So far, I have not had a chance to go to any of these events; therefore, I will have to talk hypothetically for the most part.
1) Weddings
I'm sure I would have no problem whatsoever with this. To not attend a wedding, or turn down an invitation on the basis that you're an atheist would be plain silly, or even petulant. Weddings nowadays are very tenuously linked with religion, and, although I may not agree with everything that goes on during the wedding ceremony, I would like to think that I'd be happy for the couple, religious or otherwise.
2) Funerals
Although I would never leap at the chance to attend a funeral, purely for the sheer sadness of the whole occasion, a religious dimension wouldn't increase my reluctance. The concept behind funerals is not to throw atheists/agnostics into strops, but to simply pay a mark of respect to the dead. So, all in all, if I were offered the chance to attend, I would more out of obligation than anything, but also to pay a mark of respect. Religion would not influence me either way.
3) Christenings
I feel slightly irritated when babies are christened, purely because they don't know what's happening. They haven't had a chance to make their own decision about god, as they're not old enough yet. Babies are a lot more likely to be religious if they are plunged into the Christian world from a young age; I don' resent this per se, but I just think it's a little sad. However, if it were someone older who has decided to be christened, and who are capable of thinking independantly, good luck to them. I'd feel happy for them.
1) Weddings
I'm sure I would have no problem whatsoever with this. To not attend a wedding, or turn down an invitation on the basis that you're an atheist would be plain silly, or even petulant. Weddings nowadays are very tenuously linked with religion, and, although I may not agree with everything that goes on during the wedding ceremony, I would like to think that I'd be happy for the couple, religious or otherwise.
2) Funerals
Although I would never leap at the chance to attend a funeral, purely for the sheer sadness of the whole occasion, a religious dimension wouldn't increase my reluctance. The concept behind funerals is not to throw atheists/agnostics into strops, but to simply pay a mark of respect to the dead. So, all in all, if I were offered the chance to attend, I would more out of obligation than anything, but also to pay a mark of respect. Religion would not influence me either way.
3) Christenings
I feel slightly irritated when babies are christened, purely because they don't know what's happening. They haven't had a chance to make their own decision about god, as they're not old enough yet. Babies are a lot more likely to be religious if they are plunged into the Christian world from a young age; I don' resent this per se, but I just think it's a little sad. However, if it were someone older who has decided to be christened, and who are capable of thinking independantly, good luck to them. I'd feel happy for them.
