An Atheist Goes to Church and Kinda-Sorta Encounters the Religious Experience

[rug]

January 20, 2016
by Sincere Kirabo

This past weekend, I attended my grandfather’s funeral. Contrary to what’s generally seen as a somber occasion, in the Pentecostal-Charismatic tradition of the Black Church, a “Homegoing Service” is essentially just another opportunity to have church. And with this taking place in a southern Evangelical setting, those familiar with this environment can imagine how lively this “celebration of life” was.

Growing up Pentecostal, this unique style of funeral is all I’ve ever known. In fact, at least in my family, it’s a two-day church event if you count the wake ceremony that occurs the day prior.

I didn’t attend my grandfather’s wake, as I didn’t want to endure a nearly 3-hour social gathering with the same religious elements that would be present at the funeral. Also, I have a big family—my grandparents are survived by 12 children, 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and that’s not counting the host of other relatives—and I just wasn’t up to doing the family reunion twice. I know, I’m a wet blanket.

Perhaps the only thing I look forward to, both consciously and unconsciously regarding this custom, is the music. That humans profoundly appreciate and are moved by music is undeniable. Love for song, melody and musical instruments is a tie that binds our entire species and occurs cross-culturally regardless of background.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/notesfromanapostate/2016/01/an-atheist-goes-to-church-and-kinda-sorta-encounters-the-religious-experience/#sthash.Sc3oAeeE.dpuf

[SusanCalvin]

1. I've often thought

Of starting a "church of words and music."

Carlos Santana proposed something like that a lot of years ago on 60 Minutes, but I see that as of 2008 he proposed to be a preacher "like Little Richard." Oh dear.

I vividly remember a Little Richard/Jerry Lee Lewis concert a number of years ago (a very cherished memory), where Little Richard roamed the aisles afterward handing out some Bible-based tract of his own composition.

Should have taken one - it might be worth something....!

[rug]

2. I've always like Little Richard.

[SusanCalvin]

3. What a trio!

That looks like just the time period I saw them.

I adore Fogerty as well - he just exudes "so happy to be here!"

IIRC, both Jerry Lee and Little Richard seriously thought they were going to hell for playing rock and roll. As well as others.

[Cartoonist]

4. Little Richard

I loved his movie biopic.
Especially the scene when as a young teen he was in church on an off day. The church was empty and he was there for spiritual comfort. He walked over to the piano and began to play somberly. But before long, he was playing a bawdy boogie. The priest was not amused.