Serious question: do you (or anyone else) think it's immoral to go to church as an atheist just to meet people?
I get along really well with church people, but I simultaneously hate talking about religion.
I get along really well with church people, but I simultaneously hate talking about religion.
My opinion, as an atheist who finds personal religiosity quite boring, but finds the cultural phenomena of religion rather interesting, is that most people who attend church do so for socialization rather than faith. Most people (not all) don't really know much about their own religion, they just participate in the rituals because that's what they've always done and they've had no reason to really question it. There are quite a lot of people who give lip service to their religion but live effectively secular lives. Challenge them on it and they will likely become defensive, but actions speak louder than words.
So, I think you'll find plenty of people at church who are looking for socialization and aren't particularly interested in dogma. I'd stay away from the more extremist sects (people that do snake-handling and speaking in tongues are there for more than just something to do on the weekend). FWIW, in college, my muslim friends were always having parties that had their mosque membership as a central connection (not "college parties" but more than just dinners) I never got preached at, but some discussions were over my head ... plus they also had the best food. My connection was a girlfriend who was an immigrant and essentially a secular muslim.
I've observed that, but I've never understood it. I was raised to go to church on Sundays, but I found it about as enjoyable as going to prison. As a child, adults would tell me that someday I would start to like going to church, but it never happened. I seem to lack whatever gene makes people begin to like things and continue doing them just out of habit.
As an irony, I was a good student in CCD (Catholic education) and I probably possess more knowledge about Catholicism and Christianity than those habitual church-goers. I like to know things, but I can't stand the tedious rituals. It just shows that knowledge of religion and actually practicing it are not related or perhaps negatively correlated.
As shorthand advice: try to find a mission church in your area. A mission church expects newcomers from the area and should be welcoming. If on the off chance the church you attend feels unwelcoming for any reason you should try a different church. All churches are run by sinful humans and sometimes that works out better than others, sometimes not.
If you're uncomfortable with ministry, you can probably find a community service project without a "hidden agenda." For example, the goal of the above project wasn't to turn the kids into "little christians;" rather the goal was just to keep their literacy skills up during the summer while school isn't in session.
As an athiest, by working with a project like that, you'd be able to help do good in the community while still feeling a sense of fellowship with the others. I'm sure the other churchgoers would appreciate the help for the event even though you don't intend on "converting" or whatever.
And, maybe, in that spirit of exchange, throw a few dollars in the collection bowl. You enjoyed their HVAC for a few hours, and maybe even ate a little of their food.
But it probably depends on your view on religion. Some atheists consider religion to be vague platitudes and fairy tales, and so for them going to church is a meaningless act. I consider Christianity at least to be a very compelling and plausible worldview (although still false), and so for me going to church would feel very wrong. In fact I go out of my way to avoid participating in any religious acts, although I'm happy to visit a church that accepts tourists as tourists.
It is not immoral at all. If someone asks, just say you are not a Christian and you are just checking the place out. Don't lie or pretend to be otherwise. None of the Churches I have been to would care if you are not a Christian, but if they do care, go to another church. Churches vary a lot in beliefs and culture. I would not try engage in religious debate to prove their God does not exist ... no religious folks like to hear that (and some may be very offended if done inside a church).
If you are young and near a college, go to a college-orientated church (just about any church close to a large campus).
However, my recommendation would be forget this idea of "church people" you have, it sounds unhealthy to me. Less labels.
I'm not outspoken on the topic, so primarily these discussions have happened with my family, who seem disappointed.
I just find that I enjoy my time with Christians, particularly a Christian organization (which does amazing work and treats me better than maybe anyone ever has) for whom I maintain a website, and a pickup-basketball group that was held in a church each week. I'm not trying to support any "labels," rather it's just a personal observation.