Is there an Atheist equivalent of christenings and god parents?

Answer 1

I've never heard of an atheist "christening", but why not--I suppose one could celebrate one's own liberation FROM religion! As far as "god-parents", all parents--believers or not--should have a plan to provide for their own children, should something happen to both parents (i.e. a legal guardian)--that's about the closest thing to a god-parent that I can think of in a purely secular sense.

But in general, atheists, agnostics and humanists do quite often celebrate life's turnings and passages via the rituals that mark the milestones, etc. in our lives. Thank you for the question, it gave me a chance to talk about an aspect of unbelief that few ever wonder about. This month's issue of Free Inquiry is, in fact, dedicated to the subject of secular ways of expression in referrence to death (i.e. funerals, memorials, etc.). You can go on-line to request a free issue from the council for secular humanism at www.secularhumanism.org.

Answer 2

Since Atheism is the religion of Science characterised by a disbelief in any form of Deity, no, there is no such thing as an Atheist Christening.

The Atheist equivalent of "god parents" is to write up one's will and formalise in writing who gets to take care of your children in the possible event of your untimely demise.

Nowadays, "god parent" is pretty much just a title to pass out to friends of the parents who they want to bestow it to. I was raised Catholic, and had "god parents" at my baptism, but my parents also made it clear in their will that the people who would raise me in the event of their untimely demise would be my sister and brother-in-law in London -- in fact, I never even knew my "god parents" growing up, but I do know that they weren't even married to each other -- they were my mother's best friend from her Mothermaniac days (kind of like the Frank Zappa fan equivalent of a Dead Head) and my dad's AA sponsor.

The title, to most Christians, has lost all meaning, and is little more than a term that signifies who their best friends were at the time of the child's baptism.

The idea of god parents is that these people will see to the child's spiritual development in the event that the parents die before the child is a legal adult.

Wiccan families sometimes perform a ceremony called a "Wiccaning" where they promise their God and Goddess to raise the child in the Wiccan way. Sometimes, the Wiccan equivalent of "god parents" are chosen to participate, and are sometimes asked to take an oath to see that the child is raised Wiccan, should the parents die before the child is an adult. Not being Wiccan, though, I have no idea if that ceremony is as meaningless to Wiccan parents as Christening and choosing "god parents" is to many Christian families.

Answer 3

Just asking someone, to be the one to take care of the child should something happen. As to christening. that is a religious event. Atheism is not a religion. I'm an atheist, but I'm actually a god parent too. I respect my friend and what she wants.

Answer 4

This kind of implies atheism is a religion which is obviously false.

Obviously we dont have christenings but I guess atheist parents could have some kind of celebration to formally name their child and assign the equivalent of god parents.

Answer 5

Find someone with your same values and that love your children and write up a contract just make sure they want more children to raise. Some people had a contract wrote that said they got their children upon talking to them found out they didn't want any more children to raise. So communicate first.

Answer 6

Yes.

Contact the Humanist Society.

Answer 7

ummmm..... im sorry, but that doesnt make a whole lot of sense......heres why.....

as an atheist, isnt it true that yall are agaisnt any kind of organized traditionsthat reflect the belief of a GOD? how exactly would you think you or your child would benefit from a "christneing" eqivalent?? becaue that is when you dedicate your child to CHRIST.... what exactly would you be dedicating your child to?? the air?
if you want to give someone else legal custody of your child if you die, just go to the courthouse....no rituals or belief required.

Answer 8

That is a question I would never have thought of. I guess they would have some kind of celebration like CC said. Birthdays wouldn't need things like that.

Answer 9

I am an atheist. I have arrangements with my brother and his family, should my wife and I die, that they will bring up my sons. It is in our last will and testament.

We celebrate our sons' birthdays.

No gods required in either case.

Answer 10

Hannukah and Kwaanza

Seriously,Wall street Bulltime and good Banking