Is it normal to participate in church though i'm not religious?

I'm a very spiritual person but it's been a long time since I've identified as Catholic or Christian, though I was raised it.

I play violin, sing and play bells sometimes for my childhood church. The woman who directs the music and whom I have known for many years is a wonderful person, and there is a good friend of mine who also participates. It is nice to do it in that setting, with my family there, even if I don't believe in Christianity (or any religion).

No big deal, right? I just have a hard time getting through some of the rituals we have to do that include reciting, pledging, doing the sign of the cross. I feel silly doing it. Communion is the worst. Yet, I feel that to be up front and participating and then skipping communion would come off as disrespectful.

I'd hate to not participate, but I also hate feeling like I'm just going through the motions and that I'm under a veil of secrecy as to what my true beliefs (or lack thereof) are.

What do you think?

Voting Results
71% Normal
Based on 38 votes (27 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • Short4Words

    It seems like you like going to church for the sense of community and I think that's really cool. I don't see why anyone would have a problem with you going there even though you don't believe.

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    • RomeoDeMontague

      ^This

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  • You're not hurting anyone by going.

    I have a close friend who is 100% atheist, yet goes to a Catholic church to make his mother happy and he doesn't even live at home any more. The Catholic guilt runs deep in that one.

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  • Unimportant

    If you enjoy it, why not.

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  • lemoncity

    I hated my old church because people would jump around like idiots and at the end we'd all have to hold hands..I like my new church better even though sometimes I don't want to go because I'm tired on Sundays.

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  • peterr

    Some times you can meet really hot chicks at Church.

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    • spaghettifrier

      hah, yes. something about seeing a fine bloke in church makes it so much more exciting

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