Expert: Jeffrey Eldred - 11/29/2010

Question
What is the perfect religion to join where it's alot of Singing and less praying? I'm at a loss of what religion too join. I'm a bit of an atheist and I'm not sure what to believe in. I don't like boring church ceremonies where there is abstract talking. I like singing better. I also believe that marriage should happen between same-sex couples. Which religion should I join?

Answer
I would recommend looking up your local Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church[1]. I have know many open atheists and GLBTQ individuals to find themselves perfectly happy attending a UU church (although I've never been). They are essentially leading the charge for the acceptance of same-sex marriage among religions (people outside of religion, of course, already accept same-sex marriage). Because UU Churches don't have any dogmatic requirements for membership they tend to focus more on community and song and less on preaching and praying. Of course, any church will vary location to location, but if you don't like the UU church nearest to you then perhaps they might be the people to ask for directions to a place of worship that is more your style. It is also safe to take children to UU churches without worrying about exposing them to fear, hate, intolerance, or gross misinformation.

I do find it odd, however, that you are trying to get to music through religion, but don't care for the religion part. If music is really where you passion is, why not start with groups united by music firstmost? Rather than your local church, a local university or theater groups would already have plenty of ongoing musical communities and an expectation that strangers would organizing for the sake of music. If that doesn't work out then you know what they say: "If you want something done right, then do it yourself." You might be able to start your own weekly gathering of friends jamming to their favorite songs or building up to a performance for an audience.

Links:
[1] http://www.uua.org/aboutus/findcongregation/index.php