As most funerals seem to be 'religious'
I'm never sure how to act, like when hymns get sung and prayers get said. I usually stand up out of respect, but I don't say anything or hold my hands together. I don't want to give off the wrong impression.
Anyone else??
2007-12-24 00:36:21 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
'i don't say anything or hold my hands together'
where did i say that i do hold my hands together?
2007-12-24 05:05:06 · update #1
I'm not even allowed to attend the funerals, because I live surrounded by Muslims and women are not to go there.
Can you imagine how hard it was for me not to be able to say goodbye to my Grandfather?
And the biggest irony lies in fact that if I die here I will be buried according to Islamic traditions because that's the only option I have open. Seriously.
.
2007-12-24 00:47:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian, our Father was an Ordained Minister how our brother became an Atheist is beyond me but he was respectful at our Dad's funeral on the 21st of Nov. I didn't open my eyes to look to see if he was prying when the rest of us were or not. You would be doing this for the loved ones who are grieving. Why would you not want to show respect for those who cared about the deceased when you attend the funeral?
2007-12-24 08:50:16 · answer #2 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Generally, I avoid funerals. They hold no meaning for me.
I will go to a viewing at a funeral home though to pay my respects to those who are also grieving, but the funeral just means nothing to me.
2007-12-24 08:42:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
While others are praying, why don't you have a moment of silent reflection of what the person meant to you and try to think of anything that you can do for the family to make a difficult time a little easier.
My husband is an atheist and he says that's what he does.
2007-12-24 08:41:11 · answer #4 · answered by Cheryl S 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I personally convey my condolences to his next of kin. I'll then have a few minutes of silence with him as a mark of respect, and then I'll courteously console grieving members. Then, I ask to leave. Usually, I'm hugged and permission is granted gracefully.
2007-12-24 08:47:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im sure you are not the only unbeliever there even though others may not claim to be atheist.I am a beliver and I respect all people to the best of my ability.I like your honesty and respect.
2007-12-24 08:43:52 · answer #6 · answered by ALLEN G 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Behave respectfully.
I had occasion to go through a Catholic mass recently, while attending a funeral. I stood when they stood, I sat when they sat. I never kneeled. I said nothing. And obviously, I didnt get in line to kneel before the priest and eat one of those crackers.
2007-12-24 08:40:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Why are you bothering to hold your hands together? It doesn't mean anything to you, and you're being dishonest with yourself. Just look ahead and don't say anything. Don't take part in the religious parts of the funeral.
No one will even notice. They never have with me.
2007-12-24 08:45:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I haven't needed to go to a funeral since I was a kid.
2007-12-24 08:48:09 · answer #9 · answered by Darth Cheney 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry, no one is scrutinizing you. Let common sense prevail. Just act in a consoling manner. That's all that's expected, regardless of your beliefs or lack of them.
2007-12-24 08:46:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋