If a christian prays at the funeral of an atheist, isn't that disrespectful?

Answer 1

If they are aware the deceased rejected their faith, yes it is.

Answer 2

These are obviously a bunch of Christians offended by your question. I just want to make it clear that the reason why atheists get offended by Christians praying and stuff at conventions, such as a funeral, is because Christians tend to do it in a judgmental way and pressure others to go along with them. Not always, but usually. I know that their intentions are good, but that doesn't change the fact that that makes people feel bad and uncomfortable, when they think they shouldn't.

Now onto the question.

I'm not religious, but I am not an atheist, and I don't think it is disrespectful. I actually think it is very respectful if the person is praying discreetly by themselves and not asking anyone to participate.

They are showing their respect for that person who diciest.

Even if they pray at a Jewish or Muslims funeral, these religions pray to the same God so they can pray either way.

If the religious pray had a different God or multiple Gods in mind at a monotheists funeral, well it all depends.

People should be able to pray to whomever without people getting their panties in a bunch.

On the other hand, I think it is disrespectful and repressive if a Christian tries to get everyone at a funeral to go along with a Christian prayer at an atheists funeral.

Answer 3

well, funeral usually implies that their is some sort of service during the interrment. so therefore, how would the person being buried be an aithiest if he is having a funeral.

But despite that I dont think it is disrespectful. It is a privet thing the christian is doing, and as long as they do not force others to do so with them or do it outloud or directly against the wishes of the dead person, I think it is ok. Just like the aithiet would not pray at the christians funeral,

Answer 4

Only if a priest is doing the funeral service against the wishes of the deceased atheist.

The most disrespectful thing I've witnessed at a funeral was at the service of a friend who had been sexually abused as a child by a priest.. and in the service the priest (not the same one obviously, but still...) kept holding up a picture of my friend and kissing it, repeatedly threw out the service. That really upset everyone who knew our friends history of abuse.

Answer 5

I dont think so, i'm an atheist and if someone is at my funeral i would presume they were my friend so i would understand why a friend would want to pray for me! I dont think its disrespectful, some people have different ways of mourning death and if prayer helps them then thats ok with me.

Answer 6

I wouldn't think so. It would be like me wishing a Canadian "Happy Canada Day" even though I'm not Canadian or a Jew wishing me a "Merry Christmas." It would be the way a Christians expresses his/her feelings around the death.

On the other hand, if someone made a big show about the prayer or all sorts of noise about saving the deceased's soul from hellfire or somesuch, yeah, that would be pretty disrespectful.

Answer 7

It depends on the prayer. If the prayer is one of condemnation and a call for all who still live to convert, then yes, it is quite disrespectful.

If, on the other hand, it is a gentle prayer, spoken with love, and wishing the departed peace; that is a most respectful prayer. Everyone has the right to disagree. They also have the right to practice their religion, including praying for their dead atheist friends. They do NOT have the right, however, to speak disrespectfully or hatefully.

Answer 8

No... unless the atheist specifically asked people not to pray at the funeral.

Answer 9

Completely so. Its showing total disregard for the beliefs of the person they are supposed to be homouring. It would be the same as a rasta smoking a joint at a Catholic funeral

Answer 10

Yes

Answer 11

Nope praying for the family members and friends. Not the person themselves.