go.

Plenty of church goers don’t believe in God and even some priests. If you get something out of it - spiritual feelings, comfort, human connection - why not? I think the concept of God is a human invention, but then so is money - it’s real in some sense.

This. You will be welcome just as you are. Don’t label yourself, just go with the flow. If you want to read the Bible/pray/go to church/just think about your faith, do it. There is no right or wrong (otherwise we would all be the same).

You don't need any permission to explore a faith you are drawn to, from non believers or otherwise. Slippery slope as a society if we feel we need to seek people's approval for something so personal.

Lex orandi lex credendi. Just do it!

faith doesnt have to be about religion... worship doesn't have to be about God! i do go to church regularly, but i'm not the greatest christian to walk this earth.

faith is about something that makes you feel good... for some thats football, rugby, motorcar racing... its still a form of worship and it makes you feel good

Anyone can attend a church if they choose, despite the judgemental approach taken by some church attendees!
That said, could you explore other ways of being spiritual or finding fulfilment beyond every day life?

I tried this but was disappointed to discover that the church was full of self serving boomers who didn't have an once of decency or kindness. They just wanted a hobby that made them feel important.

part of the judging is via the bible itself

Church is about community more than religion tbh. You relationship with God, or not is your own business. But being a member of a community is a very human thing. People join sports clubs and have hobbies purely for the same reason. Just go with the Dow, see how it works out.

I was trying to explain to dd, the churches around me are full of nice people, you always see disabled members, very tolerant of children and honestly, I need a weekly reminder to get out of my own head and think about others. I really hope that people that suffer in this life are rewarded in the next, but it's not why church is good. And as a vehicle for community we haven't managed to replicate it.