A Solution for Loneliness: Get out and volunteer, research suggests

Re:A Solution for Loneliness: Get out and volunteer, researc... by nicoburns on Tuesday May 21, 2019 @07:54PM (#19976347)

> I'm not sure that just any community would be a substitute for church. Most churches are not groups in the sense that you're describing above. Yes, most congregations share a common theology, but the people in the group are often very different personalities, ages, backgrounds.

I agree with this. Church communities also tend to be geographically local, which can be important.

As an Atheist, I have no desire to encourage people back to religion, but I do think society needs a replacement for the community created by religious groups.

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Re:A Solution for Loneliness: Get out and volunteer, researc... by losteric on Tuesday May 21, 2019 @11:59PM (#19977645)

What social roles would that hypothetical secular church need to replace?

I see a reinforcement of a group identity that can follow to new churches, often simply requiring attendance... opportunities to practice values through volunteering... the holy leaders' quasi-authoritative councilor/networking facilitator/self-improvement/social policing role... and more...

Hut how would we fulfill religion's roles without the leaps of faith and dogma that defines religion?

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Re:A Solution for Loneliness: Get out and volunteer, researc... by nicoburns on Wednesday May 22, 2019 @06:46AM (#19979761)

A sense of local community. Knowing your neighbours. A place where everyone is welcome.

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