Do we at least respect other religions?

[skullylake]

I don't see what the big deal is. If someone asks you to pray, then pray. If you're an Atheist anyway, it's not like you're going against anything.(Although, I could simply have a warped perspective on this issue because I'm Agnostic. To me, religion is negotiable, and can be changed by the hour.) Honestly, you could just stare at the food if it upset you that much.

And if they noticed that you weren't really praying, it sure would make for some interesting dinner conversation, given they have an open mind.  

[Freebird4077]

I respect most other religions.  

[Duchess Raanin]

First, you shouldn't keep it a secret.
Tell them.
I hope you'll find the courage to do so.


If they truly love you, they'll accept it.

Most of the opinions are good.
I especially liked the prayer someone made up.

 

[Dathu]

Well, in regards to your post: Meh, I'd pretend. It's not like they can make me pray, besides I see it more as a custom. Would you refuse to throw salt if you entered into a shinto shrine even though you don't believe in shinoism? Aha!  

[CaprinaePsi]

I respect religion in the way that seems more like I tolerate it. If I go over a friend's house and have dinner there, and they happen to be religious and want to pray before dinner, I'll sit there quietly and wait patiently. If they ask me to lead in prayer, I'll say that I'm atheist, and that if it's okay for me to "pray" to whatever spiritual being might be listening in. I will respect them for their choices, and I expect them to do the same for me.

I will tolerate their religion, but if I can't respect them, then I won't.  

[[Hollow Point]]

Being an atheist does not give you the right to be an a*****e.
I respect religion in the sense that it can do great things for people.
I go to a religious friend's house I pray, I dont blurt out the fact "I'm an atheist, youre a douche and youre wrong" that isnt right.  

[Dathu]

[Hollow Point]

Being an atheist does not give you the right to be an a*****e.
I respect religion in the sense that it can do great things for people.
I go to a religious friend's house I pray, I dont blurt out the fact "I'm an atheist, youre a douche and youre wrong" that isnt right.

That would definately make for interesting dinner conversation. xd  

[Orson Welles]

When I'm in that situation, I just do whatever everyone else is. It's not worth the trouble for me to make a big deal out of it, you know? sweatdrop  

[Wiccan Clarinet]

Would I pray? No. Would I at least go through the motions of bowing my head and folding/holding hands and such? Yes. If my Christian friends come to my house for supper, I don't stop them from praying, so why should I not go through the motions myself? I just seems disrespectful not to. In my opinion.  

[Superior Jazz]

[Hollow Point]

Being an atheist does not give you the right to be an a*****e.
I respect religion in the sense that it can do great things for people.
I go to a religious friend's house I pray, I dont blurt out the fact "I'm an atheist, youre a douche and youre wrong" that isnt right.

Granted... doesn't stop it from being amusing, though...
Click here.
This is from a thread in a Christian guild I joined to make fun of them. Read my comment that I posted in Wiccan Clarinet's account. The one with me quoted.
Yes, I respect religion... if they can respect me and my lack of it. As one of our banners say... "It's not God I have a problem with. It's his fan club I can't stand." Pretty much. Around the dinner table, I bow my head when my fanatical grandmother and aunt come by. I don't pray. Sometimes, I don't even look like I'm praying. Other times, I sing a song under my breath. But they have yet to figure out that I'm an atheist. Meh. Not my problem.  

[Twilightringwraith]

No, I would not pray. There is no reason for me to pray. I will not go ahead and scream at them for telling me to pray, but I will tell them that it is against my religion.

Just like if they came to my house, I would expect them to still pray. It works both ways.  

[ProjectOmicron88]

Twilightringwraith

No, I would not pray. There is no reason for me to pray. I will not go ahead and scream at them for telling me to pray, but I will tell them that it is against my religion.

Just like if they came to my house, I would expect them to still pray. It works both ways.

But atheism ISN'T a religion. Propagating that notion is a surefire way for us to continue to be misrepresented.  

[-- Flyper --]

When I'm in a situation like that, I basically keep my mouth shut and go with the motions. Even if I don't close my eyes, I'll still look like I'm praying. This is especially important in a Southern Baptist-ruled area like Mississippi. But even if I lived somewhere else, I'd still do it out of respect.  

[ficklefiend]

Wouldn't it be better, if the situation arose where you were asked to take a prayer, to come out with something praiseful but completely without god?

You know;
"Let us enjoy this meal and be thankful for the work it took to get it to our plates. Let us think of those who do not have what we have and feel grateful that we are here, happy and healthy and ready to eat."

Sometimes I wish I was Wilde or someone so I could pull that off. xp

I have to confess, there is a Scots grace that has such a bounce to it, even an athiest can't help but enjoy blurting it out;

"Some hae meat and cannae eat,
And some would eat but want it,
But we hae meat,
And we can eat,
So let the Lord be thankit!"  

[Levis Pennae]

When I am in a situation when prayer is being done (dinner, mess hall [Boy Scout], or other setting) I just sit/stand quietly with my eyes averted down. If someone asks me why I don't pray I say "it's against my religion". If they get the pun they're smart enough to drop it. If they're not so smart and question me to what I am I simply say "other". If they still don't get it they just write me off as a wacko.