9 Things Churches Do Right

9 Things Churches Do Right

Hemant Mehta (http://www.friendlyatheist.com, http://www.patreon.com/Hemant)

VIDEO INSPIRED BY:
The 10 Remarkably Powerful Methods that Built the Business of Religion
http://businessandbootstrapping.com/the-10-remarkably-powerful-methods-that-built-the-business-of-religion/
I spend a lot of time on this channel ripping on religion -- for good reason -- but it goes without saying that there are a lot of things churches tend to do really well. It doesn't mean everything they do is based in reality, but as atheists, we could learn some lessons from them. I'm not even being sarcastic.

For the sake of this video, I'm talking specifically about Christian churches. And I want to point out that this list was inspired by Matt Ward's article right here [http://businessandbootstrapping.com/the-10-remarkably-powerful-methods-that-built-the-business-of-religion/]. Check it out.

1) Churches give you a purpose.

People want to feel like they're part of something bigger. They want to feel like they're contributing. And churches know how to make that happen. Religion is so powerful that people are willing to give their lives for it. They will join messed up churches led by people like Mark Driscoll because they so want to be part of something huge.

When you're part of a church, you're given the opportunity to go on a mission trip, teach younger kids, volunteer, lead a small group (MTVs). You're part of something important.

It's also a reason people don't always want to leave church even when they stop believing in God. They don't want to lose that sense of purpose.

So, as atheists, how can we make people feel important? This is the power of having local communities or campus groups. It may not be for everyone, but it would mean a lot to a lot of people. This is why I don't really criticize the different kinds of communities out there -- including the "atheist church" that so many people love to hate. They give people a secular purpose.

2) Churches make rules that you must follow.

This seems like a weird one to have on the list. Rules are bad, right? We constantly complain about churches saying, Don't have sex before marriage, don't trust science, don't be gay, etc. Seven deadly sins. Tithing. Come to church every week.

But a lot of people need rules. They need some restrictions on what they can and can't do. Have you ever had a personal trainer or know someone who has one? Maybe your first reaction is: You don't need one; just exercise and eat right on your own. But sometimes, you're more likely to listen when someone tells you very bluntly you HAVE to do this or you CAN'T do this.

Rules give people stability and a sense of commitment.

So, should atheists have rules? Sounds weird... we can try to live by the Golden Rule. There are actually a few iterations of something called the Humanist Manifesto out there that talks about how atheists ought to live their lives. It's not a restrictive list by any means, but it does give people a pathway to follow. If it helps.

3) Churches offer community.

If you lose your job, if you're sick, if you need help at home, your church community has your back. They will hook you up with whatever you need. That's another reason people don't want to leave church even when they don't believe in God. Everyone wants friends. Everyone wants to feel like they belong. No one wants to just lose their entire social circle.
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Again, I'm not saying we should copy the church. What I am saying is there are things they do really well, and we should see if we can learn anything from them. We have the luxury of avoiding all the shitty things they do. So don't just dismiss it because it's church.
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Видео 9 Things Churches Do Right канала The Atheist Voice