What does everyone think of this?

[Mr.Bill]

I would probably go check it out, out of curiosity, but as soon as they ask for money, which is inevitable, I would be gone. That's a big part of why I would not be involved with any church.

http://news.yahoo.com/atheist-mega-churches-root-across-us-world-214619648.html

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

1. Some of religions pull...

Is the aspect of community, support between the like-minded. That may be the only reason I would attend, if I ever really felt I needed the support. All the rest of the hoopla? Forget it.

[Ron Obvious]

2. I don't see the appeal

I wouldn't have the slightest interest.

[Major Nikon]

16. I can see the appeal, but I have no personal interest

I grew up in the Unitarian church and believe it or not we had some atheist/agnostic members. Some people just like the benefits of fellowship and I see this as a reasonable alternative for some who might otherwise turn to organized religion despite non-belief.

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Not my cup of tea. I'm not much of a 'joiner' anyway.

[Auggie]

4. I'd have to try it to comment

The idea has merit

[Brainstormy]

5. a bridge too far

I share Michael Luciano's thinking. The idea of building an organization around what you don't believe is strange, but just because atheists don't believe in god doesn't mean that they don't share beliefs. Like the separation of church and state, the conviction that science and education need protection from the influences of religion, etc. So the idea of atheist organizations makes sense to me, particularly if those organizations have political or legal aims. And the therapeutic advantages of community, of belonging to a group, are unquestionable. Where I get creeped out is the idea of incorporating the religious trappings, of ritualizing atheism. That just goes too far and will tend to justify the criticism of those who claim that atheism IS a religion.

[Iggo]

6. Dumb.

[frogmarch]

7. No time for it.

Just keeping up with the goings-on in my NonCollectors of Stamps Church keeps me plenty busy.

[OriginalGeek]

8. I just wanted you to know

I collected no stamps at all yesterday or today.

I suspect I will continue to not do so.

[frogmarch]

9. A deacon wannabe, eh?

[Curmudgeoness]

10. When you try to make it look and act like a church,

I have to wonder what makes you different than a church. Preaching, music, meeting in a large building. When we start to act like churches and worship our non-belief, we will be no different.

[dimbear]

11. It would be justified if it works as a tax dodge so successfully that the religious exemption gets

lifted.

That would be worth doing.

[progressoid]

12. Sure.

Although its not really something I want to do (I've become more introverted as I age), I can see the appeal for some.

What the heck, give it a shot!

[mr blur]

13. Pointless.

In my case, anyway.

[LostOne4Ever]

14. I have no problem with people who miss the socializing/rituals of church

Forming a group to meet and talk morality. Especially if it brings them happiness.

I do have an issue with them calling it a church. We have enough idiots out there trying to claim atheism is a religion and the last thing we need to do is give them more ammo. Especially, since it only takes one idiot judge getting convinced that it is a religion to really fuck things up for us.

Personally, I think not having to go to church is one of the best parts of being a non-believer.

[Gore1FL]

15. I wouldn't go.

If other people would, I have no problem with it existing. It doesn't provide me with anything I feel I am missing. I suppose there are people who miss the community of a church environment. I suspect that's why ethical societies exist.

No my cup of tea. I won't tell someone else not to attend.

[JNelson6563]

17. Meh.

I might get interested if they were to contribute to society somehow, some sort of charitable works. Other than that, I don't foresee being interested.

Julie--the disinterested