My cousin in NJ named me godmother of her child which I accepted despite being complete unreligious. The baby's baptism is in a few weekends.
What happens at this ceremony and would I be expected to participate or do I just stand there? I don't have a problem with being a "back-up mother" but I don't want to deal with any of the religious aspects.
2007-04-23 10:42:58 · 10 answers · asked by GallopingGrasshoppers 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I didn't ask anyone to judge me- I didn't even ask for opinions- I asked WHAT TO EXPECT at the ceremony. My family already knows I'm an atheist and they are barely religious themselves. They wouldn't have asked me to be godmother if they were offended by my choice of religion, or lack thereof.
2007-04-23 10:54:30 · update #1
As an Atheist godfather, I can tell you that you just go through the motions. Just do what they say and participate. It satisfies everyone else and it'll be over very quickly. In my case they wanted me to be the godfather and they knew how I felt.
2007-04-23 10:51:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Just ask the parents what they expect of you and decide if you can deal with it. Not all people still see this a religious thing, so ask them. If they expect you to carry out the traditional duties of a godparent, meaning you see to the child's religious education if something happens to the parents and the child is orphaned, you should tell them you're an atheist. Don't walk on eggshells around their silly beliefs. You don't have to be rude but you shouldn't be ashamed of NOT being a superstitious fool, either.
2007-04-23 17:57:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I do believe that you would have to participate in the religious ceremony. When you take on the responsibitlity of being a godparent you are agreeing to raise this child in the religion into which the child is being baptised. I don't know what religion your friend is, but I think that before you take this step you should both consult with the priest, minister, rabi, or whoever is performing the baptism!!
2007-04-23 17:57:31 · answer #3 · answered by samira 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You might consider finding out what your cousin expects from you in this. They may just be having fun playing with their kid and doing all the usual rituals, but I understand that a 'godmother' is officially supposed to look after the kid's religious upbringing should the mother be unable to.
You might get some damfool priest who'll quizz you about you commitment to the role.
CD
2007-04-23 17:52:00 · answer #4 · answered by Super Atheist 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to tell you, but by agreeing to be godmother you are obligated to make sure the child is raised according to the religious teachings of the child's parents. It's not always about guardianship. If it really causes you distress, I'd reneg. I would tell them that you are incapable of fulfilling the duties of godmother.
2007-04-23 17:51:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Okay, as an ex-Christian atheist... let me implore and beg you -- do NOT do this.
I know you love the child, and I accept that us atheists can be, and often are, upstanding and moral persons, however, to be a godmother despite being an atheist is a slap in the face to the religion of the parents, and the soon-to-be religion of the child.
I'm literally begging you to respect and honor this by politely declining the offer. This is a religious issue and should be done according to that religion. There is nothing that says you cannot be the one in the parents' will to assume guardianship of the child in case of the parents' death, there is nothing that says you cannot be an active part of the child's life.
I may not have respect for people who proselytize, but for those seeking to live their faith quietly and firmly, they deserve more respect than this would show lack of.
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Barely religious but having their child baptized?
The child doesn't need a godparent then... morality doesn't seem to be of high value in the family anyways.
Hypocracy sucks.
2007-04-23 17:49:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 5⤋
I believe the whole concept of "God mother" is the idea that in the event something happens to the mother the God mother will raise the child in the religion of the parents. So please be aware of it. I believe you will be asked if you are willing to raise the child in the religion of which the parents are involved. Please take this matter seriously. it is important.
2007-04-30 10:03:57 · answer #7 · answered by plumberisfaithful 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How can you be a Godmother to this child if you have no belief in God,isn`t this hypocritical of you.
You realize that the role of Godparents is that they promise to teach the child about God and their faith in the absence of the childs parents.
2007-04-23 17:49:27 · answer #8 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
its a bunch of hubbub carried out to soothe fearful, worried parents that are under the Church control..... you wont have to do any thing
2007-04-23 17:50:55 · answer #9 · answered by zee zee 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Somebody's going to hell...be prepared with a fire extinguisher.
2007-04-23 17:47:46 · answer #10 · answered by dissolute_chemical 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋