I am not religious and have no desire to start being now but sometimes I just want the community people get with church. I am craving connection with the community and feel it’s very healthy for families and neighbors as well. The United States is seriously lacking in third spaces and communities. It’s leading to a serious loneliness epidemic… Just wondering if there is anything that can fill that need for non-religious folks?
The Buddhist word for this is sangha or community of like minded individuals. Not necessarily to suggested a sangha but most are non denominational and not strictly religious as well as being kind welcoming individuals.
The core concept though is just finding the people you vibe with, or “your people.” Try finding places that revolve around a hobby or interest of yours and you will likely find like-minded individuals.