We haven't been in touch in a while since I stopped going to church after I stopped believing in God. The Church I went to was one of those very devout ones. Out of respect for him I want to attend the services but I'm afraid that it will look really odd that I'm not fully participating in all the praying and other stuff. I really don't want to attract attention to myself but I'm afraid I will since everyone else will be all into their God and stuff. Should I just sort of go along and pretend that I'm praying?
2006-08-15 04:35:54 · 25 answers · asked by Steven S 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, I would just go, and if you're not going to pray, don't act like it. You might just stand or sit quitely, or perhaps bow your head a bit with everyone else.
2006-08-15 04:40:24 · answer #1 · answered by breadloaf76 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you were in a forgien country and they were all saluting their flag, how would you act? It is almost the same thing. Just be respectful. I've been in Catholic churchs for funerals, and the only people who noticed I was not do "all the moves" were the others that were not Catholic. The Catholics were busy doing what they were "supposed" to do, they were not looking around. Christians should NOT put you on the spot, even if they do notice. If one says something, tell them your beliefs are diffrent, but the loss of a friend was something you could not ignore.
I know all Christians don't always act in a Christ like manner, but I would hope that people would let you be at a funeral. I am sorry you lost your friend, and I am also sorry that going to a funeral is causing stress of this kind. Hopefully, it will not turn out like you fear.
2006-08-15 04:52:10 · answer #2 · answered by jenn_a 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go because this isn't about you, it's about paying respect to your friend regardless of your belief. My father's side's family is Buddhist and when my grandfather passed away, they held a Buddhist funeral. I'm a Christian and I don't kneel and use incense to pray to the dead. So I stood while everyone was kneeling down, bowed my head and said my own prayers. It was pretty awkward but I didn't want to go against my belief and faked anything.
In conclusion, I went to the funeral because I wanted to pay respect to my grandfather. Even though I felt pressure to do what was required for a Buddhist funeral, I ended up paying my grandfather respect my own way. In your case, you lost your faith and don't believe in God anymore, I would close my eyes and when they pray and show reverence and respect for your friend, or have your eyes open or whatever. What's important is the heart and not what other people think.
2006-08-15 04:53:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First I want to say I'm sorry about your friend. Don't miss the funeral just because you no longer attend church. I'm sure there will be others there that aren't regular church attenders. You are going to pay respect to your friend and you have no reason to feel you shouldn't be there. I'm sorry you no longer believe in God, but if you go you can just sit quietly while others pray . God bless you and I will keep you in my prayers.
2006-08-15 04:47:00 · answer #4 · answered by softlyinspired 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why are you so worried about what other people think? Is that what caused you to leave the church in the first place? If the church you attended placed such an importance on interpersonal relationships....its wrong.... Church is about developing a God relationship... Be yourself! That's the way God made you.
2006-08-15 04:48:08 · answer #5 · answered by rejoiceinthelord 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't fake praying...But I would attend the service, but out of respect for the family and the people there I would show respect by bowing or whatever..When silence is needed for prayer, just bow your head and think of the good times you had with your friend..Im sorry for your loss
2006-08-15 04:46:20 · answer #6 · answered by Donna C 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should go pay your respects but I don't think you should pretend anything. People who as you say that are devout will know the difference anyway. You say you stopped believing in God, who would you impress by pretending? Would it make you feel better?
2006-08-15 04:44:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Find you another church!Your friend now has a wonderful life in heaven forever!I know you would love to see your friend again!
I really don't understand how someone can just stop believing in Christ!Its not like when you stop believing in the Eater Bunny or Santa.The Bible says"Matthew 10:32-33" "Whosoever therefore
shall confess me before men,him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven,But any whosoever shall deny me before men,him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven!"Go show your respects,not let your friend down by "making fun of his/her beliefs"
2006-08-15 05:23:55 · answer #8 · answered by Sweetheart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go! It isn't about what everyone else thinks. God knows your heart. Allow Him to work within you. I wouldn't pretend though, don't sell yourself short to meet what you percieve as the pleasures of others. If they are in their worship, would they really notice your lack of their style of worship? Dont rely so heavily on others opinions. You are what matters to God, not what everyone else thinks, so honor your friend and God in the process.
2006-08-15 04:50:05 · answer #9 · answered by brokentogether 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you, I would go. If you're not a Christian, this might be your last chance to be near him. If you don't want to pray, then don't. You could just talk to your friend, you know?? He's probably in heaven listening to what you have to say.
2006-08-15 04:43:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋