Atheists - Should I go to church with my parents?

Question

I am a recent atheist (about 8 months) convert from christianity and am going to visit my parents this month.
I am having trouble making up my mind on whether to go to church with my them or not.
On one hand it seems like it would be respectful to them to go because they want me there as well as spending time with them.
On the other hand I do not agree with their religion anymore and don't think I should support it in any way.

What do you think?

Answer 1

If you don't want to go, then don't go. There are other ways of being respectful and loving than going to church.

Answer 2

Granted I'm a Christian so take my advice with as much salt as you like. I would advise you to go. It will make them happy and preserve family harmony. In addition to which . . . . if they know that you have become an atheist then they are likely very distraught over it. By going to church it demonstrates that you haven't completely turned your back on the values you were raised with.

You aren't supporting religion by having your butt warm a seat. Don't repeat the prayers in the liturgy if you don't believe them. Don't sing the hymns unless you want to. Don't bother with the stand-up-sit-sown if you don't want to. The one thing that I would say is the you absolutely should not take communion, that is for the faithful only. Just sit quietly in the seat while everyone else goes forward. Bring a notebook or sketchbook so you have something quiet and unobtrusive to do if you're easily bored.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

For many people church is more about belonging to a community than about God.
The modern world has eliminated the village aspects of life and left nothing its place.
So the Churches fill that void.
View it in this light, and let them show off their prize son to the other villagers in the village square on the market day which is Sunday in your case. Expect to eat of the fatted calf.

Answer 4

I'm pagan and if my mum asked me to go to church with her I would go - the church is the one i used to go to as a kid though and so I would know loads of people there. Just cause i don't believe doesn't mean I cant walk through the door and listen and be there with her.

Answer 5

Well, if it's to spend time with your folks, I think you should go. But they may try to "convert you back" to Christianity. But since you said you don't support religion anymore, I guess they'll fail. Just go there, if that makes them happy.

Answer 6

Do your parents know that you are an atheist? If yes, then you don't have to go to church. If no, you should probably sit down and tell them before you make any decision.

Answer 7

* My grandmother is an atheist and if she is asked to go for a special service then she goes but NOT in supporting there religion but supporting the people who invited her. However she never goes if it is just a normal service!

Answer 8

I would go. It won't change anything and it will give you more time with your parents.

Most of the people in church don't actually support it in any way.

Answer 9

Do what you believe is right...

Personally, if it were a "milktoast" religion (i.e., Methodist), I might attend out of respect for them. If it is a religion that is especially damaging, in my opinion (like JWs), then I would not go.

Answer 10

There's nothing wrong with being supportive to your family, and I would encourage that... I would just find other ways to spend time with them- sleep in Sundays- maybe meet up with them afterward.