I am a weak atheist mostly, I can tolerate others religions as long as they don't attack me for being atheist, and then its on. However, I am the only atheist in my family. I told my dad, that when he brings his family over to my house for dinner, that I don't want his family and him reciting their prayers outloud in my house. I am an atheist and therefore my house is atheistic. I told him they they are welcome to say it to themselves in their head but I don't want a prayer spoken aloud in my house? Am I being wrong for doing this? It's my house and therefore,its my rules.
2007-12-05 06:55:53 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am responding because you said that you are weak.
There is nothing wrong with your beliefs. I understand that the primitive way in which the modern day preachers teach Christianity - any sane mind will want to object.
At the same time, you will be (and are) causing grief to your family due to this atheism thing.
May I suggest that you read about "Vedanta" philosophy. It will teach you to be a better Christian/Atheist with a fuller life, while having a hearty laugh at the antics of those who act so overtly religious without even understanding why they are doing this. (Do a google search on "Vedanta" or "Vivenakananda"). Else send me a mail and I'll try to get something for you.
2007-12-05 07:17:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, it's is your house so you are certainly within your right to set the rules. I have to wonder though, if you are an atheist, what possible difference would your family saying a prayer make to you? Why bring controversy into a family gathering? Just a thought.
2007-12-05 07:10:06 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. E 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer is yes, you are. The reason you are wrong is that to not respect anothers beliefs is to engage in intolerance and this is done due to ignorance or fear [usually both]. As you admit to your fear, this in itself is a denial of God, which you correctly acknowledge by labeling yourself an atheist.
To label your home "atheistic" is simply a spiteful act of immaturity. Almost as childish as saying that your dog, since it belongs to you is an atheist as well. You would benefit from a period of self-discovery with a fully competent Gestalt psychiatrist.
Peace
2007-12-05 07:14:43 · answer #3 · answered by docjp 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the two certainly one of you come back from diverse cultures and curiously you have been prepared to compromise yet your husband is now unwilling to do an identical. Did he used to make you have faith you could coach your toddler approximately your faith? while did this modification? His complaint of Christianity in background is unquestionably beside the factor. There are solid Christians and undesirable Christians and there are solid Buddhists and undesirable ones. the factor is, you each and each want your toddler to renowned approximately your faith. Can your husband comply with show your toddler the two on your religions and not have certainly one of you stress the different to enable the youngster be raised in only one faith? If not, why not?
2016-12-17 08:12:52 · answer #4 · answered by Erika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that you are not wrong, but, how does it hurt you to hear a small prayer? You say that you are weak atheist, do you believe that the prayers of your father or mother can turn you away from the walk you have started?
As the old saying goes: Sticks and stones can break my bones but, words will never hurt me.
Just my two-cents.
2007-12-05 07:04:17 · answer #5 · answered by CME 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
i have a friend who does that at her dinner parties -- she says 'no prayers in my house!'...as a Secular Humanist , i'm fine with that (even though I find it somewhat pathetic and useless to 'pray' to an illusion)...but IMO rabid atheists DO tend to get a little hostile at times when people usually pray! i personally don't care if people pray, esp. if it makes them feel better; i can respect that...i'd never forbid prayers in my home, but that doesn't mean i agree with their or anyone else's theology either. "To each his own", I suppose.
2007-12-05 07:14:18 · answer #6 · answered by napqueen 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I see nothing wrong with that. Presumably, when you're over at their house, they don't want you thanking Darwin for evolving us to the top of the food chain or praise science for keeping you alive by discovering ways to preserve and cook food and destroy food-borne bacteria before dinner, do they? I'm being somewhat facetious, of course, but seriously, they wouldn't want you diatribing about how God doesn't exist in their house, so it's perfectly reasonable for you to ask them to pray quietly to themselves when they're in your home.
)O(
2007-12-05 07:03:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Haha. Well, seems you could be a little more... lenient.
Personally, I think you should respect anybody that is respectable, and respects you too. From what you've told us - sounds like you're just being a jerk.
2007-12-05 07:06:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your house, your rules...but is it really worth the static?
Seems like it would be easier just to ignore it, if you don't believe their prayers have any mystical powers anyway. It's just hot air that's not hurting anyone, right?
2007-12-05 07:00:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Its your choice, there is no right or wrong about it.
It really boils down to what type of atmosphere you want to create as a host.
2007-12-05 07:08:13 · answer #10 · answered by ɹɐǝɟsuɐs Blessed Cheese Maker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋