Whenever I'm in a situation where everyone is praying, I'm not sure what is the proper "etiquette." When I'm at a wedding or at a family gathering and everyone starts praying, I usually will stand quietly but do not bow my head or pray. Is that considered rude? Or is it acceptable to remain quiet while others pray?
2007-10-31 04:41:23 · 39 answers · asked by gopher646 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As long as you remain quiet and not disruptive, it's not rude to abstain from bowing your head or 'praying'. Praying is for the individual. If they're upset that not everyone else prays, they badly need to get out more.
2007-10-31 04:45:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
Guess it depends on the situation. You never should have to speak - being quiet is polite enough, but what if everyone gets on their knees? Do you remain standing?
I usually sit or kneel or do whatever the religious folks are doing, but remain silent. Sometimes I bow my head a little, but so what? I'm thinking about dinner recipes or about the last movie I saw.
2007-10-31 04:52:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think that what you're doing is perfectly fine and respectful. Whether atheist or not, if you are observing someone else's religious ritual (wedding, funeral, sermon, prayer, etc.), and others are praying or partaking in some other form of active religious activity, it is acceptable AND respectful to simply remain quiet and unobtrusive. It wouldn't be rude at all. You are showing respect to those around you but also to yourself since you are not going against your beliefs.
2007-10-31 04:47:39 · answer #3 · answered by Goddess 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Remaining quiet is acceptable etiquette. Bowing your head is going to extra mile, but is not necessary. I'll usually bow my head depending on the situation. If the prayer involves prayer for someone who is deceased, then I'll bow my head out of respect.
2007-10-31 05:25:07 · answer #4 · answered by Jess H 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I remain quiet but bow my head in respect to others. I usually don't know the prayer that's being said so there's not much else I can do anyway.
2007-10-31 04:48:45 · answer #5 · answered by Pico 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I just stay quiet. There is a time and a place to express your views. I follow the golden rule at this one.
If I were getting married (which I would never do - I would have a civil union ceremony) I would expect my guests to refrain from injecting god into any speeches or gifts. If they did I would reiterate my beliefs and my wishes and remind them that it is my day. So If its someone else's celebration I would just be quiet and respect their choices.
2007-10-31 04:47:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I bow my head or do the hand thing. It's only a few seconds so I don't think it's a huge sacrifice to show respect for others' beliefs.
2007-10-31 04:45:29 · answer #7 · answered by a rectangle curve 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I usually start saying, "Can somebody PLEASE pass the gravy? Please!? Hello!?" REALLY loudly. Then, if they just politely ignore me, I'll start voicing my atheistic opinion until they shut up. ;) No need to thank me; I like to help.
j/k (obviously). Seriously, though, that's exactly what I do. If everybody's praying, they'll never notice you politely respecting but not joining in on their religious practices. I've been atheist for nearly 10 years and have to be noticed anyway, but if anyone ever does notice, surely they'll appreciate my respect. And if not...I'll politely change the subject so as not to embarass them.
2007-10-31 05:05:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Part of the family I married into is A) huge and B) very religious.
I just sit there and remain quiet. I show respect but it is one sided. They have tried forcing their religion on other family members children.
2007-10-31 05:07:58 · answer #9 · answered by Atrum Animus AM 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Whenever people pray I tend to bow my head and stare at the ground.
2007-10-31 04:48:45 · answer #10 · answered by Monkey Man 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋