To take my DD to a carol service even though I'm an atheist?

[pozzled]

I think I probably am BU but would welcome some opinions on this, especially from Christians.

I'm an atheist but was brought up in a broadly Christian household. I have fond memories of Christmas within the church, and love hearing Christmas carols, and the Christmas story. DD is only a toddler at the moment but I'd quite like her to experience some of these things, and to understand the Christian meaning of Christmas as it's part of her culture.

But it would also feel very hypocritical going to church when I don't believe, and I wouldn't if I thought it could be offensive. So, am I BU or am I overthinking this? If you are a Christian would you be happy for someone who was a confirmed atheist to come along, or would you prefer I stayed away?

[jonicomelately]

If memory serves, Richard Dawkins says that he enjoys Christmas Carols because of their cultual/historical significance.

I wouldn't sweat it.

[Lizzywishes]

I'm not a practising Christian,but I think it's fine. As you say, it's part of her cultural heritage and by taking her to services like this you are, in part, enabling her own decisions about religion later in life.

[jonicomelately]

'cultural' not cultual.

[Yulephemia]

I love singing carols - they're great fun to sing, cheering and warming at this time of year - and I'm a total atheist!

My DD is 8 and I've always answered her questions about "God" as honestly as I could, saying that some people believe x, y and z and when she's asked what I believe I've told her honestly.

I think you're over-thinking it: sing away and have some fun with it.

[noblegiraffe]

Wouldn't Christians be delighted that your child would be going to their religious service?

So long as you don't sit there stony-faced and refuse to join in, how would they even know?

[TrillianAstra]

YANBU, you are "observing the customs of your tribe"

It's a nice thing to do. You don't have to believe in the story you are singing about.

[redskyatnight]

IME all are welcome to attend a church service, whether they believe or not.

[pozzled]

Thanks all, that is reassuring!

"My DD is 8 and I've always answered her questions about "God" as honestly as I could, saying that some people believe x, y and z and when she's asked what I believe I've told her honestly."

That's exactly what DH and I intend- we want DD to be able to make her own mind up eventually.

[TrinityMotherOfRhinos]

christians dont hate non christians

also noone would know your beleifs

you aren't going there to ruin it
youre going there to enjoy it

its fine

[hairyfairylights]

YANBU!!! I am not a Christian, but I LOVE Carols and if I could go to a carol service I would!

the Church will welcome you.

[claig]

YANBU and it is not hypocritical at all. Christmas carols are beautiful, go and have a very nice day.

[FakePlasticTrees]

YANBU - I'm a Christian and I think you shouldn't worry about taking her, if you think she'll enjoy it, go for it. Churches try to be welcoming. At least ours does.

[MrsVidic]

by all means go and enjoy it. However, don.t complain if people assume your a believer

[BusyMisstletoeIzzy]

YANBU, I'm not a Christian and I love carols.

[pozzled]

Fairly unanimous then! I'll definitely go.

"by all means go and enjoy it. However, don.t complain if people assume your a believer"

I won't. But I would be honest if anyone asked me (not that I expect they would) which is why I wanted to check that no one would mind.

[ebonyfish]

You will be very welcome at church any time of year.

Merry Christmas.

[StayingFatherChristmasGirl]

I'm a christian, and I think it is great that you are taking your dd to a carol service. It will be a lovely experience for her, with some of the best church music (I love the Christmas music best of all), and a great thing for the two of you to share.

And you are also helping her to learn the story that is behind a huge amount of art and music in the Western world, so enriching her life that way too.

Merry Christmas!

[BecauseItoldYouSo]

I am doing the same thing as I feel the same way. I think that it is a great thing for a child to experience.

Church doors are open to all.

[cory]

Hope you have a lovely time!

My parents are atheists but I grew up a Christian (for reasons unknown). I still feel that they do have a right to the church as part of their cultural heritage even if it doesn't mean the same thing to them as to me. What I always enjoyed about them was their relaxed open attitude on occasions like this.