If i was at dinner with friends and before we ate for some reason they wanted to pray, would it be rude if i just ignored them and started talking to a friend next to me who is also an atheist and i disrupted everything at the table? What am i suppose to do just sit there mutely? I dont think so.
2006-06-20 14:47:59 · 30 answers · asked by Atheist 4 U 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, it would be rude.
Excuse yourself to wash your hands or something and leave those who want to to pray in peace.
And no, I'm not a Xian--I just have manners
2006-06-20 15:02:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes, it would be rude.
Remember, intelligent and gracious people show tolerance. You should be tolerant, and set an example.
Also, if someone offers to pray for you, accept their offer graciously. By being gracious, you are letting them know that you are tolerant, but you are strong in your beliefs.
You do not have to pray, but it bowing your head would show your tolerance and graciousness.
It does no good to be an ugly atheist. It is your belief - hold it in yor heart and mind, but do not force it on others. They will be equally offended.
Someday, everyone will be tolerant. Or we'll all be extinct. At any rate, you'll be seen as a rude atheist, and that only hurts the rest of the atheists.
2006-06-20 21:57:28 · answer #2 · answered by Blim 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just because you are an atheist, doesn't give the excuse to be rude and disruptive. I am agnostic, so I don't follow any religion, but I have in the past joined hands and bowed my head and was included in their prayers, which I found to be a great honor. You did say they were your friends didn't you? So why not be a friend in return and show them some respect, it wouldn't kill you.
2006-06-20 21:53:58 · answer #3 · answered by Crowfeather 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
During the National Anthem at a game, do you just turn to the fellow immigrant, ignore the anthem and just start talking? Or, do you out of respect for your nation, just stay silent until the song ended.
Now, if you were with friends who wanted to pray before the meal, why couldn't you just sit silent and give them that respect?
2006-06-20 21:53:40 · answer #4 · answered by mx3baby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know...im an atheist too...and really i dont like having people say i have to shut up because people want to pray...its rude and all...but what about the muslims who have to pray 5 times a day...does everyone have to stop because they have to pray...no no-one stops for them,....so why should other religions get that privilege if they dont...and on top of that...why are atheist always jumped on by religious people...and no-one finds that offensive or rude...but as soon as you start messing with them then all of a sudden you are rude...
2006-06-20 21:53:54 · answer #5 · answered by .... 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion it is quite rude.
I'd suggest sitting quietly, examining the fascinating pattern on the tablecloth, or your dinner plate, until they have finished.
I don't enjoy that sort of thing, either, but I think it is quite rude to show such obvious disrespect for the spiritual beliefs of others, particularly when one is a guest at dinner.
If pressed to join in, politley demur.
Wait until they have finished.
When one is at work, at a company-sponsored function, I think any "prayer" ought to be confined to a general moment of silence, if it cannot be avoided altogether, and the expression of any and all spiritual beliefs or lack thereof ought to be avoided.
2006-06-20 21:57:54 · answer #6 · answered by zen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it would be very rude. Imagine someone talking during a wedding ceremony because they believe in God, but they were invited to the wedding anyway. If these folks you are dining with are friends, respect their beliefs and remain silent while they pray. If you don't respect them and their beliefs, then they don't have to respect anything you believe in either.
2006-06-20 21:53:16 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. Grudge 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes that is very rude. Even though you do not believe the same things as them you should still respect their practices and traditions, afterall you are a guest. You don't have to pray but you should remain silent so that they can.
2006-06-20 21:50:26 · answer #8 · answered by anonymous 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think so, just sit there mutely. That's really rude if they're praying and you're talking. People have different beliefs, so respect theirs and they'll respect yours.
2006-06-20 21:54:09 · answer #9 · answered by Olive 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you asked them to "be silent for a moment while I don't pray" would they show you respect??? We should respect each other(use common-sense) wether we believe what they believe or not. We respect each other cause we are ALL made in the Image and Likeness of GOD, wether we make it to HEAVEN or not. Respect!!! it just seem's like the right thing to do.
2006-06-20 21:52:31 · answer #10 · answered by maguyver727 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sometimes i have to throw advice back at other people: we're supposed to be "tolerant". that really is rude of you to speak while someone else is praying. they're prayer may not even be that long but the least you could do is just sit quietly for what, five seconds? you can ignore them and curse them in your head but please, shut your mouth
2006-06-20 21:52:45 · answer #11 · answered by tinerr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋