In a situation like that, I would stand and bow my head out of respect for the dead. Bowing your head doesn't mean that you need to pray, or that you're pretending to pray to "fit in" with the crowd. It can simply be a sign of respect. I wouldn't feel the need to stand staunchly with my head up and eyes open, for the purpose of declaring my lack of belief in a deity. That sort of situation is not the appropriate time or place to be making a statement about MYSELF. That night is not about any one person there, or their personal beliefs. Anyone who makes a situation like that about themselves, or uses it to push their beliefs is a very self-absorbed person. And that goes for anyone of ANY belief system.
2007-04-18 08:30:13
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answer #1
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answered by Jess H 7
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Well when I was at basic training there was a prayer during the graduation ceremony. We were told to bow our head regardless of what we believed. We didn't have to pray or do anything but we all had to be uniform.
I think if you are going to attend a function like a candle light vigil you should know before hand what will be going on. If you are going knowing that they will pray to a God then either stand in the back so as not to be disruptive or just don't go! No one is forcing you to be there!
2007-04-18 08:26:32
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answer #2
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answered by Gorgo 1
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I want to start by saying that I am a Christian, but I would like to make a comment here if no one minds.
I was extremely impressed and found myself touched by the attitude of a number of the people that answered the question. It seemed, almost overwhelmingly that people said that they would "respect their beliefs" (referring to those singing the song, etc).
That is the way I feel all people should be... Respect others. If I was at a vigil such as that and a group of, for example, Muslims or Catholics or whatever group, began singing or praying .. I would completely respect their right to do so and their belief.
Having seen quite a number of people that argue back and forth on the religion boards (and, yah, it goes both ways), etc.. It was quite refreshing to see people being respectful to each other. :)
2007-04-18 08:36:33
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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Out of respect for the people and family bow your head and fit in... In a situation like this I don't feel bowing your head is putting what you believe in down... It's proving that in a situation like this you can look past this and that persons belief and be there for the people that need in most right now...
If you are worried about people putting you down because you want to stand head up eyes open then please try not to put yourself in that situation...
2007-04-18 08:26:19
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answer #4
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answered by Who knows 2
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Not totally sure what your saying but if Im at a religous event with someone(my fil is Hindu), I respect their beliefs since I went, I will bow my head but I will not say the prayer unless th prayer suits my beliefs but I do not say, In Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. I do believe in a God and I do sometimes pray, so if the prayer is for someone health or an end to a tragic something, I will repeat the prayer. Hope this answers help.
2007-04-18 08:25:31
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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I am Atheist and for me, it depends on the situation. If a group breaks out into prayer (before a meal, for example), I do not pray along with them, I do bow my head and keep my eyes open so as not to be rude and stare as well as to have respect for their beliefs. In the exact instance which you are referring to, I would probably sing along. Not to fit in and not because of religious beliefs, though. I would sing along because regardless that 'Amazing Grace' is a religious/Christian song, it is a beautiful song and a respectful thing to do in honor of those we are mourning. Also, most of the song can be interpreted in different ways to different people and does not necessarily have to mean anything religious to me.
2007-04-18 08:26:36
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answer #6
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answered by Holly 2
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i'm an Aquarian Satanist, what we trust contained in the afterlife is really shown with the most upto date medical records to boot because the techniques from more beneficial beings, and it truly is likewise my suitable afterlife. The soul like the mind isn't something more beneficial than impulses and energies gathering to symbolize memories which make up who you're, the universe is made up of 70 p.c. darkish matter and darkish power that's the makeup of the astral realm (the afterlife in case you'll), on lack of life you in straightforward words launch from this particular shell and upload memories on your already turning out to be soul, there you're component of something a lot more beneficial, you'll get proper of entry to a lot extra techniques of many lives you've been component of, you are able to talk with more beneficial beings, you are able to holiday the universe, you are able to reincarnate and boost further, there's a lot, that's the continuation and each and each existence is a stepping stone, there is not any large advantages, why do you imagine maximum offended spirits are christian, they get at a loss for words and devastated on the very actuality they afterlife isn't what they're informed and they now no longer recognize what to do, and why do you imagine spirits of previous satanists or occult human beings are so risky to aggrivate, it truly is rioght, all of us recognize what's to come back and we've genuine power, our techniques on afterlife come from actuality no longer techniques, from evidence no longer from a e book, so undergo in recommendations, once you die, once you recognize there is not any heaven, there is not any hell, there is not any advantages or punishment and there is not any god, dont spoil down and lose it, undergo in recommendations what has been stated the following and it may avoid your self an eternity of wandering insanity attempting to discern out why you're being "punished" via your "god"
2016-12-04 06:30:13
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answer #7
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answered by digioia 4
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Having been in somewhat similiar situations, yes, I stand there with my head up and eyes open, though I remain quiet and subdued so that I do not disturb others. I do not at any time give the image of worship.
How awkward that must have been though to play a Christian worship piece at a ceremony attended by people of many different religions and philosophies.
2007-04-18 08:24:55
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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The people involved are not representing the Government, so why would it be a problem?
At the service beforehand, there were clergy representing many different faiths in order to make sure that all of the students had someone they could go to if they wanted.
I do not bow my head for prayer however. I simply remain silent.
2007-04-18 08:23:49
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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I don't know the words to amazing grace, but I imagine I would be singing with the crowd as best I could. Times like that are not for anything but grieving.
2007-04-18 08:54:48
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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