Atheists: Do you stand up while the gospel is being read?

[thomas921070446]

no......lolololololol ....and I would not lower myself to go to church of mind control....

[addiebelle]

I don't sing, pray, etc. because it makes me feel uncomfortable. Other people don't have to understand because my religion (or lack thereof) is about me and what I believe.

[Athleteimarunningatheist]

when i play rugby, my team all kneel to pray.. i walk away and wait for them to finish.

[DeRerumNatura2330]

if i'm in a church it's because i was asked to be there or my presence is required for a funeral. in that case i'm certainly going to be respectful. do i stand when required, yes. do i kneel when required, yes. when i'm in a synagogue i wear a yarmulke too. i'm an atheist. i'm not rude.

[kclightman9469]

When I go to a church for a wedding for funeral, I generally stand with the crowd out of respect for the ceremony, but I do not bow my head or close my eyes. I just try to keep from standing out or interrupting or making anyone uncomfortable. This is the polite thing to do, even though I don't share their beliefs.There's nothing wrong with singing either, even if you don't agree with all the words, because singing is a powerful way of expressing emotion. It so happens my favorite lullaby is a hymn my mother used to sing to me when I had nightmares. It's not the words, it's the comfort and the memory.

[horomonakingixtraconz]

why do you go, it is obvious you have no consideration for anyone, be true to yourselfand stay away

[caseyl0025]

its fine if you dont believe but not standing i think would just be disrespectful, like you said. i personally would stand because i dont diss them for believing sometimes i wish i was that nieve. if i have to go to church i stand and bow my head during prayers and try not to sleep

[Happy5767]

If you're an atheist then why are you going to church? But to answer your question...it's a respect thing. Standing while the gospel is read is respectful, you don't have to say Amen or pray or bow your head but standing is a respectful thing. Would you stay seated during the National Anthem? Just being there means your there for a purpose weather a funeral or a wedding so being respectful for the other persons believes will make them happy.

[mcq3169018]

Having been for wedding, funerals, and such, I always stand when everyone else stands. Out of respect for the people and the place, I wouldn't stay seated. I'm there for the people getting married, or the dead, or whatever, and I will respect their beliefs, to a point. To me, that includes 'playing along' with the sermons and standing at the parts where everyone stands. That said, I don't read/sing along with the service. If standing is too much of an issue, then don't go at all.

[NERO2241]

If you made a rule in your house, say take off your shoes because you have a very rare wood finish and it is delicate to scuff marks and scratches, and you invited a friend who believes he shouldn't take his shoes off in front of women. Would you hold him to your rule.