Church Going

[scoobydooby]

I answered a question about marrying in a church earlier and it's got me thinking.....

I was taken to church as a child, by my grandparents, and attended a Sunday school. I was christened as a baby and had my two children christened. I used to take them to church for special occasions (not as much as I felt I should because I worked part-time at the weekends). I've never been deeply religious but I've always believed in God and used to pray every night before I went to sleep until I was about 12 years old (it just gave me a bit of security I didn't have elsewhere). Anyway, I don't even think about church now and I wouldn't tell my children to attend. However, I have attended some christenings of late and I'm so surprised at how things have changed. Everyone wants to hug you! I'm quite a reserved person and find all this hugging and kissing stuff really very embarrassing. It all seems a bit cult-like to me whereas, years ago, you could sit quietly at the back and no-one would know you were there.

[tiny e.a]

I'd say if everyone wanted to hug you it has more to do with the guests at the christening than with the way churchis now, although I haven't been to a church service for many years so I could be wrong!

[hotpink]

well, i think there's absolutely no point getting a child christened if you have no intention to bring them up as a christian. for the same reason i don't see the point in couples getting married in churches if they are not religious. its just tradition nowadays, and people think they are doing the proper thing. its ok putting on your donor card you belong to 'x' religion, but whats the point if you don't practice it? what is so wrong with saying 'i'm not religious'. its not hard is it?

[Octavius]

Read question below about alcohol effects and emotions. That altar wine has become rather potent in recent years. You are lucky it stopped at a hug and a kiss.

I am sure that if you wanted to sit at the back and remain untainted, your wishes would be respected.

[RATTER15]

I'm an atheist and I once got married in a church, its just a legal procedure that I had to go through to be married and I chose a beautiful building rather than an office, I got the Divorce through the office though!!! lol

[hotpink]

ratter, its hardly a choice between a church or an office. i got married in a gorgeous small family run hotel surounded by beautiful gardens. and yes, it was a beautiful building, and i wouldn't of had it any other way

[spudqueen]

I used to go to Church regularly until the age of about 14. After that I only went for weddings, funerals and christenings until my children started school (a Church school - I know, I know) and we used to go once a term for a school service. All these Church visits seemed to be in the nice old staid service mode, until fairly recently when you are either asked to shake the hands of the person next to you. Maybe they think that it is bringing the Church up to date and making it more modern will make more people want to go. It certainly doesn't make me want to go - I much prefer the old fashioned sort of service! Good job I'm not religious! Oh - and I didn't get married in a Church and my children are not christened!

[RATTER15]

hotpink when I got married, it was Church or registry office, different these days I agree, as for a choice of buildings, I would still choose a church!!

[Octavius]

Hotpink, I got married in a beautiful village church and had a reception at a wonderful country hotel with quaint furnishings, adornments, beautiful gardens including ponds and fountains, and a fantastic nostalgic reception room to a tremendously gorgeous woman.

The best of both worlds.