visiting religious places of worship

[sarz]

I am completely non-religous, and i have never really learnt about religions, (well i did at school, but that was 10 years ago and to be honest, i didnt pay much attention!) Well now i am older and wiser (slightly) and i want to learn. when i watch things on tv about religions i have no idea what they are on about and what the differences are, (i dont even know what makes someone christian apposed to catholic) I realise this is an awful postion to be in, but i am trying to change!

Anyway, point of this thread: can you visit places of worship? and does anybody know of any good ones i could visit in the london area? any faith or religion. And any tips on what i should wear (i think in temples its covering knees and shoulder??) any advice would be great!

[nearlythree]

St Martin-in-the Fields in London. Avoid St. Paul's, it's just a money pit.

[nearlythree]

Oh, and Westminster Cathedral for the Catholic church - has a great bookshop next door as well.

The resturant under St. Paul's is lovely, totally different from the Cathedral itself.

[sarz]

Thank you for the suggestion! does anybody else know of anywhere?

[purpleturtle]

Why don't you just start with your local churches, temples etc.? Any church should welcome you (and if they don't, try not to take offence, and go somewhere else instead). I don't know how to go about finding your way in temples, and stuff - you probably need someone else for that. I think some places of worship are not open to women for some services, things like that.

[sarz]

thanks for that. i will try and find an alpha course. i was worried that would be about 'converting' me, which i am not at all interested in, i just wanted to learn!

[dollymixtures]

I know you're looking to visit places but you might also find this site quite useful
It covers every permutation of religion in a very evenhanded way and covers all the basics in each faith. I've learnt loads and I thought I was pretty clued up about most religions!

[roseylea]

Christmas is a great time to visit churches for lovely sevices. It's also much easier to be anonymous for something like Midnight Mass than, say, going to a normal run-of-the-mill Sunday morning service.

If you are anywhere near Hertfordshire, on 23rd Dec at 4.30 (I think) in the orchard of St Alban's Cathedral there is going to be an authentic mediaeval christmas miracle play with (gasp) real animals and mulled wine to drink. It sounds really atmospheric and lovely (but a bit chilly! they have said to wrap up very warm). I studied mediaeval drama at university so I'm a bit of a sucker for that kind of thing!

[Catalepticdru]

Alpha

Click on the above link to find an Alpha course near you.
I can assure you, as someone who has been on and helped run an Alpha course that it is completely non-judgemental and no pressure.
Plus you get free grub .
No questions are forbidden and the talks are very interesting.