Do you think it is rude to ask someone if or where they go to church?

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   Dr. Wendyposted 14 years ago

   Do you think it is rude to ask someone if or where they go to church?

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   chatpilotposted 14 years ago

   Not at all Wendy, if religion is the topic of discussion then it follows that you would want to know those things. As an atheist whenever I am in a debate with a believer that is one of the first things I ask so that I can have a general idea what he/she believes. Christianity for instance has many sects and they all teach and interpret the scriptures or parts of it differently.

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   Motown2Chitownposted 14 years ago

   Not if you already know the person is a believer.  If you don't, it might be wise to inquire about their spiritual beliefs in general.  If they shut you down the minute you broach the subject of faith/religion/spirituality/belief, then I'd say avoid the question altogether.  And in some cases, you'll be able to infer from their response to the belief question what their response might be to the church question - if they don't just flat out answer it.  I personally feel that asking questions is never rude - how else do you get answers?  Sometimes, it's best to start by asking their permission to ask a personal question.

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   Wesman Todd Shawposted 14 years ago

   It depends on how it is asked, the inflection and syntax involved, and the conversation leading up to that question are important.
   
   Sometimes people ask that question with  tone of voice that says, "I'm going to invite you to my church, cuz you need to go, and you know it." . . . .that could be rude.
   
   I'd say that it is not an offensive question at all if it's random and out of the blue; but if I've been telling you for weeks about how I love to hang out at topless bars and go to Richard Dawkins book club meetings. . . . .the you should already know what kind of reaction that you'd get from such a person.

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   ndnfoodie530posted 14 years ago

   Of course. It implies that they are Christian, when they may not be, and also insinuates that there is something wrong with them is they say no. Best to butt out and let people and God work their stuff out.

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   Vivian Gomezposted 14 years ago

   It depends on the context. Has that person already stated that he or she is religious or believes in a deity? If so, then I would not think asking if they go to church and which they attend is a rude question by any means. "Rude" is also not quite the word I would use as much as I would use "presumptuous" if you were to ask that question without knowing whether the person is even religious--because you would be assuming that the person believes in a deity.

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   MickSposted 14 years ago

   Yes, how is it your business what another does?

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   Lovesloveposted 14 years ago

   I wouldnt consider it rude if I was asked that question..I would answer  honestly....''The local Parish Church...when i go which isnt often ''

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   nightwork4posted 14 years ago

   not in the least. that's just a part of getting to know someone and it's not like your asking a personal question. if you hold their answer against then, regardless of what it is that could be concidered rude though.

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    lovazaposted 14 years ago

    I don't make it my business to ask anyone what church they belong to because I feel it's a personal thing.  If I get to know someone, still I don't bother to ask.  I prefer to be a friend which is easier than trying to figure out what religion everyone is.  It really doesn't matter because what matters is being kind, caring and loving to others irregardless of where they attend church.

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    lorddraven2000posted 14 years ago

    Not at all. I attend two seperate churches but I am a bass player in a music group that ministers all over.

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    cobrienposted 14 years ago

    Definitely. Instead try asking them if they have a church they prefer.

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    Butch Newsposted 14 years ago

    Yes, very rude.  Mom said polite company does not discuss religion nor politics.
    
    Or, as Ann Landers would say... MYOB.

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    nifty@50posted 14 years ago

    It is only rude to someone not comfortable in their own beliefs and that is a personal hang-up. The question is not rude.

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    onenewbrazilposted 14 years ago

    Of course not. You're spreading the word of God.

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