Atheism Goes To First Church
I know most anyone in the South has seen a sign labeled with First Baptist Church, but have you ever noticed a sign for the First Church of Atheism?
Motto: “With the First Church of Atheism you can become ordained quickly, easily, and at no cost.”
Purpose: “As a legally ordained minister, you will be able to perform weddings, funerals, commitment ceremonies, and other functions that are reserved for members of clergy.”
I did find it most interesting the terminology used in their statement of unity, per se: “The one thing binding every FCA minister is his or her belief in science, reason, and reality.”
Christians have been ridiculed plenty of times by Atheists claiming Atheism has no belief system, but according to the First Church of Atheism, they (at least this church) do have a one thing binding based on “belief in science, reason, and reality.”
Further evidence of a belief system (again, at least this church) is their statement, “We believe that everyone should have the right to preach what they believe, to start a congregation, and to perform ceremonies. This is usually reserved for members of traditional religious sects. We have started a church of our own, based on our beliefs, and will provide our service of ordainment free to anyone who shares our beliefs.”
And one more statement, “A church is defined as an association of people who share a particular belief system. So yes, a church of atheism can really exist.”
Please, let us not have the same old argument about what “belief” means, for I will allow an Atheist to speak for themselves. Click here for one’s own thoughts concerning this First Church of Atheism. Their review appears to be honest, thorough, and insightful.
Interestingly, I have heard loud and clear the sound of “separation of church and state” from among the Atheists, so I can’t help but ponder do they feel the same when it comes to the ideas of the First Church of Atheism? To submit one’s information to be reviewed and to be ordained as one of their ministers, one must check the box which says, “I agree to promote atheism, and the ideals of rational thinking.”
Motto: “With the First Church of Atheism you can become ordained quickly, easily, and at no cost.”
Purpose: “As a legally ordained minister, you will be able to perform weddings, funerals, commitment ceremonies, and other functions that are reserved for members of clergy.”
I did find it most interesting the terminology used in their statement of unity, per se: “The one thing binding every FCA minister is his or her belief in science, reason, and reality.”
Christians have been ridiculed plenty of times by Atheists claiming Atheism has no belief system, but according to the First Church of Atheism, they (at least this church) do have a one thing binding based on “belief in science, reason, and reality.”
Further evidence of a belief system (again, at least this church) is their statement, “We believe that everyone should have the right to preach what they believe, to start a congregation, and to perform ceremonies. This is usually reserved for members of traditional religious sects. We have started a church of our own, based on our beliefs, and will provide our service of ordainment free to anyone who shares our beliefs.”
And one more statement, “A church is defined as an association of people who share a particular belief system. So yes, a church of atheism can really exist.”
Please, let us not have the same old argument about what “belief” means, for I will allow an Atheist to speak for themselves. Click here for one’s own thoughts concerning this First Church of Atheism. Their review appears to be honest, thorough, and insightful.
Interestingly, I have heard loud and clear the sound of “separation of church and state” from among the Atheists, so I can’t help but ponder do they feel the same when it comes to the ideas of the First Church of Atheism? To submit one’s information to be reviewed and to be ordained as one of their ministers, one must check the box which says, “I agree to promote atheism, and the ideals of rational thinking.”
Is this the same as the critical fuss about Christians so-called proselytizing? Or, is this supposed to be a promotion of atheism without actually expecting anyone to convert to it? How so shall it be promoted?
3 comments:
Parody, my dear Timothy.
Check out another parody of a "fundamentalist church", the Landover Baptist Church. Sure makes me laugh to ribbons.
BTW, I wrote a rebuttal with regards to your "godkilling" charge:
http://atheisthaven.blogspot.com/2007/11/business-of-killing-god.html
Beast
Hello from the First Church of Atheism!
I like your article because it stimulates discussion on the finer points of being atheist.
As for the "beliefs" and "binding" I'll let that up for the people to debate!
But as for the comment about church and state, you made me think for a second there.
So first let me say that at least at the FCA, we wish to have Zero influence on the "State".
That being said I hope that anyone in power uses reason, intelligence, rationality, and scientific facts to make decisions not faith, hope, or any other form of blind trust. So in effect, I do wish everyone in power was an atheist!
I know, it's confusing.
Well anyway, great read.
Thank You,
Rev. Paul McMaster
First Church of Atheism
So Paul,
You are saying that the First Church of Atheism is legit and is in fact real?
I am asking because it appears that some Atheists believe it is only meant as a parody or joke.
Thanks, Tim
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