Is it a bad idea to join a religion for the sake of having routine, discipline, and a social outlet?

[Ambivalent1]

I grew up Christian, but I don't like it. The Quran is really boring and hard to follow, and I've been told mosques aren't hangout spots like churches are. Churches are rock concerts now which disgusts me and it's congregations are old people and families mostly.

Where can one go to see the same people over and over and build social bonds? (Coworkers aren't friends). The modern world is 4-D solitary confinement.

 

[Kikoo]

I think it's incredibly stupid just no

 

[Lulzacruel]

people can find solice in religion, in fact in most articles relating to mental health it can actually be positive for someone to congregate with others.

i suggest just getting entertainment from rec centers near you.

i hear that the Jewish communities are tight-knit and know each other, but they will probably be a bit antsy around you if you aren't from a Jewish family

 

[carac]

I volunteer at a local church, they know I'm not religious but everyone there is very nice and warm hearted. I think religion can be blamed for a lot of bad things like wars but I also like the principles like helping your neighbour and living by a code.

 

[Ambivalent1]

people can find solice in religion, in fact in most articles relating to mental health it can actually be positive for someone to congregate with others.

i suggest just getting entertainment from rec centers near you.

i hear that the Jewish communities are tight-knit and know each other, but they will probably be a bit antsy around you if you aren't from a Jewish family

It seems many groups are ethnic groups. Sigh

 

[SpaceBoyEvangef]

For social outlets, you can just look up "events going on near me" or look on facebook for local events! I just got home from a music festival today, so, doing research on events can do well for social outlets.

 

[Otto Mann]

You should delve deeper into religions to construct your own perception...

 

[Ambivalent1]

I think it's incredibly stupid just no

Jiggly puff jigglyyyy puff

Now you sleep

You should delve deeper into religions to construct your own perception...

I have but that creates a congregation of one.

For social outlets, you can just look up "events going on near me" or look on facebook for local events! I just got home from a music festival today, so, doing research on events can do well for social outlets.

Sounds nerve wracking. And people are mean to me

 

[SpaceBoyEvangef]

Jiggly puff jigglyyyy puff

Now you sleep

I have but that creates a congregation of one.

Sounds nerve wracking. And people are mean to me

Well, It depends on the event! If you're into comic books, then cons are the place to go! There are country-based events, I remember having a blast at a German Festival. There are also events like The Gathering Of The Juggalos and Moonrise on the more musical end. You just gotta do your research, I'm sure you'd find an awesome event :)

 

[Ambivalent1]

Well, It depends on the event! If you're into comic books, then cons are the place to go! There are country-based events, I remember having a blast at a German Festival. There are also events like The Gathering Of The Juggalos and Moonrise on the more musical end. You just gotta do your research, I'm sure you'd find an awesome event :)

But what to do after arriving?

 

[SpaceBoyEvangef]

But what to do after arriving?

Hang out! If you're at a music fest and you have a band shirt, chances are someone will talk to you abt the band!

 

[MBG]

There's lots of different styles of Christian worship nowadays. Just visit a different church every week or two and you'll soon find one that clicks with you.

Start regularly going there and tell anyone who asks you're an inquirer, not a believer at this point. They should respect that and you should NOT partake in communion because of it.

Daily prayer, including confessing and giving thanks, and listening to or singing hymns and praise songs are good for the soul regardless your church attendance.

 

[ferret-in-a-sock]

I'm considering doing the same so let me know how it goes. I use religious themes in my writing, but I don't think I could ever worship, but I just half want to pretend to be devoted to something for the sake of it. I fear even I'd be too anti-social for church.

Am I the right demographic and bad mental state to end up in a cult? Yeah, probably.

 

[Bobbylobby]

I think joining a church for structure is wonderful, while you don't have to believe in God I believe following the Bible for morals and such is a very good idea.

 

[sundown12]

i'm not religious, but I considered joining church just to have some some sort of sense of community. ended up not doing it, kinda curious to see where my life would've ended up if I did join

 

[Ambivalent1]

i'm not religious, but I considered joining church just to have some some sort of sense of community. ended up not doing it, kinda curious to see where my life would've ended up if I did join

How long ago did this crossroad appear to you?

 

[sundown12]

How long ago did this crossroad appear to you?

approximately 4 years ago

 

[jar-baby]

Personally think it's a bad idea to espouse an ideology— ostensibly or actually— just to obtain the things you've listed. For social outlets maybe you could start attending classes that teach some sort of skill and make friends there. And you can create your own routines and improve your own discipline. I guess it depends which religion you'd be joining, though? I certainly wouldn't recommend Islam though it sounds like you've written it off already.

 

[Ambivalent1]

Personally think it's a bad idea to espouse an ideology— ostensibly or actually— just to obtain the things you've listed. For social outlets maybe you could start attending classes that teach some sort of skill and make friends there. And you can create your own routines and improve your own discipline. I guess it depends which religion you'd be joining, though? I certainly wouldn't recommend Islam though it sounds like you've written it off already.

Christianity is pretty much the only option. I don't like it though.

 

[jar-baby]

Christianity is pretty much the only option. I don't like it though.

What about unitarian universalism? That seems cool. If you haven't already, you can check for congregations in your area on their site— https://www.uua.org/ .

 

[Dmoore3232]

Christianity is pretty much the only option. I don't like it though.

Good stay away from it. It is a cult and was meant to be a cult, it is called giving cult in European religion. Proclaiming someone your lord and savior is the definition of a cult. I do believe in a Heaven though. You want to stay away from that and Scientology and all that other stuff. Stick with philosophy. Christianity is a mythology.

 

[Celerity]

Honestly, I think it's why most people attend church. They wouldn't go if it didn't make them feel better. Just look at the Christian sects that died out or remained very small like the monastics and the Puritans. Many of them required a highly restricted or ascetic lifestyle that few would want to participate in.

I am an atheist, but I have to admit that most of the charitable good that is done in my area is performed by churches, not secular organizations. We have a huge homeless problem, and the degree to which one of our churches has stepped up is very inspiring. They are also known to be welcoming to people who have struggled themselves. There are many former alcoholics and drug users among their ranks. The church has helped so many people that I have to say that I am glad that they are around. Until enough atheists come up with a viable alternative to religion, I do not begrudge people who decide to participate. As long as we do not return to a theocracy or allow religious groups to commit violence, I begrudgingly support it.

 

[lachrymost]

Religion sucks, but the community aspect is a real boon. Maybe a United Universalist Church could work for you, if there's one around.

 

[Ambivalent1]

Honestly, I think it's why most people attend church. They wouldn't go if it didn't make them feel better. Just look at the Christian sects that died out or remained very small like the monastics and the Puritans. Many of them required a highly restricted or ascetic lifestyle that few would want to participate in.

I am an atheist, but I have to admit that most of the charitable good that is done in my area is performed by churches, not secular organizations. We have a huge homeless problem, and the degree to which one of our churches has stepped up is very inspiring. They are also known to be welcoming to people who have struggled themselves. There are many former alcoholics and drug users among their ranks. The church has helped so many people that I have to say that I am glad that they are around. Until enough atheists come up with a viable alternative to religion, I do not begrudge people who decide to participate. As long as we do not return to a theocracy or allow religious groups to commit violence, I begrudgingly support it.

I've avoided it because I'm going to be asked my job title eventually. Lying makes me uncomfortable but mentioning I'm on disability won't go well. A support group for people with my psych issue gave me nasty looks when I mentioned that my issue was severe enough to be on disability.

 

[Myforevercharlie]

I personally know a few people who joined a church to get out of their isolation, can't see a reason why one shouldn't. Unless you're a atheist at heart ofcourse :)

 

[DonTellMeToStayAlive]

Don't ever pigeonhole yourself into any idea/community/religion, especially if it hampers your living.
I understand a dislike for religion and am not the biggest fan myself, but if a religious group gives you a routine, a social outlet and in general a healthier lifestyle, don't let your distaste for its tenets stop you.

You dont have to believe in everything they say. Only take what you need, and not much more. I'd bet a lot of people use religion this way, maybe they also like the theology/mythology which makes it easier to stay. But its okay if church is nothing more than a support group to you.

I do not know much about christianity or islam. I would say that a more moderate religious group, where the members don't take their gods too seriously, should work better for you. Maybe find people your age, or people who have suffered in life in some way.

On a different note, have you explored any hindu religious group ? They can be very different from christian and islamic ones, but may be nice. I haven't been part of any in my life, but I have heard that ISKCON (aka Hare Krishnas) has a presence throughout the world. They follow the Bhagwad Gita and the Bhagwat Puran(they call it Srimad Bhagwatam). I am not intending to prolestyse here, but you mind find them interesting.

Best of luck

 

[Celerity]

I've avoided it because I'm going to be asked my job title eventually. Lying makes me uncomfortable but mentioning I'm on disability won't go well. A support group for people with my psych issue gave me nasty looks when I mentioned that my issue was severe enough to be on disability.

You got nasty looks at a psych group? That's weird. Is this group moderated by a therapist? Some places can get toxic fast without a 3rd party present. Also, I'm not sure I understand about the job part - are you saying that you worry about people asking you what you do for a living?

 

[Teleftaía Anapnoí]

In my experience, religion was something that definitely helped me a lot. Today I consider myself a Hellenic polytheist, I am part of the Brazilian group called Hierokrithari. The routine of honoring the gods helped me for a while. But now I just long to leave. Routine can help, but it doesn't make suicidality go away.