AIBU not going to my nephew's christening?

[headlessduck]

Hey, my sister has just had her first baby and they have decided to christen him. None of our family is religious, but my BIL's parents are quite religious. I think they are mostly christening him because of them. I think that raising your child to be religious is deeply unethical. I think it is wrong to teach kids their ludicrous beliefs which there is almost no evidence for as if they are facts. It actively discourages critical thinking. You are facilitating a religion that is deeply misogynistic and homophobic, even if you conveniently ignore these parts of the Bible. Christenings are promising to do just that. At best it is a hypocritical promise. In this case, I think this is all it is. I feel uncomfortable supporting this, and I find religious ceremonies infuriating and boring. I told her I would not be going for these reasons. It is their choice. I am not trying to stop them from doing this, I just don't want to go myself. However, she told me this was "ridiculous" and "pathetic" and that it was "mostly just an excuse for a party." What does everyone think of this? AIBU not going to my nephew's christening?

I'm glad your not my sister.
My Atheist gay sister stood at my side in a Catholic church for my wedding and while I had 3 children baptised. And you know why because family means more to her than being an opinionated arsehole.

What are you on about just go and enjoy yourself

You sound a bit thick. You do realise in civilized society we generally just rub along nicely and accept other people are allowed to have different beliefs and culture to us?
Unless one is a terrorist or similar of course.

Oh come on...ive been doing Xmas for years without a hint of religion. Even cards now don't have religious scenes, all snowmen and Rudolf etc. Not for one moment did I 'reflect on the true meaning of Christmas'. That eras lonh gone. Its back to the old Yuletide. Family time, fun, parties, good food.

@ExtraOnions lm not sure she was intending to tell anyone else what to do. She explained why she didn't want to go and her sister minimised her feelings.

You sound very aggressive. I wouldn't want you there in any event. Do your sister a favour and stay away.

@JudgeRudy but why is it celebrated in the first place, yes because of the birth of Jesus, so you can celebrate what you want but it's a fact that what it's actually about.

I don't believe but have been a godparent twice - the parents knew my views.
If you don't believe, you can chose to see it as a welcoming ceremony/ celebration. Most parents who have their children christened don't go to church again.

If you really insist on seeing as indoctrination - which seems pretty poor 'indoctrination' to be honest, look at the number of people christened and the very low church attendance - don't go, but it seems a very extreme view.

I like the sound of your sister.

I'm sure everyone else will be most relieved to hear you won't be gracing them with your pompous presence.

Yabu

@gemloving I think a quick straw poll will dispute that. The word might be based on religion but the 'festival' isn't anymore....and wasn't originally. But that aside, she's anti religion. She believes its dangerous. So she's elected to not be a part of it. If at Xmas she was invited to church I'm sure she'd say no to that to....but still have special dinner, presents, food and drink, presents, few days of work etc.

I'm an atheist, I have attended lots of christenings. I've also attended religious wedding celebrations (not just Christian, some Muslim and Jewish weddings too) I don't believe in any of it, but I like to go and support the people. I show respect to their beliefs whilst there despite not believing myself.

I won't christen my kids or have a religious ceremony for my wedding due to my beliefs, but that really doesn't stop me supporting other people and being respectful of theirs. YABVU.

I completely agree with you OP. You do not have to support this religious indoctrination

I usually say no to church but I did go to 2 out of 4 DNS. The other 2 I no longer travel to see because Sil's DHS family are awful. Show up for your sister. Help her get through it!

I agree with you.

I think that if you believe that Christening a child is wrong, which you clearly do, then going along to the ceremony and party afterwards, would be hypocritical. Most people just don't think about the real reasons for a Christening, and so don't feel bad about going along, perhaps many of them don't actually know what a Christening is really about, and like your sister, think it's all about a party, and if that's the case, then they should really have a 'Naming Ceremony' and not be hypocrites making promises to God and to the church that they have no intention of keeping. So in answer to your question OP, no I don't think you are BU not going.

YABU and a bit of a dick. It’s not about you. Go and support your sister and your nephew and stop trying to be somehow superior. You’re not.

People do not like women with strong opinions on this site do they 😆

Honestly I wouldn’t want you there, with that attitude. It’s about their family, not you

what a fanny.

You can feel how you like, but they are not your DC and you don’t get a say. The christening will take place whether or not you bless it with your presence.

As for the doctrine, you sound ill informed and judgmental. Christianity preaches to love thy neighbour, justice, kindness for outcasts/outsiders, charity, husbandry and respect for law and order etc. Many of the laws of this country are based on the Christian faith. It’s not all bad.

Hope that was strong enough an opinion for you, babes.

There is a difference between someone with strong opinions and someone who is an arsehole with their opinions

Wtf 😆😆