Sometimes, unluckely you have to share a table with christians who can't have a normal brindis but instead start a so called "praying", as an atheist you don't like the situation and just want to get out there and wait they finished. But ...should I leave the table, stay there and tolerate they finish, just say I hate to listen that %$@!
2007-01-01 05:49:03 · 19 answers · asked by ronaldoinho 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
It would be incredibly impolite to leave. Keep in mind that you all have different beliefs and that is ok. When they are praying, simply think about something else. You might not like to hear it, but if you have Christian friends, it will be a situation that you find yourself in from time to time. If they are good friends, and this is the only uncomfortable situation in which you find yourself, then try not to make a big deal about it. They probably won't want to hear your atheist rants any more than you'll want to hear their Christian rants. If none of you forces your beliefs on the others you'll be fine. And no, praying before dinner is not forcing their beliefs on you. You'll just have to politely think of something else. I'm not very religious, and that's what I do.
2007-01-01 05:57:35 · answer #1 · answered by AK 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should always respect others right and ability to practice their religious beliefs...you don't have to like it and you should feel free to step away from the table or not participate in their prayers. Maybe you should speak to one of the people that insist on praying at the table before the next dinner...explain that you are an atheist and aren't comfortable when they begin to pray. If they are a friend maybe they could pray before coming to the table or choose to sit at another one...there has to be a compromise. But you have to be respectful when you hold this conversation...remember that people came to the US to be free to practice their beliefs...even atheist! Treat others as you would have them treat you!!! Good luck
2007-01-01 05:57:48 · answer #2 · answered by Barbiq 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband and I feel the same sorta however if in the presence of people that choose to pray we don't bow our heads or close our eyes. We just sit or stand politely and wait for the prayer to get through.
2007-01-01 07:51:21 · answer #3 · answered by healthykidnow 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Kitten and MILF are absolutely correct. They have their beliefs and you have yours. I am wondering if you are so intolerant, why are you having a meal with these people in the first place?
They have accepted your beliefs and allowed you to dine with them. Accept their beliefs, show a little respect and just sit quietly while they give thanks for their food. You might try that sometime and you wouldn't sound like such a tightass.
If you are so horribly offended, leave the table and eat with someone who shares your beliefs.
2007-01-01 07:07:27 · answer #4 · answered by David L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you and the person are dining together and the other person begins to pray, the polite thing to do is to sit respectfully and allow them to pray. You do not have to take part in the prayer but you should respect your dining companion's right and desire to pray prior to eating. By calling their practices "%$@!", you are being disrespectful to the person in addition to their religion in general.
2007-01-01 05:59:09 · answer #5 · answered by CAITLIN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always just bow my head slightly and show respect for their beliefs without actively participating. You are not going to change them and there is nothing to be gained other than alienating people by making a point that you disagree. Everyone has a right to their own religious beliefs.
2007-01-01 05:56:12 · answer #6 · answered by arkiemom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sit quietly if you'd like, or leave the room. It doesn't seem that their praying is harmful to you other than as you allow it to cause you to be aggrivated. Most Christians that I know don't intend to be showing or preachy in their praying. They just feel it is right.
2007-01-01 08:37:09 · answer #7 · answered by ctrl-alt-delete 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just bow your head if you dont want to hear it just close your eyes and sing in your mind. mind over matter.
it would offend them if you will stand up while they are starting the prayer. so respect their religion. i guess its not everyday that this happens right? so a lil patient. or if this is like a everyday thing, tell them your spiritual preference and for sure they'll understand if you'll just come to the table after the prayer.
2007-01-01 06:04:41 · answer #8 · answered by johannea 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The easiest thing to do is to sit quietly and respectfully, waiting until they are finished. You don't have to participate in the prayer if it makes you uncomfortable, but the polite thing to do is to simply wait until they are done. Then you can all enjoy the meal together.
2007-01-01 05:53:24 · answer #9 · answered by kittenpie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just slightly lower your head, and wait it out, as long as they don't ask you to say a pray(then politely decline), it's really just being respectful of their feelings, and not a time to challenge religious believes.
2007-01-01 05:55:53 · answer #10 · answered by Kimberly H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋