I got it from my mother as a gift this Christmas, because I'm shortly going off travelling around the world and she got me it to protect my on my travels.
However, as I'm an atheist and also don't believe in the concept of organised religion, is it hypocritical to wear it? I don't want to offend my mother, and part of me wants to accept it in the spirit it was intended, but at the same time I'm not sure I'd feel right wearing a symbol of something I have no interest in.
I've already told her my point of view and she's happy for me to exchange it for something similar but without any religous connotations, but I'm not sure what to do for the best.
2007-12-25 11:48:05 · 25 answers · asked by philipswales 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't think it's hypocritical to wear it out of respect for your mother but if it's visible it might send a message to others that you are a Christian.
If it doesn't feel right, you probably shouldn't wear it. You could perhaps just keep it with you as a memento of her?
2007-12-25 11:55:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Symbols only have the meaning we as individuals give them. Take the Celtic cross for example, Pagans Taoists and Christians alike use it as a symbol of their faith. No one can find with certainty it's origin but each holds it as their own.
The necklace was a gift given out of love and that is what it is a symbol of, your mother's love. That is not hypocritical, it is a way to stay connected while far apart. The decision is yours but if it were me in your place I would keep it (I'm not atheist but deist)
2007-12-25 12:04:39 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
St Christopher medals are quite hardship-unfastened. anybody and their canines had one whilst i grow to be a toddler. It does no longer marvel me that a random stranger interior the line ensue to have one on him whilst he chanced on you. the only think of i be responsive to approximately St Christopher grow to be that he grow to be the buyer saint of travellers. don't be responsive to how considerable it rather is for you.
2016-10-02 08:26:32 · answer #3 · answered by starkes 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should wear it in good health.
Of course it it not hypocritical. I think you're very cool for wanting to wear it. You are a good son.
Your mama is cool.
Think of it as a good luck charm and a way to stay connected spiritually to your mother.
Have a blast on your trip!
2007-12-25 11:52:42 · answer #4 · answered by batgirl2good 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure why not? It's for your mom not because of your beliefs. I wear a Hexagram medal for the same reason (Not a christmas gift but you get the point) It's up to you.
2007-12-25 11:56:01 · answer #5 · answered by The Walkin' Dude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's just a necklace from your mom. It came with good wishes from her. I see nothing wrong with that. If it were necklace with a dove emblem or a peace sign or something else secular I'm sure you had no problem with it.
Don't make it into something more than it is. To do so would be superstition and that would not be right for you.
2007-12-25 11:53:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He has been downgraded to just plain Mr. Christopher and can only protect you during common carrier ground transportation. He will set off alarms in airports.
2007-12-25 11:53:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take it with and get a picture taken of you wearing it. Then put it in your suitcase and forget about it. You make her happy and you don't have to feel like a hypocrite.
2007-12-25 11:53:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wear whatever you want to. Being an atheist shouldn't prevent you even from wearing a pewter angel if you wanted to.
2007-12-25 11:56:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How can a person who does not believe in spiritual things want help from a supposed spiritual being?
doesn't make sense.
2007-12-25 12:08:30 · answer #10 · answered by pugjw9896 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋