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Original poster

To not go to this Christening?

130 replies

HolidaysMakeMeHappy · 20/09/2023 18:44

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.

OP posts:
Lifeinlists · 20/09/2023 22:48

MartyFunkhouser · 20/09/2023 21:02

In my experience, C of E’s are without exception, the most sanctimonious ‘religious’ people I have met.

Catholics are much more relaxed about the world and their aunt rocking up to church only when it’s suits them. They tend to focus on their own faith rather than disapproving of others.

Well let's not get into a denominational tussle but the OP says she's a Baptist.

The baby will be baptised in the CofE who, at this point, don't appear to be being at all 'sanctimonious' about it seeing that the parents aren't even churchgoers (we're told).

But I get your drift.

jonnyjanetkeogh · 21/09/2023 00:43

@Darkdiamond sorry I am only just responding, I'm just home!
Thank you for your reply regarding your views on Catholic/Protestant variances.
I had to smile reading it because while you have started Catholic and are now Protestant, I've actually done the opposite. I was raised in a very Protestant family so I can totally see what you mean. I hadn't thought about you maybe being Protestant now, my fault for probably not reading your original comment properly.
I just found it slightly comical that I've explained the Catholic thing to you and you've explained the Protestant thing to me and actually we probably both knew each others side all along 😄
Hope you take that in the lighthearted way I intend it. And I agree, I wouldn't want to derail the thread on differences etc either. I loved how you explained it for what it's worth, and I wish you the very best 🙏
At the end of the day we are all following what feels right in our hearts, whatever belief that may be ❤️

NewName122 · 21/09/2023 00:51

I agree it is just wasting peoples time. My local reverend is so busy she does not have time for sham christenings just so they can have a party.

jonnyjanetkeogh · 21/09/2023 00:53

HolidaysMakeMeHappy · 20/09/2023 20:35

@Prescottdanni123 what would I be celebrating though? Listening to people making promises they have no intention of keeping?

I don't believe you become a Christian when you are baptised as an infant, probably why my own children weren't!

Edited

This puts a slightly different slant on things. If you feel that it's not valid then the parents believing or not doesn't really make much of a difference. And as has been explained previously on this thread baptism is not 'making the child Christian', it's a promise to bring the child up in a Christian way- values, faith, education etc. But if you don't agree with that, then I'm not sure why you would go even if the parents were the most devout churchgoers of their parish. I would view confirmation as the point a believer chooses to be a full member of the church (being confirmed as this) so this is maybe more similar to CofE.

recyclemeagain · 21/09/2023 22:49

So what have you decided to do @HolidaysMakeMeHappy? Or have you not made up your mind just yet?

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