(February 6, 2009 at 12:18 am)chatpilot Wrote: When I was with my wife she wanted to have our daughters christened and logically me being the dad I was supposed to participate.By then I was a strong atheists and I refused,my brother in law stood in for me at the time since I told them I would never participate nor set foot in a church again for any reason.I might be a little on the extreme side but I dont do weddings or funerals and I have made it clear to my daughters that when the time comes for them to walk down the aisle I would only attend if it were not conducted in a church.I am a very outspoken atheist and am not hypocritical about my unbelief in God or christianity in general.
I am also not concerned about offending anyone as long as they know my position and respect my views I will respect theirs.If they try to force their primitive belief systems on me aggressively I will aggressively defend my position.I figure you have to give respect to get respect.My daughters are now 14 and 11 and they are leaning towards atheism already without my direct influence.Their mom is not really a christian she is one of those that professes belief but does not practice what she beleives.If you dont feel comfortable going to the christening just dont go stand up for your unbelief and if asked why be clear and dont beat around the bush.They need to respect your unbelief and if they cant do that then that is not your problem,it's an issue that they have to deal with on their own.
I commend your strength of character
I've practically decided no to go, but i will be seeing my parents this weekend and they're already aware of my wavering on this issue so i wonder if it'll get brought up.
