Hi Bleacheddecay,

I just noticed your status message, "Wondering why I find some comfort in gospel music after losing a family member when I don't believe? Rote habit?".

I haven't seen you around the site before AND my father just died 4 days ago, so I thought I'd offer my condolences and reply to your questions.

Gospel music is born out of long-suffering and hope. It appeals to our deepest, human, consciousness. Even for the most fortunate among us, the human condition is punctuated with loss and grieving; so the emotional appeal of gospel music can be satisfying, even for an atheist.

On my home page, my music player has a gospel song called, "Are You Ready?". Give it a listen. I think you'll like it.

Noticed your post about HPV vaccine concerns. I've read on it quite-a-bit, and the "issues" are all over-hyped. Obviously not a decision to take lightly; but not really the danger that the media (and chain emails) hyped. This Snopes article probably has the most consolidated review of the actual facts.

I'm a Reverend for the Universal Life Church with a degree in Divinity so far. I'm workin' on gettin' more. I want to start a "church" for atheist, agnosticism, secular, & humanist in my local area. With the ordainment, I can qualify for tax exemption (when I think I'm ready, not in it for the money). With money saved, I can afford to produce more . All profits there after would go to food drives & clothes for the poor. I really detest money but in order to get this goin', I'll need some extra of it.

No problems, you'll meet lots of great people here. Talk again.

Hi, welcome to Think Atheist!

no problem whatsoever. if you need some of that conversation ever just send a message. :)