Since we choose to not believe in a god and choose not to follow any form of religion. My question is this, If you were invited to a baptisim of a close friend would you attend both the mass ceremony and then the part afterwards or would you just go right to the after party? Although not going is a third option keep in mind this is a close friend, rather a life long friend. So what would you do?
127559
Well it is up to you have active you are in the ceremony, but personally I would not participate actively in something that I did not believe in. It all depends what it is they're doing though. For example if they are praying then I would stay silent and wait for them to finish, but if they wished me to be a godparent then I would probably have to decline because that would involve me saying things that I did not believe. I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that. You should just see the baptism for what it is, a way for the parents to celebrate the birth of their new child and introduce him to the community. That something we can all enjoy :-)
143379
atheists don't believe in GOD or any other divine being.  If the person is asking for the purpose of attending one of these gatherings, it stands to reason that he or she isn't an atheist.\n\nNow in answer to your question, I don't live in Ohio, and I don't follow the ideas of the church of satan so I can't tell you.
411162
As we live in a Christian Society I'm afraid like the rest of us Atheists you only have two choices.\n1 Go but sit quietly when prayers are said, and dont sing the hymns.(Most people wont notice if you sit and stand when they do) You support them by showing respect for their beliefs.\n2 Dont go to the church but attend the reception or party afterwards. If they are friends then they should respect your beliefs too.\nAs a teacher you could try approaching the Head-master. Most schools nowadays dont use Religion in Assemblies or make provision for pupils whose beliefs may conflict. You could perhaps supervise those pupils. If you must attend do as I suggest for a church service.\nDevout is usually not used as people tend to think of it in religious terms. It actually means devoted to your belief so is grammatically correct but most WONT see it that way!\nOnly you can choose how you will behave!
584851
Go for it,honey.\nlt's time to follow the promptings of God in your heart.\nl'm also a Catholic but have no problems attending Evangelical groups.The ecumenical attitude of the late Pope should be practiced,not preached.\nThe Church is ONE.
564047
I'm not an atheist... but I'll take the hypothetical anyway and pretend that I'm being asked to convert to a particular religion, being as I am not religious at all. The question is, after all, would I convert and practice a belief system different from my own to save my daughter.\n\nWell, of course I would, generally speaking... but would it matter? As you say... if there's a God, He would know that I didn't really begin to believe anything different, and I'd probably make him that much more angry with me. I'd do an awful lot for a child of mine.\n\nI've decided to pose the question that gwad suggested, as I'd like to know what other religious people think. :)
393586
There is the route of reason that anything you said or did before the age of reason doesn't really apply. Still, I understand your situation and that it would make you feel uncomfortable, since there are certainly plenty of examples of God taking a child pledged to him at or before birth for various things.\n\nHmm...if you're not averse to the idea of a ritual to reverse a ritual, drop me a message...I'm getting a few ideas.
439190
My husband and I are atheists. He told me about his position before we married and I accepted it. I was an atheist in every way but by name, and just decided that I am what I am; I've been happy with the decision ever since.\n\nThat said, the argument they give about dating outside of their faith is almost the same one used by those who oppose gay marriage. They somehow believe that gay marriage is a threat to heterosexual marriage. My husband and I have discussed this before; our feeling is, if our marriage is somehow threatened by Bob and Dave's marriage, then we have other problems. Our marriage is our marriage; the only threat to our marriage would be a lack of love, respect or communication with the other. That's our problem, not something Bob and Dave created.\n\nIf you are strong in your beliefs, whatever they are, you rise to the challenge to defend them. Your faith (whether in God or in yourself) should not be shaken by association with those who believe differently than you. If anything, it should bolster your confidence to go out into the world. \n\nYour friend believes that all she does is based on faith at its very foundation. Frankly, she may be feeling very conflicted because you are a decent, trusting, and honorable person on your own - without having the guilt of religion as a motivator to be these things. In her mind, and that of her friends, you can't have those qualities without faith. Your relationship with her proves that you can; it's a threat to what she believes, and on some level she may be questioning her faith. You are not asking her to give up her faith. You are treating her with kindness, respect and are offering the prospect of being in a loving relationship. You have not shunned her friends because they are Christians, you embrace them as cool people who just happen to believe differently. \n\nI don't know what to tell you other than you seize opportunities when they're presented to you. I hope she at least considers how wonderful dating could be for the both of you. The only way you're going to know is to jump in and see what happens. If it goes well, you will approach any hurdles your differences present from a standpoint of love and respect. If it doesn't work, you will have given it an effort, and time will heal whatever heartbreak occurs.\n\nYou can't know how it's going to work without giving it a chance.
189140
No.  That's a great idea.\n\nThe best way to visit other religions' ritual observances, however, is as a guest of an adherent of that faith.  This is better because one has a guide to what is appropriate and inappropriate for guests of other faiths (or, in your case, of no faith).  For example, visiting a Roman Catholic Church, it is inappropriate for non-Catholics to receive Communion.  Also, your friend or acquaintance with whom you have come can answer questions your child might have afterwards from an insider's perspective.\n\nMost healthy religious communities that let non-members attend at all (and it is important to check) are very considerate of their guests.  Try reaching out to the leaders of the faith communities and expressing your wish.  Most are very ready to accomodate such a request.\n\nYour reason for wanting to do this is very responsible.  In a world of so much hatred and violence because of religious differences, any action to promote understanding and peaceful coexistence between people with different perspectives on spirituality is a good action, and should be supported.
432344
I had some very personal unexplained experiences that helped me.  I'm not religious though. I believe religion is politics and people. I love God and I believe in the virgin birth, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I was not raised with any sort of Christan up bringing.  I also do not currently attend church. I was hurt by people there. I still love God and Jesus, they did not hurt me.  I want a church that is a reflection of heaven...all races, gay and straight, bikers, rappers, prostitutes, homeless, rich and poor, skinny and fat and everything in between, no judgments everyone just doing their best to be more like Christ. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we will fail miserably but in this church it will be OK to fail. You'll admit it and do better next time and the people will love you and encourage you just the same.  If you know where this church is let me know, I've got to meet these people.
407303
Thank you, first of all, for understanding the difference between prayer and worship.  As for whether or not this still takes away from the glory of God, I would say no.  While they were alive, people asked the apostles and the saints to pray for them or to help them.  That does not go against the glory of God.  Catholics are just continuing this practice once these people are dead and in the presence of God.
501929
The only people I would like to switch bodies with would be a person who has no idea of what it is like to be physically disabled and in constant pain even if one does not look disabled.  Can I pick who I switch with?  If it is strictly on a religious basis I know who i would like to switch with so they might know what it is like to be snubbed by people you thought were friends.  Yeah, I am a little bitter, but don't really hold a grudge.  They have to be who they are, just wish they could accept me for who I am.
104156
I have to totally agree with this quote. I have a relative that thinks if you don't go to HIS church (whichever one it is at the time) then you aren't serving God. I believe exactly what the Bible says about having eternal life; and it DON'T say that only the Baptists, or Catholics, or Methodists, or Pentecostals..etc are going to receive this gift of eternal life. God is God and he isn't any of these RELIGIONS...my opinion
366794
unfortunately, practices like what you mentioned have a lot to do with the dwindling masses going to mass :0(\ni personally pray, worship and praise at home or in the park or on a mountain, or even just in my head....pretty much anywhere else rather than a "house of God".\ni have nothing against religions or churches...but sometimes the religions attached to the churches are overexuberant, overexpectant and down right overbearing.  besides...God created this WORLD soooo wouldn't anywhere i go be a place of God??\nAnyways, i dont know if im going to heaven, i dont know if im going to hell....i just know that i believe there is a God, he had a son, he died for our sins and that we are loved more so than one can put into meer words.  I try to live a good life, being good to as many as i can (but some are really hard to be nice to though) and stay true to myself...if that gets me into heaven...super...if it doesnt, then i deserve what i get.  \nGood or evil could end my life at any moment, so to fret on where i'm going afterwards, to me, would be a waste of the gift of life God gave me in the first place.  \ntake good care :0)\nmarjenl72
286778
If you believe in him, then there is not problem. You never have to go to church or even pray, as long as he knows you believe in him and love him, then your safe. Don't worry. I don't go to church either. So if i'm full of BS then we will be chillin together. lol
72474
By all means, come to mass with us.  We would be happy to have you.\n\nThe structure of the mass took a little getting use to for me, but it was easy once I understood what was going on and why.\n\nAs a non-Catholic, you will not be required to do all the standing, knealing that is done, you are more than welcome to sit (please stand with the reading of the Gospel, if for nothing else than out of respect for the Word).\n\nOthers are correct that you shouldn't take the communion and the songs/responses will be announced or posted somewhere.\n\nI prefer the Latin mass, and if you have the opportunity to attend one, I would encourage it.  It is, of course, in Latin but there will be notes or missals with the English translation.\n\nIf you are interested in learning more, I would suggest visiting EWTN's web site at http://www.ewtn.com and under FAITH they have a Q&A and a Teaching section, both are very well written and easy to understand.  Also, if you have cable tv, look for the EWTN channel.  Everything there will help you understand what it means to be Catholic.\n\nCall the local parish office and ask to speak with the Director of Adult Formation or about RCIA (Rite Christian Initiation for Adults).  The secretary will point you in the right direction.\n\nAlternately, you can contact me through my profile, I will be happy to answer any question you may have.  I am a recent (1 year ago) convert to the Catholic Church.
75330
The whole point is that we are suppose to be tolerant of other peoples free agency. We have the choice to choose, are we suppose to take that choice away from others just because we think it's wrong. NO! You might also alienate family or loved ones and make it impossible to reach out to them later. Lead by example. Members that are invited will understand and besides if they judge then they are in the wrong. Just do as your conscience dictates. That is the Holy Ghost guiding you. This is a small thing in the whole scheme of things. Go and have a wonderful day.
47902
your friend is crazy, she/he might be looking to increase member to their dwindling religious denomination. i was a practicing catholic; not anymore, i understand to a degree what you are saying. my dear if you feel enlightened by going to different churches than continue to do so. do not listen to your friend, this is exactly what I have said in the past. think for yourself and do what make you happy. think about it what's next your friend is going to say yo uare going to hell for buying the wrong brand of milk?