Atheist wanting to join church

[CougheeBean]

I'm having a really shit time at the moment and despite being a staunch atheist I have always had a huge admiration for the hope and community in religion. I live in a very diverse area with lots of churches and mosques, but a lot of the services are in languages I don't know. I just want some comfort, maybe I'll find God or maybe I'll find some brief relief or maybe I'll find it all pointless. I don't know where to start.

I have no religious friends and I work long city hours. How can I get involved in a low-pressure way and see if there's a faith which is right for me? I have anxiety and am very nervous about just showing up. It's clear that I won't culturally 'fit in' in most religious settings near me as most women have these fantastic traditional sunday outfits and obviously have incredibly strong community and family bonds.

‘I choose god because If I dont I'm left to rely on humans alone and i do not have faith in humanity-’.

But ‘humanity’ created religion. All religion. Every single religion. So you don’t have faith in humanity but you have faith in something created by humanity? I don’t understand that.

Messybun
The argument would probably be that God created religion (and everything) not humans. Bunkum in my book, but it's a belief system so you can't argue with it :)

Just walk through the door of a church. I go in my jeans and trainers (even though the older people there all wear their 'Sunday best'. People will just be pleased to see you there. If you don't get on with the style of service or language used try a different church the next week. Protestant services are usually more easy to understand than Catholic in general. Good luck and I hope you find what you're looking for 😊

Why do you want to join a church specifically? Why not try Islam or Judaism or Hinduism, etc?

Or perhaps just find a non religious social group instead?

Another Catholic here. A lot depends on the character of priest of the church near you, whether they're relaxed or strident. You might be able to get a feel for that by looking at the church's website. But as a general thing, I'd say Catholic churches are quite welcoming. People often turn up for the big events like midnight Mass at Christmas or weddings or funerals, and most Catholics are aware that it can be daunting to walk into a big church with routines you don't know, so there's a well-established courtesy and respect towards visitors. Lots of sitting down and standing up and kneeling - but as a previous poster said, you can honestly just sit and let it wash over you without anyone passing comment. Maybe in the middle of it, something will resonate with you, maybe it'll just be a nice experience of peace and quiet for you to reflect on your own. I hope things get better for you.

I also just wear jeans and trainers to church, as does my son, by the way. Not really a dress code anymore, the Catholic numbers are dwindling so we're grateful for anyone we can get through the door

I am an atheist too but I do know what you mean. The community of religion is very appealing. Friends and family are wonderful but having something bigger and with less tensions can be great.

Twice in my life I have found relief in a church. Both times I wasn’t actively looking for it but was upset and once (literally) lost. Hanging around the back desperately trying to not make eye contact seemed to encourage someone over who could not have been nicer. Once they fed me tea and biscuits and wrapped me in blankets but that was exceptional circumstances.

I would say hang around the back and see if you are drawn in. Surely that’s the best way to feel belonging by actually belonging.

My religious friends would be more that happy to steer someone on the right direction fashion wise as well. I’d suggest the Salvation Army because if nothing else you’ll get a great tune.

I began attending Quakers in a situation not dissimilar to yours, there was no requirement to believe any thing, and they often run 'Quaker Quest' which is a series of talks about Quakerism and what it means to different people. It has absolutely been the right thing for me, I can't say my beliefs have changed hugely, but I am more accepting of the range of other people's beliefs. The Unitatrians are another church that doesn't require a particular belief, have a look around, try some, I certainly found the sense of community I was looking for and it has held me and continues to hold me up in some challenging times.

Queen Elsa I'm interested to hear your take on being Quaker? I attend Meeting each week and love it, I wish I had gone years ago. What area of it particularly rings true for you?