Nov
Church Things
Audrey’s cousins are church people. They are involved in the church music program. In fact, that is why they chose their particular church and denomination. When they discuss their choir and its politics, I am doubly grateful to be Heathen.
I do not like churches. Unfortunately, those of us who have Christian relatives might have to enter those dismal places for weddings, christenings and funerals. Audrey does not mind them, but then, she has a background in classical music. Some of that is like church music, I guess. I do not like churches, and that is that.
How do we handle these things? If it is a funeral, remember that you are there out of respect for the departed. That is the issue. The church and the strange ceremonies are incidental. Likewise, with a wedding, you are there out of respect for the couple. Again, the church and its bizarre rites are incidental. You are not there to make a scene or start a fight. Ignore the weird rites and the silly artwork. Try to avoid the urge to laugh at the statues and the incantations and prayers. Just give thanks that you do not believe in such things. If you cannot stand being there, then wait outside until the service is over. Remember that you are doing this for the person or couple, not the congregation or the church. You do not honor people by behaving in a way that disrupts their thing.
The main point is that we have to show “class.” While it is doubtful Christians would be so dignified when visiting our ceremonies, it is our destiny to be better and do better if we visit theirs. We ought not allow someone else’s lack of dignity be a cause for us to behave rudely. Our way is the better way, and we should therefore be encouraged to behave better.
