As a non believer, would you attend a prayer, church service for a deceased relative who was a long time elder and church member where you grew up?
They would have to be a close relative, parent or sibling. I did not go to the funeral of my uncle, who was a priest in Tucson, but I did drive my aunts down so they could make arrangements.
Yes. It was their life and religion meant a great deal to them.
Respect costs little to give, supports the living (the dead don't much care), and ultimately may cause someone to one day question the attitude that all atheists are aggressive arseholes.
I'd go if it was someone I knew and/or cared about. It doesn't mean that I accept all of the dogma that I would hear and see. I'd be going there to honor my deceased relative.
Absolutely, I’d go. Just because it’s not my belief does not mean it’s an opportunity to grandstand. Seems kinda selfish not to go, unless there is some other mitigating circumstance (e.g. the church community has berated you, etc.)
The church community makes me very uncomfortable...to be with so many people who seem like zombies...irrational belief in some supernatural being that they worship is just plan scary...
I recently went to a funeral for an old friend. I sat near the back, and did not participate, but was quiet and resprectful. It was fine.
For my family maybe but I wouldn't do any of the singing or listen to the bullshit.
Probably not. I might attend the funeral, but I don't even like to do that.
Sure, it's about the person and not the surroundings or what rituals are being performed.
In the end you will always be you.
Our ancestors were forced into believing and our elders raised into it. It's part of their core and not everyone comes out of it.
If you cared for that relative then brush off these things and say your goodbyes.
It's just a thing.
I've endured it twice, once for each of my parents. Mormon funerals are very cultish in my view. Instead of remembering the person's life, the whole service is dedicated to remembering the person's faith. I guess they hope that nonbelievers in the grief will reach out to the Mormon faith for comfort.
For me, if it wasnt' my own parents funerals, I'd have walked out. I foudn ti all to be in poor taste and offensive.
I have and I'm sure I will again. A church is just a building where people get together. I attend weddings and funerals. I play along on Xmas. god is Santa Claus for big people.
If you liked him, why not honor his memory & comfort those he left behind...you can avoid all religious remarks so easily, a simple, "I'm sorry for your loss" is always appropriate.