London’s First Atheist Church Opens Tomorrow

Mallory Ortberg

JAN 5, 2013 11:36 AM

The first comedian-founded atheist church in England is set to hold its first monthly service tomorrow. Pippa Evans (a "musical improv comedian" and Sanderson Jones (just a regular talking comedian) came up with the idea together.

Quote:
"We thought it would be a shame not to enjoy the good stuff about religion, like the sense of community, just because of a theological disagreement," said Mr Jones, who recently became the first person to sell out the Sydney Opera House by personally selling all tickets by hand.
The image of Sanderson Jones selling Sydney Opera House tickets "by hand," presumably while standing outside the building itself on the night of each performance, trying to talk passers-by into coming inside, is almost unbearably charming. Not to mention the fact that he refers to the differences between Christianity and atheism as a "theological disagreement," like a Lutheran discussing font etiquette at a garden party.

Jones called it "part atheist church" and "part foot-stomping show" that will meet once a month. Tomorrow's service features guest lecturer Andy Stanton, author of the Mr. Gum children's books.

The church, of course, is not without controversy; a Catholic parish priest in Finsbury said to reporters that while it's "important" to engage with non-believers, "for them to establish a church like any other religious denomination is going too far. I'm cautious about it." Only in England would a Catholic priest refer to an atheist church as something to be "cautious" about, as though he's willing to be surprised and delighted by it, because you never know.

Sanderson Jones has similarly modest expectations: "we just want people to feel encouraged and excited when they leave."

[Image via AP]

afam4eva: How can athiets have their own church if they don't believe in Christ. Abi, what's the meaning of Church again?

nne3870:
Church is a structural building that houses christian worshippers..
White people and madness,i wonder why it wasn't called athiest mosque.

JeSoul: I thought atheism was not a religion?

Atheist:-D:


It aint

frosbel: Atheism has always been a religion.

With this trend, next thing we know , these militant atheists will start crusades and the burning of heretics at the stake

JeSoul: Okay oh . I think someone needs to remind those atheists starting the church that atheism is not a religion and should not act like one.

JeSoul: I thought atheism was not a religion?

Ghettoguru:

That was how all religions started just watch....that's the beginning of a new religion right there!

JeSoul: I thought atheism was not a religion?

Enigma: . . . in one of the older debates, Jesoul said something that I agree with: ordinarily we would not dignify atheism or even evangelical atheism with the status of religion. For me, however, the present intellectual, political and legal realities as well as the statements, actions and activities of evangelical atheists themselves (including the fundamentalists among them) mean I must accept the situation that evangelical atheism is indeed a religion --- no matter how unpalatable I and others may find that.

Enigma:

I have a "quote" for you.

From https://www.nairaland.com/966459/arming-faithful-against-logic/4#11182579

Ghettoguru:

That was how all religions started just watch....that's the beginning of a new religion right there!

Enigma:

I have a "quote" for you.

From https://www.nairaland.com/966459/arming-faithful-against-logic/4#11182579

Logicboy03: Richard Dawkins doesnt agree with it

https://www.nairaland.com/1159542/richard-dawkins-rejects-atheist-church#13790365

JeSoul: Atheist daddy G.O. has spoken hope the followers have heard.

Atheist:-D:


Why are xtians so hellbent on tagging atheism a religion?

Enigma:

I have a "quote" for you.

From https://www.nairaland.com/966459/arming-faithful-against-logic/4#11182579

JeSoul: Atheist daddy G.O. has spoken hope the followers have heard.

JeSoul:
Uhm not quite. See below. Some of us actually think atheism is unworthy of the term religion.

JeSoul: hehe

Haha...on point!!

frosbel: Atheism has always been a religion.

With this trend, next thing we know , these militant atheists will start crusades and the burning of heretics at the stake

Enigma:



Only as this is England he may be more like the +Cantaur (I'm showing off!) who can often be ignored by some of his supposed 'flock'.

By the way if the Church of Atheism people choose to collect tithes nobody is going to arrest them for doing so; presently loads of fraudsters and even convicted fraudsters are collecting tithes in the UK and noone is doing any gaaadeeeem thing about it.

Ghettoguru:

That was how all religions started just watch....that's the beginning of a new religion right there!