a compromise pre-meal blessing?

[atheistmama]

And how has anything I said been hateful?

Oh no no no - that wasn't directed toward you in any way. That was directed at the suggestion I teach them to say something about blowing jesus etc. That's not what I'm going for here :-)

Well, tell them to think of a different person to thank each meal, can be an activity, raises awareness for historical contributions as well. I don't know if you're not going for awareness what were you going for? Ritual? I don't see the value in rituals in this type of setting, so I won't know what's best.

I guess it is partly for ritual. I like ritual. This is sort of philosophical and not statement of fact, but I think it's human nature to be drawn to ritual as a way to bond. Traditions and ritual help people connect. Thanking a different person at each meal is also a good idea. I think it mostly comes down to me wanting to both find a way to respect my husband's beliefs without compromising my own, and teach my children to respect and appreciate the sources of their food. We have a garden, which I hope encourages that too. I sound really hippy-ish don't I? LOL I'm not particularly.

[Angrboda]

Ritual? I don't see the value in rituals in this type of setting, so I won't know what's best.

We ain't got one of them "Menorah" things for our kind. I suggest we get one, only ours will have 6-6-6 candles.

[Angrboda]

I guess it is partly for ritual. I like ritual. This is sort of philosophical and not statement of fact, but I think it's human nature to be drawn to ritual as a way to bond. Traditions and ritual help people connect. Thanking a different person at each meal is also a good idea. I think it mostly comes down to me wanting to both find a way to respect my husband's beliefs without compromising my own, and teach my children to respect and appreciate the sources of their food. We have a garden, which I hope encourages that too. I sound really hippy-ish don't I? LOL I'm not particularly.

Btw, typically, religious ritual has non-obvious cognitive effects that transcend the rational, and in some ways represent non-cognitivistic coercion. Still want it?

[Minimalist]

"Go blow Jesus or Yahweh or whatever you want to call Him out your ass. Amen."

That's got a ring to it, Apo.

[Whateverist]

Ritual? I don't see the value in rituals in this type of setting, so I won't know what's best.

We ain't got one of them "Menorah" things for our kind. I suggest we get one, only ours will have 6-6-6 candles.

That's a powerful good idea, ma. I'll see what I can find down at the 5 and dime.

[NoraBrimstone]

Who blesses their food? That's a really odd thing to do.

[Whateverist]

Btw, typically, religious ritual has non-obvious cognitive effects that transcend the rational, and in some ways represent non-cognitivistic coercion. Still want it?

When you talk like that Ma I don't know who you are any more. So do you want me to try and pick one up or not?

[Angrboda]

Who blesses their food? That's a really odd thing to do.

Sometimes, the best belief is no belief. Sometimes the best ritual is no ritual. Isn't life enough without constantly having to "spin" its meaning?

[Whateverist]

A couple of possible heathen blessings to consider:

"A blessing be upon thee special turkey dinner, may your nutritional value shine upon us all."

"Now I sit me down to eat, pray the drumstick this year to keep. If I'm full before I quits, pray my fat ass in my tight pants still fits."

Now you go!

---

But I just read the one you found, Gorilla mom. It rocks. I recommend you keep that or maybe you could just have a moment of silence where everyone can think about being a living thing about to eat other (formerly) living things. We all eat and are food in our turn. The wheel of life goes round and round, round and round, round and round. Well, good luck with that.

Congratulations to both you and your husband on not letting these minor rituals divide you. For that you can both be thankful.