How far do you take your atheism ?

PhiloCypher

This is a question thats been knocking around in my head for quite some time but was only brought into focus when I saw an uncle attend but refuse to go through the motions at a relatives funeral , while I admired him for standing by his convictions I chose to not risk upsetting my older(and more religious) relatives by being seen to make a statement on such a delicate occasion took communion and stood/kneeled where appropriate. So I'm curious to see where people stand on the issue .

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

smokingman

I would go to a funeral or wedding but I wouldn't cross myself or go to communion though.
Had my wedding in a church (relgion doesn't mean anything to me but why shouldn't I take advantage of getting hitched in a nice big ornate building?)
I don't correct older people as I'm not really gonna get in an arguement with them; if there's one thing I've learned over the years is that you may as well be talking to a brick wall.
If the school had high standards then yeah, I'd send my son. A friend of mine (who was born catholic) baptised his sons as protestant just to get them into the best school in his area which seems perfectly fine to me.

Shenshen

PhiloCypher wrote: »

This is a question thats been knocking around in my head for quite some time but was only brought into focus when I saw an uncle attend but refuse to go through the motions at a relatives funeral , while I admired him for standing by his convictions I chose to not risk upsetting my older(and more religious) relatives by being seen to make a statement on such a delicate occasion took communion and stood/kneeled where appropriate. So I'm curious to see where people stand on the issue .

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

I would attend the funeral, but I don't really see what's achieved by lying about my beliefs... I think it would be more of an insult to people who do believe if I as a non-believer went to communion.

We did not have our wedding at church, again we didn't really see the point in lying to keep anyone happy.

I tend not to correct them, sure it won't harm anyone and if it makes them feel better, it would be petty to pick a fight about something like that.
That said, I feel it would be insufferably patronising of me to lie to anybody, especially an older person, just to conform to what they expect. I wouldn't want it done to me, and I will pay the same them the same courtesy.

If the need arises, I will do whatever it takes to give my child a good education. And if there's no other option apart from denominational school, then denominational school it is.
I will just be careful to make sure to make all information about all religions available to the child, and encourage it to think critically about all matters "spiritual".

Edit : Whoops, misread question # 3
I've never had anybody asking me to pray for them, but I've had a few people telling me they'd pray for me, I guess that's why I misunderstood.
If I was ever asked? I don't know, to be honest... I'd probably try and find a nicely reassuring phrase to avoid answering...

liamw

PhiloCypher wrote: »

This is a question thats been knocking around in my head for quite some time but was only brought into focus when I saw an uncle attend but refuse to go through the motions at a relatives funeral , while I admired him for standing by his convictions I chose to not risk upsetting my older(and more religious) relatives by being seen to make a statement on such a delicate occasion took communion and stood/kneeled where appropriate. So I'm curious to see where people stand on the issue .

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

Wouldn't kneel. Stand at the back unless it's a close friend/relative.

No, not unless my partner insisted

Probably say nothing

With hesitation, and with consultation with the teachers

sonicthebadger*

PhiloCypher wrote: »

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

1. I don't see it as making a stand. I would see it as an insult to the truly faithful to "go through the motions" and disrespect their... um, something or other. (At least that's how I put it if pressed.) Why would I take the wafer if I don't believe it's human flesh?

2. I know of a couple of beautiful churches suitable for the occasion but I also know of some other venues equally suitable, that's not to say I would actually get married as I don't agree with the terms of the contract as they stand.

3. I usually just say I will, unless I know them well, then I joke that I don't think it'll do much good. They're never offended.

4. Rather than not sending them to a school at all? Yes, I suppose my choices are limited on that question.

Ickle Magoo

[*]When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?

- I view funerals and weddings much like birthday parties, it's not about me and my lack religion plays no part in my supporting my friends and the venue is for those who throw the bash to decide, I am just a spectator tho as I've never been christened or baptised into a faith.

[*]Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?

- No way, josé - we did not want to get married in a church & were married on a beautiful scottish country estate instead.

[*]Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?

I'd just smile & say "I'll be thinking of you". I don't get old (any?) people asking me to pray for them tbh...

[*]Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

-What do you mean if the need arose? They legally have to go to a school and if there was absolutely no other choice then of course they'd go to a denominational school - we're looking at moving at the mo and one of the big deciding factors is having a decent multi-denominational/non-denominational school nearby.

judas101

PhiloCypher wrote: »

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

1) Yes, don't kneel or receive communion obviously but wouldn't make a scene for the sake of my family.

2) Absolutely not.

3) Never happened but would probably say I would.

4) Only if all other avenues were exhausted.

housetypeb

At weddings funerals etc i stand /kneel etc, no signs of the cross or saying prayers .
I had my children baptised when they were seven and eight-their choice, they know i dont believe in gods. the ceremony itself with the anointing of oil and holy water just brought home to me what a load of hokum symbolism it all was.
Married in a civil ceremony.
No relative of mine would ask me to pray for them-they know my views.
the kids go to catholic school(no other choice around here) and learn religion-at home i point out how religion evolved from belief in many gods to one god by people that did not understand science to explain the world around them. They know that cats were worshiped in eygpt and ceasar made his horse a god while cows are sacred in India.(just to keep the playing field level)

krudler

1. funerals and weddings (not that I havent been to one in years apart from the afters)
2.hmmm, would depend on herself, if a church wedding is something she really wanted then I'd go along with it, its just pointless symbolism at the end of it all, the marriage isself is more important.
3. Meh, no point belittling elderly peoples beliefs if thats what they've got,my grandmother knew I didnt really believe but still prayed for me, not that it did much good, as if prayers ever do.
4.not much choice in this country, hopefully by the time I have kids we'll be away from the churches claws on the schools in this country, doubtful thats gonna happen any time soon though.

jayzusb.christ

I shake hands with people at weddings and funerals, and kneel and stand when other people do - i don't see the point in ranting if it interferes with another person's big day or day of mourning.

I'm not married, but i'd probably choose a deconsecrated church, which a friend of mine did in Scotland.

Wouldn't chastise an old person for praying for me - their heart's in the right place and you're hardly going to change their minds at this stage.

I probably would send my kids to a denominational school if it was the best quality option - but i'd prefer not to if it wasn't.

Don't think I'd call myself an atheist but...

[*]When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
- I stand and sit but no kneeling and no pretense of communion. If I'm there it's for an occasion and not about me so I won't be rude.

[*]Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
- Definitely not

[*]Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
- I don't get asked that but no I wouldn't - I would take it as "wish them luck" or "be in my thoughts" etc

[*]Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?
- If I could avoid it, no

amacachi

PhiloCypher wrote: »

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

1. Make a stand? No, I stay seated at all times in the church.
2. Not a Catholic Church, possibly a CoI one if the lady insisted.
3. No, I'd say nothing, it's not like when they don't get what they want that they're going to try and track down who didn't pray.
4. No.

Dades

PhiloCypher wrote: »

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

1. No motions other than standing up and sitting down. I draw the line at kneeling to someone else's god and eating their flesh.
   
2. Did before and would do again (if my next wife is also an a la carte catholic). Too big a day to ruin for someone else.
   
3. Unless those old people are my parents or in-laws, no.
   
4. Of course - my taxes pay for the bastard thing.

Zombrex

PhiloCypher wrote: »

When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?

Depends on what you mean by the motions. I go to Christian funerals, but I don't kneel to pray, nor do I mouth the prayers the priests lead us in nor do I receive communion. I do stand when expected to stand.

Basically I don't pretend to be a Christian, since I'm not.

I imagine that isn't just something atheists do but what any non-Christian would do at a Christian funeral.

PhiloCypher wrote: »

Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?

I wouldn't have my wedding in a church. If I was forced to by my future wife (which is a possibility, that last few weddings I've observed the bride rules with an iron fist) I would not pretend to be Christian simply to get the church.

I don't see this as making a stand against Christianity, I see it more as not wishing to insult the priest and members of the Church. I think pretending to be something just to get a nice building for your wedding (which a lot of my "Catholic" friends to) is dishonest and disrespectful both to myself and them.

PhiloCypher wrote: »

Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?

I can't say that has ever happened to me. I guess it would depend on the circumstances. If the person is in a lot of stress or pain I don't think having a theological discussion with them would be that productive. If on the other hand it was turning into a situation where it could be seen as me misleading or being dishonest (say for example the old person thinks I'm going to Church each Sunday to light a candle for them) then I would politely nip that in the bud.

PhiloCypher wrote: »

Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

I would do a lot of avoid that. If it was literally a case of denominational school vs no school at all I would.

Mark Hamill

PhiloCypher wrote: »

[*]When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?

I would go and just remain inconspicuous. I wouldn't do any movements or get the bread, but I wouldn't try to make that fact that I dont be noticed. These events are not about me, they are done for the people getting married or for relatives of those who have died.

PhiloCypher wrote: »

[*]Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?

I'm not sure. Now I would say no, not likely, but in the future, who knows?

PhiloCypher wrote: »

[*]Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?

This has never happened to me.

PhiloCypher wrote: »

[*]Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

Depends on how denominational. I certainly wouldn't get them baptised. But if I couldn't find and ET school, and the denominational wasn't too bad, I probably would.

cavedave

When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions? Would/did you have your wedding in a church ? Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ? Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

Will go, jump up and down, sing the songs if they are nice. I wont go eat pretend human flesh.
No I did not have a religious ceremony. Some relatives were worried but once we assured them there would be a party they were fine.
No I don't correct old people.
I hope it does not arise thanks to ET but I probably would if I had to.

checkyabadself

- I attend weddings and funerals and always try to stand at the back. If theres room I'll sit quietly throughout. I don't stand or kneel at the appropriate times, but I can't see this as being disrespectful in any way. I have politely declined to act as a pallbearer or to say readings as I don't deem it appropriate given my unbelief.

-I wouldn't be keen to get married in this country, let alone a church. I really loathe the wedding traditions we have.

It would depend on whether the old person was what I'd refer to as old skool. Some old people are so dyed in the wool catholic, that id probably say I would pray for them. In essence they would be in my thoughts and I would be rooting for them.

-I'm 26, and if I were to start a family now, id like to think that the separation of church
and state will be well under way. That said, today, I'd hypothetically send them to the best school available to them, all the better if it were non-denominational. I wouldn't preach my atheism to m child(ren). I can't see how it would differ from any other brand of childhood indoctrination. I'd encourage free thinking and for them to question everything with open eyes.

Turtwig

PhiloCypher wrote: »

This is a question thats been knocking around in my head for quite some time but was only brought into focus when I saw an uncle attend but refuse to go through the motions at a relatives funeral , while I admired him for standing by his convictions I chose to not risk upsetting my older(and more religious) relatives by being seen to make a statement on such a delicate occasion took communion and stood/kneeled where appropriate. So I'm curious to see where people stand on the issue .

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

1 : Normally attend a religious service every week. Usually ALternate between Buddhism and Catholicism, the latter partly being because its the focal point of the community so nearly all news and current affairs will be announced there. The former because its relaxing.

2 : Depends on what the SO/OH wants.
3 : Nope, I don't but I do normally add that there are more needy people out there that need their prayers more than I do.
4 : Yes.

The_Minister

PhiloCypher wrote: »

This is a question thats been knocking around in my head for quite some time but was only brought into focus when I saw an uncle attend but refuse to go through the motions at a relatives funeral , while I admired him for standing by his convictions I chose to not risk upsetting my older(and more religious) relatives by being seen to make a statement on such a delicate occasion took communion and stood/kneeled where appropriate. So I'm curious to see where people stand on the issue .

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

1. As little as possible, but I am in their house, and I don't want to ruin an occasion because I threw a strop, so I go along to keep things harmonious.
2. I would. I even know the priest I would ask.
3. No, the only time people have said that to me in a non-joking way is when they are stressing about medical things. I am not a monster.
4. Yep, would check first to see what was being taught, but I would have no problem sending my kids to a Christian school - most of them aren't that strict these days.

Improbable

PhiloCypher wrote: »

This is a question thats been knocking around in my head for quite some time but was only brought into focus when I saw an uncle attend but refuse to go through the motions at a relatives funeral , while I admired him for standing by his convictions I chose to not risk upsetting my older(and more religious) relatives by being seen to make a statement on such a delicate occasion took communion and stood/kneeled where appropriate. So I'm curious to see where people stand on the issue .

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

1. Never actually been to a funeral/wedding. I tend to avoid it, not for religious reasons but because I don't like getting dressed up. I suppose if I had to, I wouldn't make an obvious and outrageous denouncement of the motions, but neither would I follow them.

2. I'm a bit of a softie with regards to that so I'd probably go with whatever my other half wanted. It wouldn't bother me if she did want to have it in a church.

3. Again, never been in that situation but I'd just tell them that they'll be in my thoughts.

4. I would have a VERY look through the curriculum to see what they're teaching but I assume by that question that you mean if I had no other choice. Well obviously I'm not going to deprive any children I might have of an education...

rainbow kirby

PhiloCypher wrote: »

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

1. Depends really. Try to be as inconspicuous as possible if going to it is unavoidable.
2. Even if I *was* religious, churches would in general have a problem with marrying me under their roof - so no.
3. Wouldn't say anything really - it's not really worth annoying them.
4. I'd really rather not. I'd do whatever it took to get them into an Educate Together/similar non-denominational school.

jayzusb.christ

Oops, misread the OP - for some reason I thought it said 'if an old person said they'd pray for you'.

So, while it's never happened that an old person asked me to pray for them, I would probably just nod, smile and say something like 'I'll be thinking of you.' I don't really think it would help to start trying to harass them with your own beliefs (or lack thereof) when they're obviously in need of comforting.

Turtwig

jayzusb.christ wrote: »

Oops, misread the OP - for some reason I thought it said 'if an old person said they'd pray for you'.

So, while it's never happened that an old person asked me to pray for them, I would probably just nod, smile and say something like 'I'll be thinking of you.' I don't really think it would help to start trying to harass them with your own beliefs (or lack thereof) when they're obviously in need of comforting.

Oops I misread it too.

Truley

When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?

I would be very upset if a friend or relative refused to go to my (non-religious) wedding or funeral, so I would be a hypocrite if I did the same to them. I see it as their event, I am there to watch and show support.

As for Christmas/Easter etc, I will go because it keeps my parents happy, although they know I don't like it. Will do the kneeling, communion and all that jazz while I'm there.

Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?

Not married and would really hate to have my wedding in a church. I don't see it ever happening to be honest.

Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?

No, I would do as they requested and say a prayer as it is something that means alot to them and isn't a major inconvienience to me.

Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

Ideally I would send them to either an Educate Together or a Waldorf school. However I wouldn't let the ethos be the only deciding factor. The ET school in my area has quite a poor reputation, if I had children right now I would probably send them to one of the local denominational schools.

[-0-]

I'm going to a funeral tomorrow. I will sit and stand (if I stayed sitting while others stood up I would be looking at someone's arse. Feck that) but that's it. No communion. I'll shake hands with the family after the funeral and say I'm sorry for their loss.

legspin

PhiloCypher wrote: »

This is a question thats been knocking around in my head for quite some time but was only brought into focus when I saw an uncle attend but refuse to go through the motions at a relatives funeral , while I admired him for standing by his convictions I chose to not risk upsetting my older(and more religious) relatives by being seen to make a statement on such a delicate occasion took communion and stood/kneeled where appropriate. So I'm curious to see where people stand on the issue .

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

1) Depends. Weddings, funerals yes (and even then given any excuse I'm outta there). Baptisms, communions, confirmations no.

2) We did, to please an important relative and it was a waste of time. She wasn't happy anyway. It was nice enough but now we wish we hadn't bothered.

3) Yes.

4) Once upon a time. Now, no

iguana

1) I'd go to an important church service of a friend/relative in the exact same way that I've go to important Hindu/Jewish/Pagan services of friends/relatives. I attend but don't really participate other than the "politeness" requirements, like standing for the entrance of the bride/coffin.

2) I had a civil marriage service in the former castle of Sir William Compton, courtier and friend of Henry VIII. I felt getting married in the castle where Mr divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived was known to have hung out was too good a marriage omen to pass up.:)

3) I wouldn't correct them but would politely side-step the issue by telling them they'd be in my thoughts.

4) I would definitely prefer not to. Tbh, though I'm not too enamored with the current standard education system regardless of it's religious denomination and would rather send my children to a full Montessori school, at least for primary education and am putting money aside for that.

Ickle Magoo wrote: »

-What do you mean if the need arose? They legally have to go to a school and if there was absolutely no other choice then of course they'd go to a denominational school -

Children don't have to be sent to school according to the law. If you want to home-educate that is absolutely your right in both the UK and Ireland.

bad2dabone

When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?

I think making a stand at someones wedding or funeral (or even baptism) is crass and
only serves to make you look like a militant weirdo. If you strongly disagree then don't attend. Personally I attend but just sit there. I stand, won't kneel and of course wont take communion.

Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?

I did have, I still had wishy-washy beliefs at the time.

Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?

Never been asked to pray for someone by that person. But I don't think I would correct them to be honest. I think the only time I would offer my beliefs is if someone said "Why are you an athiest?"

Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

No, I absolutely refuse to have my child indoctrinated.

Morrigin

When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
I sit and stand, don't kneel, don't say the prayers and don't take communion. I wouldn't make a stand at anyone else's event because that's just rude.

Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
No, we're having a civil ceremony next year

Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
No I just tell them I'll keep them in my thoughts

Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?
Don't want to have children but if I did if it came to it I'd home school them rather than send them to a denominational school

who the fug

PhiloCypher wrote: »

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

Would go as I am paying respect to a person who is dead or the couple who invited me, would not go to communion as I think that is an insult to RC believers

Never

Nope, that is their belief not mine and as long as their are not in my space I don't care

best school wins out

seamus

PhiloCypher wrote: »

When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?

I would always attend the celebration of someone else's occasions in whatever manner they wish to celebrate them. Within reason of course. I draw the line at blood sacrifices.
As for the literal "standing", I used to stay sitting for the entire ceremony but I found that it made everyone else very uncomfortable and I was doing it more for the sake of being obtuse and making a stand than anything else. So I realised that if I actually wanted to "make a stand" I would just not go to the ceremony - so when I do attend a ceremony I don't go out of my way to make anyone else uncomfortable. Likes Dades, I will sit and stand with my hands behind my back, but I don't kneel nor otherwise get involved in the ceremony.

Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?

I did. I had no particular preference about the location or format so long as I got to sign the legal documents and tell her I love her.

Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?

It's never been something requested of me, but I would see no reason to upset someone further by correcting them. Ignorance in this case is better. It makes no difference whether or not I pray for them, so they don't need to know whether or not I do.

Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

Whatever's best for the child. If the nearest non-denominational school is a 20 mile trip away and/or all of his/her friends will be attending the denominational school, then I'll probably choose the lesser of two evils.
The only "bad" that I can say came out of my Catholic education was horrific ignorance in relation to other religions.

Gregor Samsa

When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?

If I knew/respected the person enough to be invited in the first place, I'll go to whatever format of celebration they were having. For religious ceremonies, as an observer, not an active participant (although I do like to shake old people's hands very firmly and for a bit too long, just to be sure I'm making peace with them).

Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?

Wouldn't and didn't. I'm not a member, so I see no need to use the clubhouse.

Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?

I can't recall this ever happening. If it did, I'd let it pass without comment, unless they wanted me to say the prayer there and then out loud. In that case, I'd summon Kali to strike them down.


Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

Yes. There's and ET school in my town, but it doesn't have very good facilities, and was slated in a report commissioned by ET themselves - so I'll probably go for one of the "Catholic ethos" schools for my heathen daughter. But I wouldn't go so far as to have her baptised into a faith I reject.

mohawk

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions? I would never insult a close friend or a family member by not going to their wedding or to a funeral. The day isn't about me. I don't take communion though and don't recite all the stuff that your suppossed to.
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ? I don't think I would but, if it the OH wanted a church wedding I might consider it.
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ? Has never happened. I think I would let it pass without making any comment on the matter.
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ? I would prefer not to but we moved a few months ago and my son is now 14 months so the chances of getting him into ET are nil so catholic school it is. He isn't baptised and I really hope the baby boom isn't going to force me to baptise him.

Blerke

When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?

I would simply sit or stand when everyone else does, Im there for support not to say 'behold my defiance!'
I kneel too but wasnt aware this was a line some wont cross....

Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?

I did. Mostly 'yes dear' but saw it as the cultural tradition of her family, or people or whatever (I'm a foreigner) and as the Priest in dublin said before he gave us the nod ' At least you're not a Muslim'.

Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?

No, dont see the point. That adds to the 'sneering athiests' tag.

Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

This ones a worry. Hasnt happened yet but could be an issue in the future. Suppose I'll have to find a wizard who understands the situation and will do a quick spasher.

strobe

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?

I'll always go to a wedding etc if invited and I have nothing else planned for the day, but I never do the standing/sitting/eating manky unleavened bread crap. And I won't be kneeling for anybody anytime anywhere.

2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?

Not married yet but ideally it won't be in a church, no. Having said that it's really up to my fiance. If she has her heart set on a church wedding I'd have it there. In 99% of cases the wedding is far far far more important to the bride than the groom, so I'll just go with the flow really.

3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?

Never had anyone ask me to pray for them, old or otherwise. But if it happened I'd probably just say "yeah sure, why not" can't see the point of picking an argument with them.

4.Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

Hopefully the need won't arise but possibly. I will not ever be getting my children baptised though just to get them into one. If it came down to a choice between either having them baptised or no school being available to them in the entire country I would home school them or hire private tutors first.

mailforkev

When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
I find them a bit uncomfortable but I will always attend the wedding ceremony or funeral of those close to me (whatever religion they are). I don't do christenings/anniversary masses/anything else religious. I will sit and stand taking the lead from others, don't kneel or know any of the prayers.

Would/did you have your wedding in a church?
Of course not, will be a civil service when we do it. We're both on the same page. Unlikely to happen, but if anyone has a problem with this then they don't have to come.

Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them?
I will let them know that I will think of them. In the unlikely event that this was questioned then I would let them know I'm not religious.

Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arose?
Have two ET schools within 10 minutes so hopefully won't be a problem. If there is a disaster and they do need to go to a denominational school for some reason then they will be sitting out any religious bits that that denomination do.

WesternNight

PhiloCypher wrote: »

1. When the need arises (funerals/weddings) do you make a stand or go through the motions?
2. Would/did you have your wedding in a church ?
3. Do you correct old people when they ask you to say a prayer for them ?
4. Would you send your child to a denominational school if the need arised ?

I'd go to funerals and weddings, but just sit and stand. I don't kneel, say any of the prayers, or have communion.

No, I wouldn't have my wedding in a church.

I don't think I've ever had anyone ask me to say a prayer for them. It would depend who would say it, but I'd probably just nod/smile politely. I wouldn't say I would or wouldn't.

If at all possible, I wouldn't send my hypothetical children to any school that conducts its business/instructs/teaches from any religion.