Our friends want us to be there baby godparents but the thing that I am atheist my husband is a Catholic.?

Question

Our friends want us to be there baby godparents but the thing that I am atheist my husband is a Catholic he wants to but don’t know.

My Husband is Catholic and I am atheist. I am a Hispanic that grow up in Catholic home.
For reasons in life I became a atheist I don’t mind people that believe in god I admire does people for having strong religions beliefs. I have tried to go back to church but I can’t I feel like hypocrite. I love my friends and there baby the thing is that i don't what to be a hypocrite. I don't want to make my friends feel bad or my Husband.

What should I do?

Answer 1

Being a godparent is the promise if anything were to happen to the parents, you would take care of that child and put them first as in your own child.If you are open with other religions, I think that does not make you a hypocrite. i would accept, they would not ask if the did not trust you.Good luck

Answer 2

I would think your friends are already pretty aware of what your beliefs are and your husband's. Yet they still asked you both.

I think being a God parent no matter what faith you're in is an important job. You make a vow before God to see that that particular baby is educated in a particular faith and that he /she is taught about God .

Maybe in becoming a Godparent, you'll find things about your faith as you guide the little one which will make you come back to the church. You never know what will happen. However if it doesn't you will probably be the one he/she will come to when he /she is questioning and will ask for your opinion.

If you're uncomfortable about being the Godmother , then don't be, but allow your husband the chance to be the Godfather if he wishes to.

Answer 3

You were already baptised. Even if you convert to RC, the priest will not re-baptise you because CofE baptises in the same way. Cof E and RC are so close in beliefs that you choice of godparents should by fine too. We follow the same creeds. The only real difference is who is head patriarch. Henry the VIII caused enough trouble when he was alive, don't let him bother you in the 21st century. As with many responders to you question, I am Roman Catholic.

Answer 4

Tell your friends what your religious affiliations are or are not, and ask them what they expect of you as God Parents. Some parents expect the God parents to be the child's guardian if both of them die before the child is 18. Some wish the the God parents make sure the child gets a religious education which would probably include taking the child to the church of the parents, until the child can decide for himself. Others simply ask that you remember the child on religious occassions, and also act as special mentors to the child. You may politely refuse if you cannot meet the needs of the child, especially if you do not believe in religion!

Answer 5

Tell them the truth. A godparent is to help the child grow in the faith. It is good that you don't want to be a hypocrite. They will appreciate that. And you will not find yourself in an awkward position. When you do the ceremony you have to denounce Satan and his works, and list all of the things a Christian believes and say that you do. Really it is not fair to you, your husband, your friends or to the child. Tell them that you are honored, but that in all truth you are not a believer and they need to ask someone else.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Are your friend's Catholic too? I believe that it's fine for you to be the baby's godparent as long as you agree, and plan to honor your commitment, to make sure the child is raised Catholic if something happens them. If your husband is Catholic, seems like he would be active in this should the need arise.

I think that your personal beliefs about God are less important in thihs case than your willingness to respect the promises you agree to as a godmother.

How wonderful that your friends want to honor you this way.

Answer 7

I dont think that being a godparent has anything to do with your beliefs. However if it does have anything to do with yours and his beliefs the right thing to do would be to let hubby show it and all you can do is just sit back, despite your own beliefs you should never take it away from a child and you should be thankful they want you to be there childs godparent and stop being such a hypocrite about things it can really mess you up in life.

Answer 8

I understand what you're saying. But being a Godparent is so much more than that. It's being there when the child needs you. That's what being a Godparent is all about. Set good examples, lend an ear when needed, help that child to grow up to be a good human.

Answer 9

Tell them you don't believe in the term "godparent" but you will be happy to be a mentor and friend to their child, and will become guardian if the parents die. I am a Christian but do not believe in a "godparent" per se, nor would I be called one. But I am willing to do for a friend's child whatever I can. Ask them to name you "Special Mentor" or "Second Mother" or something like that. I'm sure they'll understand and not want to make you uncomfortable.

Answer 10

If you agree to be a godparent, you will stand up in church and promise a priest to make sure the baby grows up Catholic. As an atheist, you can't honestly agree to this. Whether you follow the religion or not, it's not nice to lie to a priest, and it makes a mockery of what should be a solemn occasion. I'd explain this to my friends and husband and hope they'd understand.