Behind Enemy Lines, and Quite Happy There

I go to Church. This may should be a shocker to the people who know me, but it's the truth. Here in Russia, I've made a habit of making the Sunday services at the church my friend's host father preaches at. I haven't lost sight of the FSM, but I have learned a lot. I'm probably at the least Russian church in Russia. Founded, inspired, guided, or somehow influenced at an earlier point in time by an American, there's an aura of tolerance there that doesn't go in hand with the traditional Christian image, especially here. Many denominations are represented, covering the full spectrum of protestantism and Christianity, and even a handful of Jews attend. Services are held in a school gymnasium, with a small but incredible band and a lively crowd. People of any faith (including skeptics, atheists, and agnostics such as myself) are welcome; the preach the importance of spreading the gospel, but nobody tries to force beliefs down your throat. When I unintentionally agreed to my first communion, a considerate and English-speaking pastor bailed me out without any hard feelings. I may on the surface be submitting to an institution I've devoted far more time to fighting than appropriate, but in truth I've found a community that is kind, ethical, and welcoming despite my religious beliefs.

The typical service there is really laid-back and fun. The band, especially their Sax/Clarinet player, is amazing. Like, suck it Kenny G amazing (not that I like him, but he's good at what he does). There are a lot of songs, with lyrics projected on the wall so I can read along and jot down words to look up. Some of the sermons are a bit intense for my taste, and I'll admit I get weirded out when I hear people speaking in tongues, but everyone keeps their practices personal and I never feel any pressure. There's always someone bilingual to be found who can translate, and I owe all of the people who have helped me so many favors. They take a collection, and I try to donate, but if I don't theres no scorn or hard feelings. I'm not going to keep this up when I get home, but attending these weekly services has been eye opening, and given a pleasant middle ground between American and Russian cultures. To my fellow FSMists: Christians can be nice people too. To the devout and religious: give Atheists a chance. We can be sweethearts at times.