Fellow Atheists?

Question

You have just been invited to dinner at a friends place and they ask you to pray before eating,what would you say to them?

Answer 1

I'm not sure, haven't been in that situation for many years. I don't believe I would or could be able to pray to a god that I don't believe in, even if I wanted to for the hosts benefit. I would however inform them of my beliefs and would offer to sit quitely while they said their prayers. Just because I feel nothing for god myself or believe in him/her/it, that doesn't mean I should disrepect that persons valued beliefs and rituals. I guarantee you that I will think they're a bit crazy for holding those beliefs but on the other side of the token they're probably thinking the same of me but if we both respect each others boundries there should be no problems.

Answer 2

If they are asking me to say a prayer I simply tell them "No thank you, I do not pray but don't let that stop you" If they ask me "Why" I explain that I am Atheist... If they accept that the evening can go on no problems, if they start preaching I excuse myself thanking them for the invitation and leave...

If they wish to say a prayer it is their home and I will sit quietly so as not to disturb them... I do not join in the amen at the end as I do not agree with what is said.. I sit quietly with my own thoughts while they preform their religious ritual..

I would never impose my beliefs on another person or their home and expect others to have the same courtesy..

Answer 3

I count many spiritual people among my friends- some are religious, some are not. We respect each others right to believe or not believe, and they have been thoughtful enough never to put me on the spot and actually offer a prayer. I am thoughtful enough to bow my head respectfully as they do what they need to do, then we usually have a jolly good time! By waiting it out, respectfully, you are acknowledging their right to believe as they wish. In times past it was called having good manners, and we would be a much move civil place if everyone dusted them off and used them.

Answer 4

Watch them,while their eyes are closed,not really praying at all,say the words,and chow down. Better yet,ask if,I cannot say the prayer in the first place,because I'm Atheist,and have someone else say it.

Answer 5

Just happened this last thanksgiving, at my brothers house, folded my hands, looked at the ground, went blank in my head, winked at my daughter after it, and had a nice thanksgiving dinner. Could have been a little trickier if he would have asked any of my clan for the prayer, I prolly would have just said "No thanks". Might give him a heads up for future family events. Most of my friends know about my belief and I would just give them the raised eyebrow, and we prolly would have a good giggle over it during dinner. Just because I don't share the same belief with my family and friends, doesn't mean I would disrespect them in their own house. And as said, my friends know about my beliefs and more that likely wouldn't try to put me on the spot by asking.

Answer 6

I always say "For this food may we truley be thankful" Prayer need not have anything to do with God as a "prayer" is a solemn request. I was asked to pray before the meal at my brothers wedding, not everyone was religious, I used this prayer and I had one person say it was the most meaningful prayer they had ever heard

Answer 7

Why do they even pray at dinner anyway?

It's all well and good to be thankful for the food, but according to the Bible, there's not even a place in heaven for the chicken you are about to eat.

So are they really thankful for their meal and the sacrifice or just trying to save their own souls?

Answer 8

In response more to morganie than to the original question. Is it ruder to not pray or to pray, saying things you don't believe to a being you don't believe exists.

I would just let them get on with their prayer and thank them for the food.

Answer 9

I'm with Alejandro Vallejo. Most of my god-believing friends know I'm an atheist but surprisingly few have informed their family for some reason lol. So I play the routine. I don't care to make wave unless someone else starts rocking the boat.

Answer 10

Be respectful and pray, or at least listen. You are in their home-act like it. PS- I'm not an Atheist but that doesn't mean that the answer is without merit.