Sunday, August 17, 2008

Atheist Asked To Be Godparent

Riemann's Cut asks an interesting question. What does an Atheist do when asked to be a Godparent? I've been an Atheist all of my adult life (a long time now). The question has come up from time to time. I've always said no, or better yet, I've put out a feeler telling my family they should not ask. On the other hand, I try to be a good uncle or cousin because I'm interested in participating in the social life of my extended family. Riemann's struggling with his decision:

I have no idea what I will say or how I will react. I wonder if things will get heated and I describe my true feelings about baptism, that to inflict a religion on an infant is immoral. Maybe I'll come out a closer definition of what I am, a "Non-Theistic Agnostic" and just maybe they'll realise I've thought about this for a long time. Or maybe I'll just go ahead with it... adopt some kind of nihilistic viewpoint that nothing really matters anyway, and declaring devotion to a falsehood negates ones actions automatically. It would be the same as signing myself up as a heretic during the inquisition though. Sure, I'd save myself a load of hassle but I'd be betraying myself and the truth.

I've always just opted out. I simply say something like "It would be inappropriate for me to participate because I do not share your faith". They usually understand. My statement is not about their beliefs, it is about mine. I usually ask if I can participate in some other way. That's what I love about my wife's Filipino culture. I think they invented the word "sponsor" especially for me.

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Anton · 869 weeks ago

My Atheist friend was asked to be god father. He complied and "actually did what a god father is supposed to do", namely watch out for the welfare of the child with the result that he is now a legal "single parent" and has been for more than 10 years. The problem is this. The "religious" community has attempted to block his "adoption" and watches his every action like "crows over carrion". While they accepted him at the ceremony and made no fuss about his "atheism" and really appreciated his money for the ceremony, they are hollering now. The "religious" community maintains that a continuing relationship with the "incarcerated" parents is still better for the child than the one he can provide. The "child" should be over 20 when the parents are freed. Yuk!!!!!
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Jackylhunter 1p · 869 weeks ago

I'm a godparent to my niece. I agreed to do this when I was less passionate about my atheism, maybe that goes to show just how much the world has changed in the past 10 years.
Anyway, I was and am quite serious about it. I am there to look after the spiritual welfare of my niece. As a gift for the baptism for my niece I bought her a bible, a torah and a koran. I suspose I'd add the God Delusion as well now or some childrens philsophy books to help her ask questions.
I continue to challange the faith she is brought up in, if she is to a follow a faith she's going to follow it because she understands it not because she's blind to it.

Now, I don't think anyone would ask me to a godparent. But I was asked to be a sponsor... I declined though.
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AlisonS 28p · 868 weeks ago

I have two goddaughters despite having been an atheist since the age of 17. The parents were completely aware of my lack of belief. For the first child, the baptism was necessary under existing law (Quebec - no longer required) in order to get a birth certificate. Her parents were not in any way religious, but had to go through with the charade, so the whole godparent issue was just as ridiculous. Nonetheless, I participated in her life and stil am in contact with her even though she has lived in the west for many years and is 43. I am pleased to say she is a non-believer.

In the second case, I was responsible for introducing the parents to each other. So, although they are church-goers, they discussed my atheism and still decided to ask me. I was honoured to be asked, and, as my views were alright with them, I accepted. She is now an awsome 16 year old who has refused to be confirmed.

Obviously, I feel that my involvement in their lives has had a positive result.
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Heather · 728 weeks ago

I was asked to be a godparent nearly 2 years ago. I chose to accept, because although I am not of their religion I am still capable of helping a child become responsible, curious, happy and moral.
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Pat · 596 weeks ago

Is there any type of certificate for a non-believer godparent, for the child to feel some added importance, other than adding that child into your will? Something used that can add to the connection between the 2+ of you?

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