Atheist Nexus

The World’s Largest Coalition of Nontheists and Nontheist Communities!

I was recently asked by a friend if I would attend her baptism when she is 'born again' and I'm not sure whether or not I should go.

 

On the one hand I don't want to be the evil atheist who won't support her friend. I'm worried it might be rude to decline the invitation. On the other hand, I am completely against everything her church stands for, not only the claims it makes about God and the nature of reality, but also its stances in social issues such as its damaging anti-gay beliefs. 

 

I would have no reservations about attending a church wedding or funeral, but somehow this feels different. This is an explicitly religious ceremony which, whilst I support my friend's right to go through with it, I cannot support in itself. A wedding in a church could be, to me, a celebration of two people's relationships and a funeral could be a celebration of the person's life and an expression of how they will be missed. This baptism ceremony would be a celebration of the brainwashing my friend experienced from childhood and her acceptance of a flawed belief system that leads to prejudice and intolerance. I feel my presence would signify that I condone this and give my friends yet another chance to convert me. 

 

However, as an atheist I know that a baptism doesn't really do anything at all. It's just someone being dunked in a pool. She's already a believer in ridiculous things, intolerant of the lgbtq community and an opponent of science. I also want to show my friends that I can be a good person, a friend, and be a part of their lives even if I don't share their beliefs. 

 

Does anyone have any advice? Have you ever been faced with this problem? 

Tags: Christianity, baptism

Views: 749

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Just explain to her that you're against it. Tell her that you despise everything that the ceremony stands for. If you want to go, tell her you want to go and support her. If you don't, try to make her understand.
No, she's not, unfortunately!

RSS

Support Nexus

Click to Buy Amazon items and help A|N

Advertisements

Heathen's Guide

Your Ad Here

Helpful Items

 

Search Atheist Nexus:
Translate page:
 
Social Networking Links:
 

Latest Activity

Steph S. commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
31 minutes ago
Steph S. commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
33 minutes ago
Patricia commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
36 minutes ago
Steph S. replied to Steph S.'s discussion 'Crazy ants' a threat in southern U.S. in the group Hang With Friends
41 minutes ago
Steph S. liked Steph S.'s discussion 'Crazy ants' a threat in southern U.S.
41 minutes ago
Tom Sarbeck replied to Jessica's discussion Just an interesting observation
52 minutes ago
jay H replied to Dr. Allan H. Clark's discussion Unforessen consequence of Obamacare
1 hour ago
Dr. Allan H. Clark replied to Dr. Allan H. Clark's discussion Unforessen consequence of Obamacare
1 hour ago
Tom Sarbeck replied to Anthony Jordan's discussion Poll Shows 29% of Americans Believe Armed Revolution May Become Necessary
1 hour ago
jay H replied to Dr. Allan H. Clark's discussion Unforessen consequence of Obamacare
1 hour ago
Dr. Allan H. Clark replied to Anthony Jordan's discussion Poll Shows 29% of Americans Believe Armed Revolution May Become Necessary
1 hour ago
Tom Sarbeck replied to Dr. Allan H. Clark's discussion Unforessen consequence of Obamacare
2 hours ago
Jim DePaulo replied to Steph S.'s discussion 'Crazy ants' a threat in southern U.S. in the group Hang With Friends
2 hours ago
Dr. Allan H. Clark replied to Dr. Allan H. Clark's discussion Unforessen consequence of Obamacare
2 hours ago
Sentient Biped commented on Sentient Biped's group Godless in the garden
2 hours ago
George Gordner III posted videos
3 hours ago
Debra Stevenson replied to Debra Stevenson's discussion Humanistic Mormon Bishop's response to Elder's homophobic remark at GC
4 hours ago
GOD'aye commented on GOD'aye's blog post THE THAW, CHRISTIAN DRONGO KID CULTURE, ENTER THE WORLDS DUMBEST YOUTH
5 hours ago
Luara replied to Dr. Allan H. Clark's discussion Unforessen consequence of Obamacare
5 hours ago
Luara commented on Joan Denoo's photo
5 hours ago

© 2013   Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: Brother Richard.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service