Church Friend Day

This guy in our building who I talk to recently invited Chris and I to a "friend day" at his local (very conservative) church. I told him that both Chris and I were liberal atheists, and I'm not sure that we'd fit in. He said he didn't mind, and that all are welcome. Of course, there was a service before the free food and socializing.

Everyone pretty much told me to tuck tail and run, but I wanted to be friendly and at the very least show that atheists aren't the awful people that some would have others believe. I don't know that they'd definitely try to convert us, but that would be a deal-breaker for me. I've been to Jewish events, Christian events, and a few other minor religious events, so the whole "religious" thing doesn't bother me too much in most cases.

We've decided not to attend, but I wonder what you guys think about this.

Would you go to a religious event if you were invited by a friend (and there were no conversion motives)?
Under which circumstances would you or would you not attend a religious event?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Yeah Hugh

I was baptized and raised Catholic, and even though I don't go to church, I consider myself a Christian. That said, it wouldn't bother me if I was invited to another faith's service (or a gathering of atheists). Religious beliefs are something that are core beliefs, and are not swayed by the promise of free cookies.

Yeah, pretty much what you two said. I was baptized and all that under the Catholic faith too, but I was given the choice to gtfo when I was 12 or so. Guess what I chose.

So you guys'd have gone to this shindig? Even with a service involved? I dunno, it seemed kind of like a "come be our friiiiiiends and help our congregation grooooow" kind of thing. The conversion vibe was strong, but I feel bad about assuming it.

How would you deal if you were ambushed?

How ya doing, buddy?