To not go to this Christening?

[HolidaysMakeMeHappy]

Family member lives 2 hours away and I have just found out they are planning to have their dc christened. I am very surprised as neither parent attends church and they didn't get married in church.
The whole thing feels like a hypocritical farce, I don't think I can sit there and listen to them make promises they have no intention of keeping just for the sake of a party.

Is it so they can get a better school choice?

Just make up your excuses and don't go.

I think it's more to do with relatives wealthy inlaws and keeping them happy

Does your version of Christianity not stretch to hoping that this may be a tiny step along the road to this child one day showing an interest? It's not really about the parents.
The word charity springs to mind.

I knew you we’re going to say you were religious… for some reason religious people seems to think there way is the right way..

Oooh how outrageous.....a Christian having an opinion on a religious ceremony....how extreme.

The things people do for a school place...

Just stay away. Everyone will be much happier.

The sacrament of baptism is literally pledging to bring your child into the Christian faith. OP’s position is not about religious pomposity, it’s about not wanting to be part of a hypocritical charade. It’s about integrity.

Yes, it's appalling that parents have to jump through hoops and feign allegiance to a supernatural belief system in order to gain access to the schools their taxes pay for. But that's where we are 🤷🏻‍♀️

Surely you can understand family politics? Forget christenings, you've done something you didn't want to in the past for the sake of family harmony, I'm sure of it. Hosted Christmas. Bit your tongue when Granny used an outdated term that's offensive now.

Maybe this is something that means a lot to Granny and so they're going along with it. It's very uncharitable and unchristian of you to assume it's because the in-laws (also known as the immediate family of one of the baby's parents) are wealthy.

The six month old infant will have no memoryof this event, how is that going to make a difference to them?

This child will not be taken to church.

Agreed. OP doesn't sound nice.

That's probably the exact reason why they are doing it. It means a lot to Granny, baby won't even remember so why not to keep the peace.

Do all of you saying such lovely things about me think its OK to make promises in church that you have no intention of keeping?

Do you feel the same about wedding vows?

I'd be going, as long as there is a piss up after 😉

As others have said, don’t go then!

Every christening I’ve ever been to has been held by completely non-religious parents. Every wedding too.

For most people a christening is an occasion where the religious aspect is not the focus.

Presumably they're either doing it for party and gifts or thinking ahead to enrolling the child in a faith school.

Either way, your faith and how you follow it is entirely your own affair. You don't get to tell others how they should do it. That nonsense is what leads to pointless wars and conflicts.

Just for info. we don't believe in God and our DC wasn't christened either, but he went to a faith based primary school as there were no other options where we live. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Nobody else at the school seemed upset by that.

However Christian that would be. What happened to live and let live?

YANBU it would upset me too. Perhaps they ought to be considering a secular naming ceremony instead with those feelings towards the church.

Well if the Vicar is happy to support the Christening then I see no reason for your objection.

I don’t understand why this has caused you such offence, the child may not remember the Christening but may be interested to learn more when they are older and know they have been christened.

For most people a christening is an occasion where the religious aspect is not the focus.

WTAF

The part where the Godparents agree to reject the devil and all rebellion against God.

The part where the newly baptised is told "Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified." Followed by "Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ against sin, the world and the devil, and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life."

You've been to a baptism. How on earth can religion not be the focus?!

I'm not trying to stop the christening, I'm conflicted about going because they are so open about it having no spiritual or religious significance for them

Have you been invited, OP?

Ridiculous isn't it. I like to buy a book of bible stories for kids. I thought was thoughtful but one set of parents I gave it to were like.er...thanks..

I have already said I will be expected to go.