Best church for atheists (local DC)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St Marks Episcopal on Capitol Hill is full of atheists -- the former priest was a non-believer.

However, they do the regular Episcopalian service and now have a pastor who is a believer.

St. Columba's in Tenley DC also has a fair share of non-believers and no one cares what you believe -- and they have lots of activities.

I'm an Episcopalian, and have worshipped for many years at St. C's. It's true that nobody there would ask you what you believe and that you and your family would be welcome to participate in all activities, but I have to wonder whether an atheist would feel comfortable praying, singing -- or even listening to -- hymns of worship, reading the Bible, etc. I mean, these are liberal congregations and many of us engage quite openly with our questions and doubts, but most of the time, most of us believe there's a God.

+1. I’ve attended St. C’s on occasion. I wonder what pp is going on when she claims “many atheists” at any church. Does she go around coffee hour—at the multiple church she lists, no less—asking people?

It seems odd to me that somebody would want to spend their mornings praying and singing hymns and listening to homilies if they don’t believe. If it’s a sense of community and/or good works, take your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen. The homeless still need to eat on Sundays. Or sign the fam up to volunteer at a creek cleaning. So many group volunteer possibilities.

You don't necessarily have to ask people -- they will tell you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ethical Culture Society on 16th St. in Shepherd Park.

That is the same as WES - Washington Ethical Society - mentioned here earlier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St Marks Episcopal on Capitol Hill is full of atheists -- the former priest was a non-believer.

However, they do the regular Episcopalian service and now have a pastor who is a believer.

St. Columba's in Tenley DC also has a fair share of non-believers and no one cares what you believe -- and they have lots of activities.

I'm an Episcopalian, and have worshipped for many years at St. C's. It's true that nobody there would ask you what you believe and that you and your family would be welcome to participate in all activities, but I have to wonder whether an atheist would feel comfortable praying, singing -- or even listening to -- hymns of worship, reading the Bible, etc. I mean, these are liberal congregations and many of us engage quite openly with our questions and doubts, but most of the time, most of us believe there's a God.

+1. I’ve attended St. C’s on occasion. I wonder what pp is going on when she claims “many atheists” at any church. Does she go around coffee hour—at the multiple church she lists, no less—asking people?

It seems odd to me that somebody would want to spend their mornings praying and singing hymns and listening to homilies if they don’t believe. If it’s a sense of community and/or good works, take your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen. The homeless still need to eat on Sundays. Or sign the fam up to volunteer at a creek cleaning. So many group volunteer possibilities.

You don't necessarily have to ask people -- they will tell you.

Sure, many people (you said “full of atheists”) at each of these churches came up to you and told you they were atheists. Totally believable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St Marks Episcopal on Capitol Hill is full of atheists -- the former priest was a non-believer.

However, they do the regular Episcopalian service and now have a pastor who is a believer.

St. Columba's in Tenley DC also has a fair share of non-believers and no one cares what you believe -- and they have lots of activities.

I'm an Episcopalian, and have worshipped for many years at St. C's. It's true that nobody there would ask you what you believe and that you and your family would be welcome to participate in all activities, but I have to wonder whether an atheist would feel comfortable praying, singing -- or even listening to -- hymns of worship, reading the Bible, etc. I mean, these are liberal congregations and many of us engage quite openly with our questions and doubts, but most of the time, most of us believe there's a God.

+1. I’ve attended St. C’s on occasion. I wonder what pp is going on when she claims “many atheists” at any church. Does she go around coffee hour—at the multiple church she lists, no less—asking people?

It seems odd to me that somebody would want to spend their mornings praying and singing hymns and listening to homilies if they don’t believe. If it’s a sense of community and/or good works, take your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen. The homeless still need to eat on Sundays. Or sign the fam up to volunteer at a creek cleaning. So many group volunteer possibilities.

You don't necessarily have to ask people -- they will tell you.

Sure, many people (you said “full of atheists”) at each of these churches came up to you and told you they were atheists. Totally believable.

perhaps they told pp in the context of a conversation -- not that they just approached him/her with this info.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St Marks Episcopal on Capitol Hill is full of atheists -- the former priest was a non-believer.

However, they do the regular Episcopalian service and now have a pastor who is a believer.

St. Columba's in Tenley DC also has a fair share of non-believers and no one cares what you believe -- and they have lots of activities.

I'm an Episcopalian, and have worshipped for many years at St. C's. It's true that nobody there would ask you what you believe and that you and your family would be welcome to participate in all activities, but I have to wonder whether an atheist would feel comfortable praying, singing -- or even listening to -- hymns of worship, reading the Bible, etc. I mean, these are liberal congregations and many of us engage quite openly with our questions and doubts, but most of the time, most of us believe there's a God.

+1. I’ve attended St. C’s on occasion. I wonder what pp is going on when she claims “many atheists” at any church. Does she go around coffee hour—at the multiple church she lists, no less—asking people?

It seems odd to me that somebody would want to spend their mornings praying and singing hymns and listening to homilies if they don’t believe. If it’s a sense of community and/or good works, take your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen. The homeless still need to eat on Sundays. Or sign the fam up to volunteer at a creek cleaning. So many group volunteer possibilities.

You don't necessarily have to ask people -- they will tell you.

Sure, many people (you said “full of atheists”) at each of these churches came up to you and told you they were atheists. Totally believable.

perhaps they told pp in the context of a conversation -- not that they just approached him/her with this info.

Sure

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St Marks Episcopal on Capitol Hill is full of atheists -- the former priest was a non-believer.

However, they do the regular Episcopalian service and now have a pastor who is a believer.

St. Columba's in Tenley DC also has a fair share of non-believers and no one cares what you believe -- and they have lots of activities.

I'm an Episcopalian, and have worshipped for many years at St. C's. It's true that nobody there would ask you what you believe and that you and your family would be welcome to participate in all activities, but I have to wonder whether an atheist would feel comfortable praying, singing -- or even listening to -- hymns of worship, reading the Bible, etc. I mean, these are liberal congregations and many of us engage quite openly with our questions and doubts, but most of the time, most of us believe there's a God.

+1. I’ve attended St. C’s on occasion. I wonder what pp is going on when she claims “many atheists” at any church. Does she go around coffee hour—at the multiple church she lists, no less—asking people?

It seems odd to me that somebody would want to spend their mornings praying and singing hymns and listening to homilies if they don’t believe. If it’s a sense of community and/or good works, take your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen. The homeless still need to eat on Sundays. Or sign the fam up to volunteer at a creek cleaning. So many group volunteer possibilities.

You don't necessarily have to ask people -- they will tell you.

Sure, many people (you said “full of atheists”) at each of these churches came up to you and told you they were atheists. Totally believable.

perhaps they told pp in the context of a conversation -- not that they just approached him/her with this info.

Sure

actually, I've heard of that sort of thing happening in liberal churches -- even with pastors. Not believing or doubting is considered perfectly OK. Some people are struggling with their beliefs, hoping to get them back. Others are accompanying their believing spouse. Still others may be going mainly to socialize and don't mind the god talk.

[Anonymous]

Machar obviously. It is literally a congregation of atheists. It's amazing!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ya know, the fact that you feel a call for this community and feeling part of something bigger is God’s work. Just try being open to it.

That's what YOU believe. Not everyone shares your belief


Op's question may have been better in Off Topics if they don't want religious responses or people attempting to convert.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Machar obviously. It is literally a congregation of atheists. It's amazing!

Machar.org --

Welcome to Machar, a diverse Jewish community serving secular Jews, Humanists, and interfaith and mixed-heritage families in the DC metro area

The leader (rabbi) is a devout atheist who attended an atheist seminary and learned how to preach atheism. It's truly a place for all believers (of science)

I also recommend checking out the Ethical Society but I was looking for a place with children's Sunday school (again that teaches humanism) and at the time the Ethical Society had services but nothing for children specifically.

Rabbi Jeremy is awesome!

[Anonymous]

You have what Pascal called a God-shaped hole in your soul.


"There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator."

Going to a church where atheists are welcome is the first step.

Good luck on your journey!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St Marks Episcopal on Capitol Hill is full of atheists -- the former priest was a non-believer.

However, they do the regular Episcopalian service and now have a pastor who is a believer.

St. Columba's in Tenley DC also has a fair share of non-believers and no one cares what you believe -- and they have lots of activities.

I'm an Episcopalian, and have worshipped for many years at St. C's. It's true that nobody there would ask you what you believe and that you and your family would be welcome to participate in all activities, but I have to wonder whether an atheist would feel comfortable praying, singing -- or even listening to -- hymns of worship, reading the Bible, etc. I mean, these are liberal congregations and many of us engage quite openly with our questions and doubts, but most of the time, most of us believe there's a God.

+1. I’ve attended St. C’s on occasion. I wonder what pp is going on when she claims “many atheists” at any church. Does she go around coffee hour—at the multiple church she lists, no less—asking people?

It seems odd to me that somebody would want to spend their mornings praying and singing hymns and listening to homilies if they don’t believe. If it’s a sense of community and/or good works, take your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen. The homeless still need to eat on Sundays. Or sign the fam up to volunteer at a creek cleaning. So many group volunteer possibilities.

You don't necessarily have to ask people -- they will tell you.

Sure, many people (you said “full of atheists”) at each of these churches came up to you and told you they were atheists. Totally believable.

perhaps they told pp in the context of a conversation -- not that they just approached him/her with this info.

Sure

actually, I've heard of that sort of thing happening in liberal churches -- even with pastors. Not believing or doubting is considered perfectly OK. Some people are struggling with their beliefs, hoping to get them back. Others are accompanying their believing spouse. Still others may be going mainly to socialize and don't mind the god talk.

Maybe 1-2 people. The claim of churches “full of atheists” coming up to pp to declare their atheism stretches credulity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St Marks Episcopal on Capitol Hill is full of atheists -- the former priest was a non-believer.

However, they do the regular Episcopalian service and now have a pastor who is a believer.

St. Columba's in Tenley DC also has a fair share of non-believers and no one cares what you believe -- and they have lots of activities.

I'm an Episcopalian, and have worshipped for many years at St. C's. It's true that nobody there would ask you what you believe and that you and your family would be welcome to participate in all activities, but I have to wonder whether an atheist would feel comfortable praying, singing -- or even listening to -- hymns of worship, reading the Bible, etc. I mean, these are liberal congregations and many of us engage quite openly with our questions and doubts, but most of the time, most of us believe there's a God.

+1. I’ve attended St. C’s on occasion. I wonder what pp is going on when she claims “many atheists” at any church. Does she go around coffee hour—at the multiple church she lists, no less—asking people?


It seems odd to me that somebody would want to spend their mornings praying and singing hymns and listening to homilies if they don’t believe. If it’s a sense of community and/or good works, take your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen. The homeless still need to eat on Sundays. Or sign the fam up to volunteer at a creek cleaning. So many group volunteer possibilities.

You don't necessarily have to ask people -- they will tell you.

Sure, many people (you said “full of atheists”) at each of these churches came up to you and told you they were atheists. Totally believable.

perhaps they told pp in the context of a conversation -- not that they just approached him/her with this info.

Sure

actually, I've heard of that sort of thing happening in liberal churches -- even with pastors. Not believing or doubting is considered perfectly OK. Some people are struggling with their beliefs, hoping to get them back. Others are accompanying their believing spouse. Still others may be going mainly to socialize and don't mind the god talk.

Maybe 1-2 people. The claim of churches “full of atheists” coming up to pp to declare their atheism stretches credulity.

It's been pointed out a couple of times, that people did not come up to "declare" being atheist, but mentioned it in conversation. And yes, one church is or was "full of atheists" -- St Mark's on Capitol Hill, when it had an openly non-believing pastor who welcomed non-believers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St Marks Episcopal on Capitol Hill is full of atheists -- the former priest was a non-believer.

However, they do the regular Episcopalian service and now have a pastor who is a believer.

St. Columba's in Tenley DC also has a fair share of non-believers and no one cares what you believe -- and they have lots of activities.

I'm an Episcopalian, and have worshipped for many years at St. C's. It's true that nobody there would ask you what you believe and that you and your family would be welcome to participate in all activities, but I have to wonder whether an atheist would feel comfortable praying, singing -- or even listening to -- hymns of worship, reading the Bible, etc. I mean, these are liberal congregations and many of us engage quite openly with our questions and doubts, but most of the time, most of us believe there's a God.

+1. I’ve attended St. C’s on occasion. I wonder what pp is going on when she claims “many atheists” at any church. Does she go around coffee hour—at the multiple church she lists, no less—asking people?

It seems odd to me that somebody would want to spend their mornings praying and singing hymns and listening to homilies if they don’t believe. If it’s a sense of community and/or good works, take your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen. The homeless still need to eat on Sundays. Or sign the fam up to volunteer at a creek cleaning. So many group volunteer possibilities.

Which “soup kitchen” allows under 16 to volunteer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What's the best steakhouse for vegetarians?

Actually, you can get a veg platter at some steakhouses -- presumably for vegetarians who are going with a group of meat eaters.

+1 my vegetarian best friend says that steakhouses are among her favorite places to go out to dinner, because the sides are all amazing.

I wonder if your friend is me. I have been veg for 30+ years and the best vegetable plates are at steakhouses.

Takes me about 15-minutes to get past the awful smell of burnt animals but I usually do that by ordering an amazing red wine. Then on to those baked potatoes, etc.!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St Marks Episcopal on Capitol Hill is full of atheists -- the former priest was a non-believer.

However, they do the regular Episcopalian service and now have a pastor who is a believer.

St. Columba's in Tenley DC also has a fair share of non-believers and no one cares what you believe -- and they have lots of activities.

I'm an Episcopalian, and have worshipped for many years at St. C's. It's true that nobody there would ask you what you believe and that you and your family would be welcome to participate in all activities, but I have to wonder whether an atheist would feel comfortable praying, singing -- or even listening to -- hymns of worship, reading the Bible, etc. I mean, these are liberal congregations and many of us engage quite openly with our questions and doubts, but most of the time, most of us believe there's a God.

+1. I’ve attended St. C’s on occasion. I wonder what pp is going on when she claims “many atheists” at any church. Does she go around coffee hour—at the multiple church she lists, no less—asking people?


It seems odd to me that somebody would want to spend their mornings praying and singing hymns and listening to homilies if they don’t believe. If it’s a sense of community and/or good works, take your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen. The homeless still need to eat on Sundays. Or sign the fam up to volunteer at a creek cleaning. So many group volunteer possibilities.

You don't necessarily have to ask people -- they will tell you.

Sure, many people (you said “full of atheists”) at each of these churches came up to you and told you they were atheists. Totally believable.

perhaps they told pp in the context of a conversation -- not that they just approached him/her with this info.

Sure

actually, I've heard of that sort of thing happening in liberal churches -- even with pastors. Not believing or doubting is considered perfectly OK. Some people are struggling with their beliefs, hoping to get them back. Others are accompanying their believing spouse. Still others may be going mainly to socialize and don't mind the god talk.

Maybe 1-2 people. The claim of churches “full of atheists” coming up to pp to declare their atheism stretches credulity.

It's been pointed out a couple of times, that people did not come up to "declare" being atheist, but mentioned it in conversation. And yes, one church is or was "full of atheists" -- St Mark's on Capitol Hill, when it had an openly non-believing pastor who welcomed non-believers.

non-believing pastor? for non-believers? I mean ok, but why bother?