I found this group here in North Dallas called the "North Dallas Church of Freethought".

They're a secular organization. Basically church, without belief in a supernatural entity.

I found this odd. To me "church" has always been synonymous with "religion". That's the point that I brought up.

Here's what I posted in their debate section. Check out their forums if you want to see their response as well as mine.

"Definition:

1. A building for public, especially Christian Worship.
2. often Church
a. The company of all Christians regarded as a spiritual body.
b. A specified Christian denomination: "The Presbyterian Church"
c. A congregation
3. Public divine worship in a church; a religious service: "goes to church at Christmas and Easter".
4. The clerical profession; clergy.
5. Ecclesiastical power as distinguished from the secular: "the separation of church and state".

(Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com)

As most of us know the English language is always changing. Different words mean different things.

For example: If I was in a good mood and went around telling everyone how gay I was, 99% of people would automatically jump to the conclusion that I'm homosexual.

Now, one could argue that my elation fits the technical definition of the word "gay", and that I used the word properly. We know however that our language has evolved and that the word "gay" is synonymous with "homosexual".

Likewise, I'm sure NTCOF fits the technical definition of the word "church", but as you can see from the definition above the word "church" has become synonymous with "religion" or more specifically here in America, "Christianity".

Upon my return to work on Monday I told several people I attended church this Sunday. Not one thought that I could mean anything other than a religious church.

Even the term "separation of church and state" assumes that "church" refers to the religious / superstitious / supernatural and that "state" refers to what should be the secular entity.

NTCOF should change it's name to "North Texas Community of Freethought". See how I did that? You even get to keep the same initials

Seeing as how traditional religious institutions are rigid in their ways and this community is enlightened, you should not have any issue with changing the name for the sake of being academically correct."

I'm curious what this community has to say about the issue. Is the use of the word "church" okay for a secular organization?