to be a bit embarrassed about having a christening?

[biggerquestions]

We are planning a christening for our new baby. DP wants to do it as he's " a traditionalist" - he's also an atheist. Although he does sometimes go to our local church and sometimes even enjoys it - the sermons, the community. I am not committed enough to be an atheist, I can't bring myself to say there is no God, as I don't know. But I don't believe in it in a 'literal' sense. I go to our local church 1-2 times a month, sometimes less, sometimes more. I've been going more since I had children ( no not just for schools!) I enjoy the services, the sense of community, the time out from the general chaos of life. Gives me a chance to slow down and think about life and how I behave etc. I like the vicar, he knows my name. I realise that if I was born somewhere else or to other parents I could just as easily be going to a synagogue, a temple or a mosque. I don't think Christianity is necessarily the 'right religion' any more than the others. But 'church' is so much more than having to have a literal 100% belief in something that was probably a manmade constuct.

Anyway..... really want to do something special for new baby and christening seems obvious choice. We are regulars at the church so why not? I'm being a bit of a hypocrite if I take the vows absolutely literally but I don't feel I'm disrespecting the church or anyone's faith because I have a big love of the church, particularly our one... I"m just not exactly a Christian. The thing is most of my friends are staunch atheists and christenings don't seem as common anymore ie they are not just 'the done thing'. I'm not sure how to explain why we are doing it to my friends.. it's not like I can say " Because I believe all this stuff and I"m a Christian".
Have looked into Thanksgiving service or Naming Ceremony but they have been dismissed for various reasons. I don't want to abandon idea altogether - can't I just have one out of tradition? Or is that really bad? Am I right to be embarrassed?
Sorry for ramble... I"m tying myself up in knots about this.

HI OP here. In answer to some questions. Yes I have read the full service and compared it with the Thanksgiving service. I actually think the Thanksgiving service IS more appropriate. Funnily enough my vicar is trying to steer me more toward the Christening rather than Thanksgiving. I think he wants to do a Christening for someone he actually recognises rather as most Christenings he does are for people new to the church. We will have Godparents but they won't be expected to do the God part. More the supporting adult role. They will not be expected to make the vows, unless they want to but will stand up with us at the front of church if they wish. All suggested and supported by vicar.For everyone that makes comments that it is 'weird' 'bizarre' 'hypocritical'and they 'can't possible understand why' anyone who isn't a Christian would consider a christening - I understand these comments. However 20-30 years ago the majority of people were Christened and I don't think all those parentswere necessarily 'believers' - it was more a traditional cultural custom for a lot of people. I'm not saying this is the right reason to have one but just saying it's not a totally weird concept! The traditional custom bit is what appeals to DP and me aswell- although of course I am also thinking about it on a much deeper level too as I have some belief and attachment to the church.

tallest I didn't say you ought to be certain about God just that if you were so sure it was all rubbish it would be illogical - and therefore hypocritical - to buy into it. Like campaigning about animal rights and choosing to buy battery eggs.

Op
Sorted then !
Enjoy your day and stop beating yourself up . No need for our opinion , its your journey .
You obviously have a faith bubbling away somewhere and this will help you explore it .