An Atheist in Church
Why We Let an Atheist Join Our Church
By Rev. Jim Rigby, AlterNet.
After years of advocacy for progressive causes, I am used to angry mail — often from fellow Christians — when I take a political or theological position that challenges conservative or fundamentalist views.
So I wasn’t surprised when many were unhappy about the decision of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas, where I am the pastor, to let a self-professed atheist become a member. But the intensity and tone of the condemnations were surprising; this wave of mail feels different, more desperate, like people have been backed against a wall.
Ironically, the new member, a longtime leftist political activist and professor in Austin, has been getting mail from fellow atheists skeptical of his decision.
“How can you do this?” both sides are asking.
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