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[egan]

So Easter is long over, but something occurred during Easter that I was quite happy about--but wasn't sure if there may have been a different meaning to what happened.

The backgound: So my brother and I are firm atheists, with my brother being quite a bit more outspoken than I. Our mother is moderately religious, but not too serious. We had some extended family over, however, who is pretty close to evangelical--my aunt, her daughter-in-law, and two kids came for Easter. My aunt is very religious, but not quite as bad as her daughter in law. This woman has absolutely NO respect for other beliefs: she's a complete bigot like one you would see in the news.

Anyway, so since it was Easter (and my brother and I only "celebrate" it because we like visiting our relatives) and during our lunch, there was no prayer. I thought for sure there would be a prayer, but there was not. Granted, we were not sitting around a table--it was a "dish up your food and sit where you want in the living room" type of thing. But still, I (and my brother) were shocked that people this religious didn't do a prayer (or at least announce it).

I am skeptical, however, that this was done out of respect (on the daughter-in-law's part at least). Are there any other potential reasons for this occurrence? Or was it truly polite?

[beacher]

Surely prayers can be said in silence, or under one's breath?

[cleirach70]

Surely prayers can be said in silence, or under one's breath?

Your Use Of The Pagan Word, easter, Turned me Off...

So I Did Not Get Very Far...

[colum]

I am pretty dang religious and sometimes it slips my mind when in the middle of throwing a large party. It could have been blessed ahead of time. They could have agreeed to just do a silent prayer. Or they could have just forgotten.

Given this was Easter, I think you would be in the wrong for having an issue with a prayer and if they did it out of respect for you, then perhaps you and your brother should rethink how you guys have been projecting your lack of beliefs to the point where they feel they cant even pray at Easter without offending you because if there was any time for there to be a prayer it should be Easter.

I would hope you wouldnt want to be making people feel so uncomfortable or have to dance around you so much that they dont feel like they are respected enough to express their beliefs.

[chason62]

I think it may have been politeness and the fact not everyone would have appreciated the prayer. A group prayer is an expression of purpose and unity and without agreement can be a mockery. It sounds like there's a fair amount of tolerance and getting along in your family. There is no reason a person can't offer a silent prayer over their own meal. It sounds like you might have been out visiting at the time. Generally, the master of the house sets the standard on things like that.

If they were at your house, they might request a prayer be offered, but it would be your parents' choice. If you were at their house, it would be their call. Or were you at another relative's altogether?

On the other hand, faith is not a static thing. Believer's have their ups and downs too. Perhaps the daughter in law was discouraged or had something happen that really challenged her beliefs. Sooner or later everyone feels pain. If you have the chance, it might be worth asking her.