If I decided to start going to church, what denomination would you recommend and why (be polite to each other NO BASHING!)?

[Cormac995]

I'm not Christian and I don't plan to be (I'm really an Animist more than anything but I do also follow some of the Irish, Gaul and Welsh gods and goddesses) but I'm considering starting to go to church anyways. I won't go to a, Jehovah's Witness, or Mormann or really any of those guys that go door to door like that I've got both personal and ethical reasons I avoid both.

A Catholic church is a maybe but that's still really freaking dicey with me. I have concerns about Catholicism for ethical reasons, but my mom is Catholic so I'm ify about it. You're probably wondering why someone who isn't Christian would want to go to Church and there are several reasons I have.

1. I'm working on a writing project that has heavy use of Christian imagery and philosophy. This would be good firsthand experience of being around these places which will translate to better representation in my book.

2. I'm genuinely curious and want to know more about Jesus Christ. Based on the research I've done he was a real man and while I don't know if he really was a prophet I've talked about it with my dad. He's not a Christian but is spiritual and considers himself a follower of Jesus. Basically, his interpretation is we should listen to God and not a church it's hard to describe it in more detail than that. I don't just want to see the historical records though I want to hear the myths and legends too.

3. It could be a way to meet some new people maybe make some new friends. I'm fine being friends with people from MOST religions. I don't think I would be able to be friends with a Jehovah's witness though or a Mormann unless they were pretty light and a lot of them are hardliners. Worse if they followed Islam but that's a separate issue wrapped up in a lot of stuff.

4. I do believe in higher powers, but Praying alone is less fulfilling, I guess? I'm fine to pray in the company of people who follow a different faith I care more about the company and that they believe in being good people.

[strateguy632]

Avoid the ones with hierarchy due to human authority due to your concern in section 2 you wrote.

So avoid a anglican, b baptist, c catholic, e episcopal @neverfail99 p Presbyterian etc.

Even baptist has "bishops and deacons helping pastor". Almost anything else is a good start. Just find where you feel comfortable.

[midnightmoon05]

You sound like a smart young man trying to find his path.
I don’t belong in any… I did go to a small neighborhood Christian church when I was in college… I think it’s Pentecostal… but not like the crazy type people call them … it was very simple. We sang old hymns and talked about good family values … all the young people all ended up in good colleges with good careers… because they focused a lot on family value. It was formed by a German family … by the time i attended, it was their 3rd generation who became the preacher. I like how they continue to pass down their family religion, values through generations.
since then… I just live my life based on those values and combined with my own and didn’t go to church or belong to any group.
I was married to a reformed Jewish man. But he didn’t care about religion.
my second husband is a Christian. I attended his church when I met him. It was too modern for me and I never got into their messages.
now that we moved in together, wr found a Christian church … forgot their domination … I attended a few times. I like their messages… it’s very similar to the way I live my life. There services are always packed. They are looking for a new place to host, they have the money and have never ask for donations because they get a lot of support.

[midnightmoon05]

Visit a few see which meets your true value.,.. or speak to your heart

[Anonymous]

I’m agnostic so I can’t really give advice on this , episcopal seems like the most laid back tho.

[Opinion Owner]

thanks for mho

[DrPepper12]

Anglicans are pretty chill. Lutheran's too. Catholic is a bridge too far.

[Massageman]

We attend an independent "Bible Church". It's essentially a Protestant-type of church that is based on the Bible's teachings. It's just that simple. No "hierarchy" or specialized garments, chants, specified liturgies, etc. The sermons are generally based on a particular Bible book or topic, covering 10-15 weeks for each series. Special services around Christmas and Easter, of course.

The congregation members do fine in supporting each other in various ways. I work at our weekly Food Pantry and Library, and function in a couple of other lesser capacities as well. My wife is in Mercy Care, which might include cooking a meal for an invalid, sending get well cards, etc.

Our church membership supports about 15 missions worldwide, and many prior/current members are in the Mission field, including a few at Moody! I went on two- seven-day-long mini-missions , one to Athens, and one to Haiti (after a hurricane, but before all the mess down there now). The church has its own Constitution and is self-managing, answering to no hierarchy other than God.

If you are looking for a church that is autonomous, yet responsive to its membership, you might consider an independent Bible Church. I wish you well on your search journey.

[LiamJHayden]

I would recommend a smaller local one with a pastor/minister whose reputation is one of teaching the Bible verse by verse, caring about the members, and loving the needy.

[Gwendoline]

Catholic. We go back to the apostles

[Ariesman81]

Eastern Orthodox.

[Cormac995]

Why? I don't want to know where I should go, I want to know why I should go there.

[Ariesman81]

Their logic is as close to infallible as one can get. At least from my experience and perspective.

[DrPepper12]

Their artwork & ritual IS beautiful. Beliefs are to rigid.

[jahaims]

You are turning to a cult to cope with life.

[RedInnocent69]

Unitarian or United

[Cormac995]

Why?

[RedInnocent69]

The least religious religions/churches

[Cormac995]

but what are their beliefs?

[RedInnocent69]

Pretty much whatever you want them to be