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Going to church for family events?
February 5, 2009 at 9:57 am
Hey there new member here,
Long story short...
I am in conflict
I am a very strong atheist, in the past i have always gone to friends/families events at churches and although it has bothered me i have done it out of politeness or respect.
Most recently, i went to my Step-brothers wedding and put up with it.
But now they're about to have their new daughter christened.
The wedding was one thing as they are both consenting adults but i can't agree on any level with christening a child that has no choice in the matter.
I feel like i might be at the age/conviction level to actually not go.
Where do others stand on visiting churches for these things?
Your opinions very much appreciated
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RE: Going to church for family events?
February 5, 2009 at 10:32 am
Thankyou for the response
I am always keen to avoid offending people, especially those i see regularly
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RE: Going to church for family events?
February 5, 2009 at 10:36 am
If you are not being offensive then you can't offend people. If they take offense then the problem lies with them, however, it is always best to tread carefully and tailor your responses accordingly.
This all depends upon just how religious your step-brother and wife actually are and if they are having a Christening simply because it seems like the normal thing to do or because they are deeply religious.
Where on the scale would you say they are?
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RE: Going to church for family events?
February 5, 2009 at 10:50 am
The marriage represented more than a religious ceremony. The christening, however, is solely a religious ritual. If you don't want to go watch or participate by supporting them, in my opinion that is totally understandable. I can't say how I would handle their reactions since I don't know how/if they are likely to react to or confront you about your absence. My brother is getting married soon, but in a Mormon temple, so I can't attend even if I'd wanted to. Lucky me!
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RE: Going to church for family events?
February 5, 2009 at 11:05 am
Weddings and funerals are the only reasons I would go to a church. I find baptism to be a very offensive sacrament so I would never go to one, no matter how close a friend is. I would also not go to a confirmation. I have an 11 year old sister who will begin confirmation in a few years, if she decides to go through with it I would not attend.
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RE: Going to church for family events?
February 5, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I think most of the points have already been made but, unless you have a reason to keep your beleifs a secret I don't think anyone will be offended in any way that lasts. they might think they are for a little while but, little more.
In my experience they will find ways to get you there later anyways, two cases being a wedding that was 1% wedding 99% worship service and a preschool event same thing but, I left the moment my nephew was done his show.
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A man is born to a virgin mother, lives, dies, comes alive again and then disappears into the clouds to become his Dad. How likely is that?
