The Godless Church

This is no joke. I really thought it was when I first read about it, but its real and these people are sincere.

They are planting atheist churches around the world and raising money to do so. People are giving to establish these churches and hundreds are attending.

Here’s what the AP reported regarding the “godless church” plant in Los Angeles, "It looked like a typical Sunday morning at any mega-church. Several hundred people, including families with small children, packed in for more than an hour of rousing music, an inspirational talk and some quiet reflection. The only thing missing was God."

The movement started in Great Britain and has since spread to Australia and the US. Their “services” include singing pop songs to a live band, hearing an inspirational talk from science or history, laughing along with a stand-up comic routine, and even taking an offering.

The idea came to Sanderson Jones, one of the founders, while attending a Christmas Eve church service.

"There was so much about it that I loved, but it's a shame because at the heart of it, it's something I don't believe in. If you think about church, there's very little that's bad. It's singing awesome songs, hearing interesting talks, thinking about improving yourself and helping other people — and doing that in a community with wonderful relationships. What part of that is not to like?"

Reading the article reminded me of a couple of things. First, I was struck by the need everyone has to connect with others in discussion and wonder of things that are bigger than they. That’s part of what makes worship meaningful.

But the other thought is not so pleasant. I couldn’t help but wonder how many churches are surviving on the same principles, with God left out of the equation.

These atheist congregations will be a short lived idea because there is no real foundation to their gathering beyond the felt need of fellowship. When relationship trouble sets in (and it will) or there is a need for personal sacrifice to keep things going, they will have no mechanism to hold it all together. And while they are raising a bit of money while the idea is novel, once the newness wears off, selfishness of raw human nature without God’s Sprit to renew, will lead to funding problems. Have you ever heard of an atheist hospital or charity?

An atheist church is a novelty now, but it will be a bust.

The Body of Christ, however, will be around to serve, meet needs, and minister until Jesus himself returns.