Metatheism

[muon2]

As a member of the UCC (and past moderator of a congregation) I think your choice may work for you and your family. The UCC is very open to people searching for meaningful lives, and in this case it sounds like meaningful for you is social relevancy. I don't know the particulars of your congregation, but I don't think they would be offended by your lack of belief.

[muon2]

A lot of people are religious for the ritualistic aspects of the whole affair. That's how it's been since polytheistic times - very few people are orthodox or even know much about their religions, but subscribe for a communal sense of belonging.

I wouldn't lump the ritual in with the communal. Most people who are religious are so because of the sense of belonging and the ethics of that community. Relatively few are religious for the ritual. It's part of why there are so many loosely organized, non-denominational churches that have gained popularity over the last 30 years in my area while traditional churches have lost membership.

[muon2]

This is a terrible Moderate Hero position.

Either Jesus was real and he was magic or he wasn't.

If he was just some guy who was kinda nice (and made a bunch of weird comments about the apocalypse and how you should never get divorced) there is no reason to hold him in high esteem.

There have been tons of nice people throughout history.

Historians are in near unanimity that Jesus existed.

Even if one doesn't accept his divinity, his teachings distinguish him as more than just a nice guy. Arguably his understanding of morals and ethics puts him at the same level that Gandhi is seen in modern times.