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A couple of days ago on Thanksgiving I was a guest and therefore was completely caught off-guard when everybody gathered in a circle around the dinner table, joined hands, bowed their heads, and began to conjure up spirits before sitting down to eat dinner. I heard somebody mention it was time for prayer and I was a split second away from a clean getaway to the bathroom or some other part of the house but the hostess spotted me and motioned to come and stand next to her so it was too late.
I did what I always do at times like these, I opened my eyes right after everybody else shut theirs and looked around and watched what people were doing. A few were deep in thought, the kids were squirming, someone winked at me (hmm, a fellow atheist?); I was "thankful" it didn't continue with going around the room sharing what we're "thankful" for; I've heard of this and other horror stories on what some atheists have stumbled on.
While far from identical, I had a similar experience shortly after leaving the Roman Catholic Church. I stopped by the church to see a friend who worked there and a priest (whom I had also been friendly with) asked if my new motorcycle (which I had ridden to the church) had been blessed yet.
When I said "no," he ran to the rectory for some holy water and the proper "vehicle blessing" prayer. I know he meant it as an earnest favor, so I took no offense.
A couple of days ago on Thanksgiving I was a guest and therefore was completely caught off-guard when everybody gathered in a circle around the dinner table, joined hands, bowed their heads, and began to conjure up spirits before sitting down to eat dinner. I heard somebody mention it was time for prayer and I was a split second away from a clean getaway to the bathroom or some other part of the house but the hostess spotted me and motioned to come and stand next to her so it was too late.
I did what I always do at times like these, I opened my eyes right after everybody else shut theirs and looked around and watched what people were doing. A few were deep in thought, the kids were squirming, someone winked at me (hmm, a fellow atheist?); I was "thankful" it didn't continue with going around the room sharing what we're "thankful" for; I've heard of this and other horror stories on what some atheists have stumbled on.
Any similar experiences?
When in Rome do as Romans do. It is not that hard.
I am not a Jew and I have used the the kippah when entering their temple for a Batmitzvah.
And when I travel I eat what locals eat.
Otherwise why attend a Thanksgiving Dinner?
What do you do during Christmas when people say Merry Christmas?
Eh, when the blessing begins I just look around the table and think about how thankful I am to be surrounded by people I care for and who care for me. Alternately, I express silent gratitude for all of the work that went into preparing the meal, from the farmer to the cook. Works for me.
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