As an Atheist, how do you handle.... (believe, priest, funerals)

[FormerCaliforniaGirl]

.....situations where people around you are praying?

I recently attended my husband's daughter's wedding. At the end of the ceremony, the minister asked everybody to bow their heads while he said (a very long) prayer. I did not bow my head (I never do in these types of situations). Probably nobody noticed, but I wouldn't have cared if they had.

I know some atheists, out of respect, will bow their heads just to go along. But I find that I just can't do this. I find prayer to be useless, and I don't want to be fake.

What do you all think?

[cncracer]

Originally Posted by FormerCaliforniaGirl

.....situations where people around you are praying?

I recently attended my husband's daughter's wedding. At the end of the ceremony, the minister asked everybody to bow their heads while he said (a very long) prayer. I did not bow my head (I never do in these types of situations). Probably nobody noticed, but I wouldn't have cared if they had.

I know some atheists, out of respect, will bow their heads just to go along. But I find that I just can't do this. I find prayer to be useless, and I don't want to be fake.

What do you all think?

I agree with you. I will stand and be quite, but will not bow my head or recite the mythical pledges.

[Tesaje]

Me too. I just sit or stand there quiet and look around. I figure anyone else doing that doesn't believe in any of it either.

[DTO Luv]

Ditto.

[Spotted1]

I tend to stand and look low, but not necessarily "down". Most times I can get away with not even doing that, as it's just assumed that I won't be participating and am keeping an 'eye' on the mini-heathens

[Dusty Rhodes]

I believe this may be a unanimous decision, unless, of course, a christer steps in.

[ShepsMom]

I start whistling

[Mooseketeer]

If someone is praying I just stand still but do not bow or close my eyes. It would be hypocritical .

I respect people's belief and will be respectful in a church setting, so I expect the same modicum of courtesy in response and for Christians not to have a hissy fit at my candour.

I am always surprised how many atheists pretend to have religion and have church weddings , church funerals or have their kids christened. What is that all about. I have long held the view that actually Atheists/Agnostics are the most common people in our society but still so many cling to appearances and tradition. If everyone was truly honest I genuinely believe most Christians would be in a minority.

Christmas "Christians" are the most common by far in my opinion, people with no faith but a great fear to disturb social order and break tradition.
I have seen people I know in Church services ( weddings, christenings, funerals ) who actually bow their head and even say amen when I know perfectly well that they like me are atheists. That is just bizarre....

Churches are usually places with great architecture and history so I just let my eye rove on architectural details or think of my shopping list, whatever makes the time pass.

[MontanaGuy]

It would depend on the situation for me. My Mother and Step Father are very religious and they always say grace at a meal. I do bow my head simply as a gesture of respect for them. I feel it would be rude and hurtful if my body language appeared to be condescending. If there was some sort of a public prayer at some kind of event with a bunch of strangers I would not bow my head or pretend to be communicating with a God I don't even think exists.

[Thatguywho]

Originally Posted by FormerCaliforniaGirl

.....situations where people around you are praying?

I recently attended my husband's daughter's wedding. At the end of the ceremony, the minister asked everybody to bow their heads while he said (a very long) prayer. I did not bow my head (I never do in these types of situations). Probably nobody noticed, but I wouldn't have cared if they had.

I know some atheists, out of respect, will bow their heads just to go along. But I find that I just can't do this. I find prayer to be useless, and I don't want to be fake.

What do you all think?

If I am with family or friends I bow out of respect and just deal with it. For them, not for the religion. I might even say amen, to be respectful and that is all.

It is not fake to show respect for family, especially in public, it is scincere.
You can rag on them afterwards if you like though..lol

My friend got married a few years back. The priest went on a sermon about 'how ego gets in the way'...but instead of using the word 'ego' he said 'eggo' (like the waffle).

Funniest thing I ever sniclered through in my life...even the married couple was snickering (you could see them trying not to be obvious about it)