Church for the UnChurched

On many occasions, I have thought to myself, "Wouldn't Churches be lovely if they let go of the whole 'G-d' obsession that they seem to have?"  This may seem silly on the face of it, considering that Churches are based on the idea of G-d.  I would argue that the most important aspects of churches and other houses of worship are not at all related to the almighty; people go to church for moral guidance, to socialize, to become active in their communities, and to participate in good works.  Church sunday schools have long been involved in promoting literacy and strong moral values (compassion, honesty etc).  These are all valuable things that are, in fact, independent of belief in G-d(s), as atheists including myself will assure anyone.  When you remove the superstition and scriptural confusion, houses of worship become pleasant community centers with pretty windows.  

I'm not the only one who has come to this conclusion.  Many atheists, particularly former believers, realize how valuable this weekly interaction is, and have sought to recreate it for rationalists!  The 'Church of Freethought' in Texas and California, along with other atheist churches are changing the landscape.  I discovered that I was not alone after reading this article: the 'Atheist Church'.  

 

The Houston Church of Freethought is an extention of the concept originally developed in Dallas by the North Texas Church of Freethought.  The Church of Freethought was conceived as an alternative to the conventional faith-based religious organizations.  The benefits of traditional church membership are offered to those who are uncomfortable with supernatural beliefs: community and fellowship with those of like mind, a vehicle for personal growth and fulfillment, affirmation of a naturalistic view of the world as a positive life choice for individuals and families, and a sense of belonging within the larger community.

Wouldn't it be fantastic if groups like this sprung up everywhere, and offered that cheery, not-so-very-repressive alternative to traditional religion?!  Maybe we could all get along!  Perhaps they could serve as a way of maintaining the cultures that are so tightly intertwined with the practice of religion-- Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists etc etc could all keep the art and the beauty of their religions, the sense of community, while letting go of the superstitions that come with theism.  

I can dream can't I?