Atheists attending funeral services

nurseneesy · Nov 3, 2004

:) Hi, I'm curious what exactly are the beliefs of athiests??? Am I correct in thinking they don't believe in God and is there more to it than that? Sorry to be clueless but I'm curious?

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2004

As even atheists have funerals, I would not think it a problem.

Funerals memorialize those that have left us. Religion is not necessarily a requirement of that.

As a Jew, I frequently have attended services of those of other religions, other than the fact that I do not kneel (not appropriate in my religion) and I do not pray "in the name of Jesus/Shiva/Mohammed/the Virgin Mary/etc.", there is no prohibition.

ktwlpn, LPN · Nov 3, 2004

The thread asking atheists/agnostics whether they would be offended if someone prayed for them after their death.

:rotfl: What THEY don't know won't hurt 'em.......I didn't see that thread-it sounds kind of stoooopid to me.....

I'll check it out.....

virmm1, LPN · Nov 3, 2004

The thread asking atheists/agnostics whether they would be offended if someone prayed for them after their death made me wonder if any theists would be upset at the thought of an atheist attending their funeral service. I'm a Hospice nurse. I'm also an atheist. Obviously, I don't reveal that to pt's. After a pt dies I try to attend their funeral service if my schedule allows. I do it out of respect for the pt and family. I sit at the back of the church, but I don't get involved with the service. I wouldn't go, though, if I thought the family would be offended by my presence. Of course, I can't know if they'd be offended because I would not have told them I'm an atheist.
As far as theists praying for me after I die, I don't think I would care one way or the other.

Theres nothing wrong with going to a funeral to show your respect. It shows that you are a caring person no matter wht beliefs you have.

I wouldn't want anyone praying for me after I'm dead, just pray for my loved ones.

Shiva_Las_Vegas · Nov 3, 2004

... I'm a Hospice nurse. I'm also an atheist. Obviously, I don't reveal that to pt's.....

Angelica,

Is it hard being an atheist hospice nurse? I was interested in hospice but it seems like the hospice nurses I have come across so far (which have been few) have been very religous.

Do people ask you to pray with them and if so, how do you respond? Have you had any patient's that were atheists that you were able to reveal your nonbelief to (if they asked)?

grace_device · Nov 3, 2004

:) Hi, I'm curious what exactly are the beliefs of athiests??? Am I correct in thinking they don't believe in God and is there more to it than that? Sorry to be clueless but I'm curious?

The only prerequisite to being an atheist is not believing in god(s). However, there are two 'types' of atheism. Weak atheism is defined as lacking the belief in any god(s). Strong atheism is more along the lines of actively denying the existence of any god(s).

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 3, 2004

Ok correct me if I am wrong: I thought funerals existed to pay respects to the one who passed, and foster fellowship and fond remembrance among those who loved the person. So,why, oh why, would they be so inclusive as to only include those who believe in a diety? I don't get the problem or dilemma here.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2004

Ok correct me if I am wrong: I thought funerals existed to pay respects to the one who passed, and foster fellowship and fond remembrance among those who loved the person. So,why, oh why, would they be so inclusive as to only include those who believe in a diety? I don't get the problem or dilemma here.

Deb I agree with you 100%. But funerals to a lot of people are a religious experience, passing the loved one into the hands of God, etc. I can understand her questioning that.

Nemhain · Nov 3, 2004

I'm an Atheist and fortunately I am surrounded by a group of people who don't make religious beliefs a centerpoint. I have friends who are Catholic, Baptist, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist. I'm lucky that I'm judged by my actions and my heart and not who I pray to or don't pray to. I've attended plently of funerals of friends and reletives who knew of my beliefs and it was never an issue for them.

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 3, 2004

Deb I agree with you 100%. But funerals to a lot of people are a religious experience, passing the loved one into the hands of God, etc. I can understand her questioning that.

So, LET THEM PRAY. (rofl I sound like Marie Antoinette for pity's sake).

But Funerals are for the LIVING, not the DEAD....and they are what we make them. I just don't see the big deal here. Those that are inclined should go ahead and make it a religious/spiritual experience. those who wish to pay respects, regardless of faith/religious observance, should be welcomed to pay their respects, too, if they were meaningful to the deceased. I see no dilemma here, like I said. And I am Christian.

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 3, 2004

I'm an Atheist and fortunately I am surrounded by a group of people who don't make religious beliefs a centerpoint. I have friends who are Catholic, Baptist, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist. I'm lucky that I'm judged by my actions and my heart and not who I pray to or don't pray to. I've attended plently of funerals of friends and reletives who knew of my beliefs and it was never an issue for them.

I would think for spiritually-mature people, it should not be a big issue. I am glad you are surrounded by people like these. That is great.