An Atheist at a Church Retreat?
One of my friends recently invited me to go with him on a church retreat… and I said yes. My friend’s mom agreed to pay for my trip, and I never turn down offers like that (heh).
At first, I was a little narrow-minded about the whole situation and adamant about not being evangelized, but then I realized that I should make the most of this church retreat and just see where it takes me. I’ll admit, I am a little worried about how I’ll react to the sermons, the praise songs, and the general atmosphere of the retreat, but I’ll take it one step at a time. Going to a church retreat, I’ll have to watch what I say or else I might accidentally offend someone (which I have been known to do at times).
On the other hand, I’m going to die at this retreat. I’ve just realized how attached that I am to my electronic devices; I’ve forgotten what it’s like to walk around without the feeling of an iPod in my pocket! Apparently, on a retreat, one is not supposed to bring any MP3 players, iPods, cell phones, etcetera (that makes sense because it is, after all… a retreat). I suppose that without all the technology, a person could think clearer and make better decisions, but… it’s just going to take some getting used to. Technically I’m only going to be gone for three days, so I’m not going to shrivel up and die… hopefully.
Another one of my friends told me that during his retreat, his cabin was littered with bugs. I’m known to overreact at the sight of bugs, but one can never know what diseases those little insects may have in their saliva. I mean… lime disease, malaria, yellow fever, etcetera. I’m contemplating on bringing bug spray and borrowing a lighter to create a flamethrower. *insert psychotic laughter* Nothing like fried bug in the morning. Yum.
What worries me the most is the bus ride there. I’m known for getting a little nauseated on long car trips.
So, have you gone to a church retreat? If so, what was it like?
This entry was posted on August 10, 2008 at 04:41 PM and is filed under Personal,friends,.
By Britney · on August 10, 2008
I’m an atheist too. The retreat sounds like fun, although all the church “sermons” and what not would just annoy me. As for motion sickness, try taking Dramamine. I always use that when I go on long trips.
By Catherine · on August 10, 2008
I’m not an atheist but I’m not really theist either. I’m the middle one (whose name I’ve forgotten). I go to church at christmas if I can be bothered XD I’ve never been to anything like that, but it sounds like fun!
Ps. Your feedburner is broken.
By Annie · on August 10, 2008
I’m an atheist but a few years ago I went to some church thing with one of my friends. I felt bad for going since I wasn’t Christian but it wasn’t too bad being there.
Try to avoid saying “Oh my God”. I did that while I was at my friend’s church and this girl was like “O_O YOUJUSTSAIDABADWORD!!“ as if I had said the f-word or something.
By Regina · on August 10, 2008
Bring LOTS of bug spray. :P I’d surely die if I wasn’t allowed to bring my iPod.
But anyway, hope you make the best of it!
By Crystal · on August 11, 2008
I echo Annie’s comment. OMG do NOT say those three letters unless you want all of hell’s fury on you. XD. Have fun.