Why do atheists do more “bad” things than church goers? Apparently, from a percentage basis, more bad crimes, etc. are done by atheists. Is this because they don’t believe in God? Are they morally inferior to, say, Christians? This was the topic of an article that I read several years ago. The gist of the argument was that Christians (and people of other religions) have faith communities. The people get together, know each other, and share their lives, as well as practice their religious observances. The writer, whom I cannot remember, posits that it the being part of a community of shared values that keeps religious types from being bad. It was pointed out that atheists don’t have “faith communities.” They don’t have organized religion, or some kind of structure which promotes relationships and shared positive values. The thesis was that this is what contributes to a higher percentage of atheists doing bad things.
In today’s world, many people consider themselves “spiritual but not religious.” They have beliefs, maybe even resonating to the Christian tradition, but they don’t go to church or have anything to do with organized religion. Current data shows that the fastest growing religious population in the US is the “nones.” These are people who claim no religious affiliation. Forty percent of these nones say they believe in God, pray, and are “still hoping eventually to find the right religious home.”
As we reflect on our faith in this season of Lent, one thing that is worth our consideration is why people do not feel welcome in church. Why do people feel like they can’t find a church home? Why can’t they find a spiritual community that feeds their souls? Big things like the sex abuse scandals of the Catholic church don’t help matters. Clergy misconduct across the board doesn’t help. The loud voices of extremist churches proffering hate doesn’t help. But we should still consider how we can be more welcoming in our faith community. We should still give attention to how we can encourage people to be part of a community. Because that is one of the main benefits, joys, and blessings of following a spiritual path.
As you consider these things, think about who you can invite to church.
Prayer: We pray for the church; for all churches of Jesus Christ. We pray for the church to truly embody the unconditional, expansive love of God. We pray that we would be the people who make the church a welcoming home for all. We give thanks for the ways that the church moulds and shapes our lives and calls forth the best from us. With gratitude for the loving community we find in our church. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 