Comment by Johnny on March 20, 2009 at 11:43am

1. Atheist
2. Maybe.
3. For an event with family. No other reason I can think of.
Four and five don't really apply since I would only go for a specific event.

+++ +++ +++

Welcome to the site. Don't worry, most of us don't bite. Ask away; you'll find as long as the line of questioning is kept civil (and there is no prosthelyzing), you will get some great responses.

Comment by James Nored on March 20, 2009 at 11:45am

Thanks, Johnny. I really appreciate you sharing this. And thank you for the warm welcome and the participation tips!

Comment by Karen M on March 20, 2009 at 12:25pm

1. Atheist.
2. Depends on who's asking...
3. Only if family or a very close friend asked.
4 and 5 wouldn't apply to me either.

Good luck with your research!

Comment by Nelson on March 20, 2009 at 1:34pm

1. atheist
2. yes
3. if a family member or friend invited me for a special ceremony or event going on there, e.g. wedding, baptism, confirmation, funeral, etc...
4. in light of my answer to 3, i'd be in attendance when i was asked to be in attendance- whenever the event was.
5. see 4

since your questions seem geared toward almost marketing research, almost like we're a focus group, so that you can perhaps find out if, under what circumstances, and what time an atheist or agnostic would be likely to accept an invitation to attend church services of worship, it may be helpful for me to answer the questions with that understanding. in that case:
1. atheist
2. no. (not that i'm opposed to it per se, there's just no reason to go.)
3. NA in light of 2
4. NA in light of 2
5. NA in light of 2

like Johnny says, you have nothing to fear from us James. when you get to know us, i think you'll find we're more like you, your friends, and your family than you ever thought possible. i look forward to discussing things with you.

Comment by James Nored on March 20, 2009 at 1:56pm

Karen and Nelson, thank you for your response! And Nelson, we do indeed have much in common in our shared humanity. I too look forward to discussions with you. Thanks!

Comment by James Nored on March 20, 2009 at 2:13pm

Thanks, Sarah!

Comment by River Otter on March 20, 2009 at 2:29pm

Hmm...funny you ask this question.
1) Life long Atheist
2) Yes
3) A deal made. See below.
4) 10am +-
I will be attending church services with a friend of mine for six weeks (they are trying to convert me, but they will have to heal an amputee before I'm convinced.)

Now for every hour I spend in the church my friend will have to spend learning about Atheism, science, biblical contradiction ect. At least one hour once a week.

Other then this, I will only go to church for funerals or weddings.

I will let you all know how this goes if my friend doesn't renig.

Comment by Nelson on March 20, 2009 at 2:33pm

dude, Otter, i hope you blog on that so we can hear how that progresses. sounds like it could be interesting.

Comment by James Nored on March 20, 2009 at 2:52pm

River Otter, that is very interesting. I would be willing to make this exchange too. I respect intellectual honesty, which means being open to listen, even if it is only a remote possibility that we might ever be persuaded. It is only fair, however, for this to be reciprical in nature.

Comment by Kenneth on March 20, 2009 at 2:56pm

1. Atheist
2. Maybe
3. Because family or friend invited.
4. Would have to be after 9
5. Equally likely.

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