Posted by Dinah on August 1, 2003, at 8:04:48
In reply to Religions and doll heads » Tabitha, posted by kar on August 1, 2003, at 7:08:46
There are all kinds of churches, with all levels of social interaction. In the Mormon church, where I grew up, there was a large effort to provide support and companionship to the youth, singles, women and men of the church. You could have a very full social life without extending beyond the church. And the people there were very nice.
In the Catholic church, where I also grew up, socialization had to be more intentional. You pretty much had to join the youth groups or CYO. Since there was no Sunday School, only Mass, opportunities for socialization were only fair. On the other hand, my Catholic religious friends did join the singles groups and found partners within them that suited their values for a mate perfectly.
The church I am in now would like to be more like the Mormon one. But it has been struggling for years (the congregation, not the denomination) with declining and aging membership and difficulty in maintaining social support systems for people of traditionally marrying age. But through Sunday School and church activities, a few of the widows and widowers have found life mates. And a few younger couples as well.
I found my husband at school, but if I weren't so lucky, I think church would have been my next choice. In fact, I probably would have searched within the Mormon church and remained Mormon.
We're currently seeking out "couple friends" from within the church, but are running into troubles based just on the fact that our congregation is struggling. Bue we're committed enough to it to not try to switch to the more active churches.
If you have religious beliefs, churches and synagogues are a great source of friends and potential mates, because you know going in that you share some things in common.
poster:Dinah
thread:245414
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030727/msgs/247292.html