It wasn't easy, in my situation, to tell my GF's family I'm atheist. It was either that or explain everything I've learned by studying the Bible and extra-biblical Christian and Judaic texts and commentary, along with the study of archaeology that gives it context. The romance of the period and the stupendous events, perhaps not as depicted in the Bible, but stupendous nonetheless, that so changed the world continue to fascinate me. My grandfather was a Presbyterian minister, but my folks are atheist/agnostic, and I wasn't raised religious (though I was baptized). Not having my grandfather made me Christian-curious, I guess, and I've been on a journey for some time, reading and learning about the history of religion and religious belief in the context of archaeological evidence, for historic reference.

The Clergy Project really resonates with me. I can't help feeling like I (literally) missed my calling, and would now be one of those ministers experiencing the ultimate crisis of faith. I must say, no Christian has even tried to help - maybe it's just too common an occurrence, the din is too loud, like white noise it just fades into the background if you ignore it long enough. Atheists have been very welcoming. No one has made fun of me for having identified myself as Christian; for having believed. It hasn't even been mentioned. Just, "Welcome to the dark side," and silly advice. I understand I'm even being sent a membership card after my baby sacrifice is complete

Maybe it's just me but that's what the headline seemed to be saying. Since it isn't I will calm my misguided wrath and say yes this is a worthwhile group. Many previously ardent or ostensibly ardent believers have a wrenching adjustment to open atheism as it is. I can only imagine how much more so it must be when it's also your job and your most overt identity too.

Another Why TF is someone trying to assert that Atheism is 'religion', essentially in order to degrade it's standing by using the it's 'just another religion' strawman ...

I suppose I always expect the worst when I read stuff like this .... SURPRISE! ... It wasn't what I thought this time ....

I support the Atheist Clergy whole-heartedly

Just off the top of my head: Dan Barker of FFRF, Michael Shermer of Skeptic Magazine, Robert M. Price (the Bible Geek). There are undoubtedly many others but maybe they just don't talk about it.

I think what these clergy often have in common is that the studying of their holy texts is what led them to their atheism. That is something worth noting.

This is a worthwhile read.

R&K

It's much harder to find folk who study chemistry for years and come to the conclusion it's bunk.

Thanks for a great response.

So, if one is contemplating a mid-life career change and doesn't have any other skills, then stay with it! You only have to work one hour a week, anyway.

First, you have to be an expert in your field. Plus on so many other fields. A psychologist, to deal with those with personal problems who will inevitably come to you for spiritual advice. A sociologist. And other helpful fields. But, you also have to be versed in theology and the Bible (presuming Christian alignment). None of this is easy. I'll ignore the kooks and the crooks (Bennie Hinn?). Most clergy are good people who take their jobs seriously.

Second, you have to give a weekly speech, often from memory. I don't know many who can do that without practice, and I've been a high school math teacher. Trust me, this alone takes a lot of work.

Third, you have the reins of a non-profit organization. That takes organization skills. If you think that's easy, you've never considered what that takes.

One hour a week? Rubbish!

And I am an atheist!

Who said: "I only have to work four hours a week!"
Sorry about the confusion

In addition to the things you list, there are all kinds of ceremonies to be performed, sick to visit, people grieving, families in need of counseling, classes to be taught, and, in my father's case, political/social causes to be worked on.

Nobody worked harder or had the kind of evening/weekend demands.

Why dismiss the content by dismissing it's author? Greta didn't start the Clergy Project, and she's not the only media source. Once she writes about it, then it becomes "wishful thinking"? I can only assume you're referring to the headline, which she doesn't write. AlterNet has long needed to fire their headline editor, but ... meh ... what'r'ya'gonna'do?

There is also this, for example:

"It matters because, if clergy members start publicly abandoning religion, the whole house of cards could collapse."

The death of religion has been predicted for centuries. There have also been mass exoduses from the clergy when there have been true revolutions, such as Mexico, Russia, France. The whole house of cards has proven pretty sturdy.

While the Clergy Project serves a purpose, it is shattering across the board to leave a ministry, this project itself won't cause religion to tumble. It is, though, providing a necessary support for those who feel the need to leave. It reminds me much of the Coming Home Network, a project for, mainly, Protestant ministers who feel the need to leave and become Catholic.

http://chnetwork.org/

20 years ago there were 3 priests per church. Now there are 3 churches per priest.