Atheist Who Auctioned Chance to Visit Church Attends Worship Service Years After Renouncing Faith

[rug]

Last edited Sat Feb 15, 2014, 10:58 AM - Edit history (1)

Eve Brannon of Upstate Atheists

February 11, 2014 | 4:46 pm
By Jessica Martinez, CP Reporter

The leader of a South Carolina atheist organization attended a United Methodist Church service last weekend after launching an eBay auction to visit the church of the highest bidder.

Inman United Methodist Church in Inman, S.C., donated an undisclosed amount to Upstate Atheists, led by President Eve Brannon, so she could attend their service, with all proceeds going toward community outreach efforts on behalf of the secular group.

"Everyone was kind and welcoming. The sermon was honest and interesting ... We were treated like family, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience," said Brannon to The Christian Post.

Brannon, who grew up Christian but then renounced her Baptist faith, had not stepped foot in a church for years. However, she was open to attending despite her expectations. Furthermore, she stated that she would recommend Inman United Methodist to Christians seeking a place to worship.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/atheist-who-auctioned-chance-to-visit-church-attends-worship-service-years-after-renouncing-faith-114385/

http://www.meetup.com/Upstate-Atheists/

http://churches.umcsc.org/inman/inman/

[cbayer]

1. Well, that's a really positive outcome.

I am glad she had a positive experience and would recommend this church to christians.

Seems like a win-win.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. I've been without God and religion for decades.

I can walk into any church, synagogue, and/or mosque and walk out again. I don't feel oppressed, offended, or combative. It's their beliefs and tradition, not mine. I'm not influenced. I even know the words to some hymns better than the choir and the tunes are melodious.

When you're secure in your belief system, you can "mix" with those who don't share your values.

[kestrel91316]

3. Methodists are old-school "normal" Christians in my experience,

and not the least bit fundie whackadoodle biblical literalists.

So this doesn't surprise me.

[edhopper]

4. I find myself in a church or synagogue

often enough due to weddings, bar mitzvahs, funerals etc... I have no problem other than the boredom from the repetitious nature of the services. Praising God over and over is just tedious.

[hrmjustin]

5. Sounds like a stunt to me.

[cbayer]

6. I think it was very much a stunt, but the outcome is good, imo.

[hrmjustin]

7. Well if no harm is done I suppose so.

Glad they eere kind to her.