Can you be a godparent when your not religious?

1. 81

   belleartposted 9 years ago

   Can you be a godparent when your not religious?
   
   I have recently been asked to be the godmother of my very first cousin, however Neither myself nor the parents are religious, but our grandmother is devout and worries about him not being Christened, so he is getting baptized.   I worry about hypocritical though since I am very strongly against organised rreligion, how can be a godparent and not actually follow through in the actual role?
   
   

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2. 77

   chuckandus6posted 9 years ago

   I do believe that godparents are those who someone can trust with their precious children in case of the worst, the person does not have to be religious in just originated that way.

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3. 94

   peeplesposted 9 years ago

   Being a "godparent" has always sounded silly to me. I've told my friend, "let's just agree that I will look out for your child like they are my own, and if anything ever happens I will be there to support and raise them". You can guide a child spiritually without being religious. I guess it all comes down to what the parent of the child wants. If she is not religious, then her expectations are likely just for you to be there for the child.

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4. 81

   dashingscorpioposted 9 years ago

   Selecting a Godparent is the choice of the couple.
   These days there are many Godparents who never attended any formal services. Essentially you're saying in the event something happens to the parents you would step in. Couples may also express their desire in writing as well.
   Your grandmother has no say in what your cousin decides.
   Life is a (personal) journey!

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5. 63

   LoisRyan13903posted 9 years ago

   I think it depends where the baby is baptized at.  When both my daughters were babtized at least one of the godparents had to belong to the same denomination.  One of the godparents with my older daughter was raised in the denomination but never went to church when he became an adult and was very anti-religious.  He still believes but just does not like organized religions.  I don't think it is hypocritical.  I myself got my daughters baptized in that church becuase of parents and in-kaw but I reaised them a nondenominational Christians.

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6. 0

   savvydatingposted 9 years ago

   Just tell them what you told us. Most likely, they already know---and they picked you because they believe in you. Godparent may be a "general" term in their minds. If you feel uncomfortable, just discuss your feelings. You will both be able to decide from there.

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7. 80

   peachpurpleposted 9 years ago

   No idea about now. In the past, my Godfather was a catholic as our family is catholic too. So does, my Godmother. Seems that it is compulsory. Now, people are not that holy anymore. ANyone can be god pa or god ma as long he/she is your favorite person

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   1. 81

      belleartposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks everyone, that has eased my mind on the issue.  Unfortunately we are having a hard time with the priest who is not willing to let me be the godparent. I explained that I would be a spiritual guide rather than a religious one.

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