How Hypocritical Am I Really Being?
Do you avoid religious celebrations?
I don’t. In fact, I’ve no objection at all to going to church, my non-Christian worship experience is pretty thin. I’ve been to friend’s weddings without a qualm, Christmas services, even regular Sunday church services with my extended family. You might think that this is ok, as these could be construed as “special occasions”.
However, whilst I’m at church services, I have no hesitation in joining in, even though I don’t believe what I’m saying. I really enjoy singing and will happily sing hymns that I know, and hymns that I don’t know. If there are responses that I know (or there are words to follow) I normally take part. I draw the line at taking communion when it’s offered, but will gladly shake my neighbour’s hand at the appropriate moment.
Generally, few people would realise that I was an atheist unless I told them. Which, of course, I never bother to. I feel a bit uncharitable going “you know it’s all made up, don’t you?”. A bit like you don’t tell children that there’s no Tooth Fairy - it’s just not the done thing.
I mostly think that this is a little hypocritical, but I don’t think it’s harming me. And really, everyone else is there for themselves. If I turn up, I don’t think it really matters whether I join in, or stay silent. But, maybe I’m not a proper atheist if I can stomach church (or even, heaven forbid, take pleasure in it). Maybe I’m wrong to say things that I don’t think are true, just because I see no great harm to me in them.
What do you think? How hypocritical am I really being? Leave a comment and let me know.
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5 Responses to “How Hypocritical Am I Really Being?”
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For a variety of reasons, I am still going to church. The frequency with which I go is decreasing and I will withdraw eventually. I feel a bit hypocritical because I think people are holding on to some wrong assumptions about what I believe. I’ll just have to live with that tension for awhile.
Interesting thought. I don’t think you are being hypocritical - it’s not like you are delivering sermons or performing crucifixions.
The reality is that there are events where you might end up in a church where there is a religious ceremony going on and that’s ok. Weddings are a prime example. If you want to participate in some of the ceremony then that’s fine.
Mike
I go every Sunday, but I am not fond of most of the hymns. I take the communion, only because the sugars in the grape-juice and bread keep me not hungry during sermon. And so I can be with my family.
I can certainly appreciate being hungry during church services. But most of the church services I’ve been to have been more wine than grape juice, and I’m never sure that alcohol is good on an empty stomach.
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