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Do you go to Mass anymore?

135

Comments

  • #62
    The Pontiac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,415 ✭✭✭The Pontiac


    OutlawPete wrote: »
    Or did you bounce of and go to the chippers with money you were given for the collection box :eek:

    This one. I used to have to find out what priest said mass as I was always asked when I came home. Stopped going/pretending when I was 15 and it didn't go down well at all. I find mass the most boring thing in the world. Only go to anniversaries, funerals and weddings now.


  • #63
    tipperaryboy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 960 ✭✭✭tipperaryboy


    Never
    just every sunday.


  • #64
    Mrmoe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,216 ✭✭✭Mrmoe


    Once a week or more
    I don't attend mass except for weddings, funerals and christenings and even then I will avoid the mass part and just go commiserate/congratulate the people who are the focus of the ceremony. Whenever I am at home there is a ritual where my mother shouts at me to go to mass. To have peace and quiet I drive to the shop to get the Sunday papers and she thinks I go to mass. All is fine when I return. I am an atheist but as long as what other members of my family do/believe has no direct effect on me I don't really care if they go to mass.


  • #65
    Mike 1972
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,017 ✭✭✭Mike 1972


    Jazlynn Unimportant Scorpio wrote: »
    Weddings funerals and all that jazz

    When people speak of going to mass/church for "weddings and funerals" are they including their own or just other peoples ?

    One would really want to be fanatically militant in their atheism to turn down an invitation to a friends/relatives wedding/funeral/christening solely on the grounds that it was taking place in a church.

    On the other hand it would be a tad hypocritical for an atheist (or arguably even just a non-regular churchgoer) to opt for a church funeral/wedding/christening (unless in the case of the wedding/christening ones partner didnt share their atheism)


  • #66
    GLaDOS
    Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 23,257 Mod ✭✭✭✭GLaDOS


    Once a week or more
    Mike 1972 wrote: »
    On the other hand it would be a tad hypocritical for an atheist (or arguably even just a non-regular churchgoer) to opt for a church funeral/wedding/christening (unless in the case of the wedding/christening ones partner didnt share their atheism)
    Yep, but unfortunately there's always partners/family to please. The only ceremony entirely about you is your funeral.

    Edit: Not to mention that the church owns most of our schools

    Cake, and grief counseling, will be available at the conclusion of the test



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  • #67
    MrConstruction
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4 ✭MrConstruction


    Just to get warm
    I used to go every saturday or sunday however now i am older and can make my own choices, so for now im glad to say im mass free at the moment apart from the weddings christenings and all that, hard to see myself returning to the normal weekly slot attendance in mass when i hear constant sexual abuse cases against priests, maybe when i get older and colder, who knows..


  • #68
    Mike 1972
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,017 ✭✭✭Mike 1972


    ScienceNerd wrote: »
    Yep, but unfortunately there's always partners/family to please.

    Partner's: granted as the average wedding consists of two partners (and the average child has two parents) one has to be prepared for some give and take sometimes.

    Other family members: Surely if one is old enough to be getting married and/or have kids one should be old enough to behave as an individual and not be unduly influenced by others ?
    ScienceNerd wrote: »
    The only ceremony entirely about you is your funeral
    In theory yes but in practice its the one with the most potential for people to go against ones wishes (especially if they havent made a will etc)
    ScienceNerd wrote: »
    Not to mention that the church owns most of our schools
    As long as people are willing to christen their kids solely for this reason this isint going to change.


  • #69
    OutlawPete
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,689 ✭✭✭✭OutlawPete


    Once a week or more
    Mike 1972 wrote: »
    This poll seems to be based on the seriously flawed and rather bizzare assumption that everyone on AH is Catholic ?

    Mike, the Poll doesn't mention religion other than Christenings.

    It's a light hearted Poll, don't make it anti-protestant one.

    It never even entered my head.

    I'm Irish, I've grown up in Dublin, people go to Christenings, it's just a question.


  • #70
    bnt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,244 ✭✭✭✭bnt


    I like the "any more?" in the title - like "going to mass" is something natural, and not going is an aberration. This whole freaking country needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

    Government resting upon the will and universal suffrage of the people has no anchorage except in the people's intelligence.

    — Grover Cleveland



  • #71
    GLaDOS
    Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 23,257 Mod ✭✭✭✭GLaDOS


    Once a week or more
    Mike 1972 wrote: »
    Other family members: Surely if one is old enough to be getting married and/or have kids one should be old enough to behave as an individual and not be unduly influenced by others ?
    Great and nobel idea, but nobody wants to piss off their grandparents when they're supposed to get married. Especially if they don't really care that much about it.

    In theory yes but in practice its the one with the most potential for people to go against ones wishes (especially if they havent made a will etc)
    That is true, but hardly their fault if they died unexpectedly :pac:

    As long as people are willing to christen their kids solely for this reason this isint going to change.

    Yep, what needs to change is church control over schools

    Cake, and grief counseling, will be available at the conclusion of the test



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  • #72
    o1s1n
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,923 ✭✭✭✭o1s1n
    Master of the Universe


    When I'm scared
    The idea of going to mass every week is extremely alien to me. I'd see it as a relic of the past. A throwback to old Ireland. I'm actually quite suprised so many people here have said they still do. Thought it would have been mainly old ladies at this stage.

    The only time I've entered a church in recent memory is to attend funerals. And even at that, I found the whole ordeal very uncomfortable. Being upset is bad enough, but having to sit through all that mumbling and god related nonsense just made it unbearable. I was there to celebrate someone's life, not god.


  • #73
    Mike 1972
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,017 ✭✭✭Mike 1972


    OutlawPete wrote: »
    Mike, the Poll doesn't mention religion other than Christenings.
    The term "mass" is generally understood to apply to Roman catholic services

    although
    OutlawPete wrote: »
    don't make it anti-protestant one.
    Im not suggesting that was your intention


  • #74
    OutlawPete
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,689 ✭✭✭✭OutlawPete


    Once a week or more
    Mike 1972 wrote: »
    The term "mass" is generally understood to apply to Roman catholic services

    I have been to 'mass' in St Patrick's Cathedral and Christchurch cathedral.

    They were listed as Masses.

    So you're telling me that's not the case?


  • #75
    Biggins
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭Biggins


    When I'm scared
    trapsagenius wrote: »
    Come on, you know what Collie D meant.Lets not be pedantic here.



  • #76
    WeeBushy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,572 ✭✭✭WeeBushy


    Once a week or more
    trapsagenius wrote: »
    That's fair enough.I can completely understand why people criticise the Church-the abuses and reactions by the hierarchy were disgraceful.But like I said, it's just the way some people go on about the Church you'd think it had never done anything good, which I believe is highly unfair.

    Say you knew someone who was deeply homophobic - who thought homosexuality was a disorder, who thought the act of homosexuality was inherantly evil; who thought I was going to spend all of eternity suffering for not believing in their god, irrespective of what I have actually done with my life; who went to Africa and told them not use condoms as they were evil, increasing the number of deaths due to STDs such as AIDS; who covered up countless numbers of child rape incidences, who had in the past been a major player in the slave industry, who had forced many societies to believe in their god through force and intimidation. No matter what else this person had done you wouldn't particularly like them, would you?


  • #77
    philologos
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,479 ✭✭✭✭philologos


    Never
    I go to church most Sundays, although Christian life is as important to me outside of church. Finding community, and finding a church I can call home is probably something I will be looking for for the rest of my life wherever I go.
    bnt wrote:
    I like the "any more?" in the title - like "going to mass" is something natural, and not going is an aberration. This whole freaking country needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

    Irrespective of whether or not one is atheist or agnostic, it is still normal to go to church, and it is still normal to have a living faith. I think people would be better off for getting involved in a church community.

    OutlawPete: That's probably because Christchurch and St. Patricks are high church (click link for more info). In other more Reformed churches the term mass wouldn't be used.

    Edit: I picked the every week option even though it isn't exactly applicable to me.


  • #78
    Mike 1972
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,017 ✭✭✭Mike 1972


    OutlawPete wrote: »
    I have been to 'mass' in St Patrick's Cathedral and Christchurch cathedral.

    They were listed as Masses.

    So you're telling me that's not the case?

    OK so some Anglicans ( and possibly Orthadox use Im not really sure) use it too. It hardly changes the point.

    In any case weve already established it was a case of clumsy terminology rather than an intention to exclude any group so lets move on........
    Jakkass wrote: »
    Irrespective of whether or not one is atheist or agnostic, it is still normal to go to church, and it is still normal to have a living faith.

    Obviously its normal for Christians to go to church but how is it "normal" for atheists ? I would have thought it rather unusual to say the least. Would it be "normal" for a Christian to pop down to the mosque for friday prayers on a regular basis ? (As some form of each way bet maybe ?)


  • #79
    o1s1n
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,923 ✭✭✭✭o1s1n
    Master of the Universe


    When I'm scared
    Jakkass wrote: »
    I think people would be better off for getting involved in a church community.

    Bit of a broad statement there. Better off in what respect? I am perfectly content living as I am. I have absolutely zero need to attend or be involved with a church community.


  • #80
    philologos
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,479 ✭✭✭✭philologos


    Never
    Better off in numerous respects. Faith communities tend to have a positive affect on peoples health according to studies. Better off in having the help and support of others. Better off in being able to explore the big questions of life with other people. I just think churches need to start finding areas of relevance with other people. It's very easy for people to get into a bubble without interfacing with others who don't share their views.

    Edit:
    Mike 1972 wrote:
    Obviously its normal for Christians to go to church but how is it "normal" for atheists ? I would have thought it rather unusual to say the least. Would it be "normal" for a Christian to pop down to the mosque for friday prayers on a regular basis ?

    It is still normal for people in Irish society to go to church, it's a normal trend that people still believe in Christianity too even if it doesn't represent as many as formerly. There's no need to get into a coddery that either of these two cases are unusual.


  • #81
    Irish_wolf
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 292 ✭✭Irish_wolf


    When I'm scared
    ScienceNerd wrote: »
    Yep, but unfortunately there's always partners/family to please. The only ceremony entirely about you is your funeral.


    I honestly dont see it as hypocritical or wrong if my parents want to give me a catholic funeral if I died unexpectedly. I mean yeah I'd rather they did something a bit more fun and lively to celebrate my death but as far as I'm concerned I wont be around to care if they do it or not so it doesnt really matter. I mean its not like my corpse is going to turn around and say something about it. :pac:
    Whatever makes my death more bearable for the people I have left is what I'd want.


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  • #82
    WeeBushy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,572 ✭✭✭WeeBushy


    Once a week or more
    Jakkass wrote: »
    Better off in numerous respects. Faith communities tend to have a positive affect on peoples health according to studies.

    Would you mind citing these studies as I don't believe you on that at all.
    Better off in having the help and support of others.

    Any community provides this.
    Better off in being able to explore the big questions of life with other people.

    I think these questions would be better explored in an environment where evidence is needed.


  • #83
    The Pontiac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,415 ✭✭✭The Pontiac


    Jakkass wrote: »
    Better off in numerous respects. Faith communities tend to have a positive affect on peoples health according to studies. Better off in having the help and support of others. Better off in being able to explore the big questions of life with other people. I just think churches need to start finding areas of relevance with other people. It's very easy for people to get into a bubble without interfacing with others who don't share their views.

    I don't need to be part of an organised religion to do any of the above. Some of the most supportive and caring people I know aren't religious people. What are the big questions in life by the way?


  • #84
    o1s1n
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,923 ✭✭✭✭o1s1n
    Master of the Universe


    When I'm scared
    Jakkass wrote: »
    Better off in numerous respects. Faith communities tend to have a positive affect on peoples health according to studies. Better off in having the help and support of others. Better off in being able to explore the big questions of life with other people. I just think churches need to start finding areas of relevance with other people. It's very easy for people to get into a bubble without interfacing with others who don't share their views.

    I think communities in general have a very positive affect on peoples well being.

    However this is not just limited to faith. People buzz off other people in social situations where they share a common interest. Faith can be an interest. So can stamps/comics/videogames/football/music/a billion other things.

    To a lot of people, faith/belief (or lack of) and community are two completely different affairs. They are for me. It's personal and I'd rather not share it with anyone but my nearest and dearest.

    Therefore back to my prior statement, I would benefit in zero way from a church community. Other types of communities yes, a church one - no. In fact it would have a negative effect as I would feel it was stifling my own personal exploration of life the universe and everything.


  • #85
    OutlawPete
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,689 ✭✭✭✭OutlawPete


    Once a week or more
    Mike 1972 wrote: »
    OK so some Anglicans ( and possibly Orthadox use Im not really sure) use it too. It hardly changes the point.

    Hardly changes the point of what??

    That you're looking for trouble? Looking to be discriminated against in an AH Poll :rolleyes:
    Mike 1972 wrote: »
    In any case weve already established it was a case of clumsy terminology ..

    "WE'VE already established it was a case of clumsy terminology.."

    Who's this "We"?? Is that the 'royal we'???

    Christ on a cross, do you go to mass or not? Answer the question and move on.

    Whether you like it or not, this is majority catholic country and if I wanna ask people if they go to mass anymore or not, I fcuking will!!

    Whether you like it or not.


  • #86
    Mike 1972
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,017 ✭✭✭Mike 1972


    Jakkass wrote: »
    It is still normal for people in Irish society to go to church.
    In most western societies (including Ireland) Its "normal" but its not something most people would do on a regular basis anymore.

    The notion that an atheist would want to do so (other than to other peoples funerals/weddings) on a regular basis seems a slight bit odd though ?

    Still each to their own I suppose.


  • #87
    GLaDOS
    Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 23,257 Mod ✭✭✭✭GLaDOS


    Once a week or more
    Jakkass wrote: »

    It is still normal for people in Irish society to go to church
    The poll points quite to the opposite

    Cake, and grief counseling, will be available at the conclusion of the test



  • #88
    IvySlayer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,194 ✭✭✭✭IvySlayer


    When I'm scared
    Jakkass wrote: »
    Better off in numerous respects. Faith communities tend to have a positive affect on peoples health according to studies. Better off in having the help and support of others. Better off in being able to explore the big questions of life with other people. I just think churches need to start finding areas of relevance with other people. It's very easy for people to get into a bubble without interfacing with others who don't share their views.

    Edit:


    It is still normal for people in Irish society to go to church, it's a normal trend that people still believe in Christianity too even if it doesn't represent as many as formerly. There's no need to get into a coddery that either of these two cases are unusual.

    Used to be. Then people realised they had a choice. Church attendances are desperate. If it weren't for weddings/baptisms they'd be practically empty.


  • #89
    Son Of A Vidic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,370 ✭✭✭✭Son Of A Vidic


    When I'm scared
    I don't go except for weddings and funerals, otherwise I stay clear of evil, corrupt, hypocritical, criminal and secretive organisations as a rule really.


  • #90
    philologos
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,479 ✭✭✭✭philologos


    Never
    WeeBushy wrote: »
    Would you mind citing these studies as I don't believe you on that at all.

    Those who attend religious services live longer according to research done at Yeshiva University, New York:
    http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20081125/attend-religious-services-live-longer

    Suicide rates are lower amongst those who are a part of faith communities in comparison to those who are not (American Journal of Psychiatry 2004):
    http://www.adherents.com/misc/religion_suicide.html
    WeeBushy wrote: »
    Any community provides this.

    What other communities are you thinking of?
    WeeBushy wrote: »
    I think these questions would be better explored in an environment where evidence is needed.

    I guess you regard philosophical questions as obsolete then?
    IvySlayer wrote: »
    Used to be. Then people realised they had a choice. Church attendances are desperate. If it weren't for weddings/baptisms they'd be practically empty.

    How would you know if churches are empty if you haven't graced yourself with your attendance?

    What do you define as "desperate"? Any of the churches I have been at recently have been well attended and any I have passed by seem to be well attended judging by the amount of people going in.
    ScienceNerd wrote: »
    The poll points quite to the opposite

    Boards is hardly representative of the entire Irish population. Even still 10% is a considerable amount for weekly attendance considering the secular bias that is on this forum.


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  • #91
    Mike 1972
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,017 ✭✭✭Mike 1972


    ScienceNerd wrote: »
    The poll points quite to the opposite

    Hardly

    "Normal" doesnt necessairly have to mean "done by the majority of people on a regular basis"


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