Jesus replaced with a Gregg's sausage roll.

When singing a hymn, I feel whatever is the appropriate emotion at the time - depends on the reason for singing the hymn. Generally it’s joy at weddings ( mixed in example above) and for funerals, a mixture of emotions - again depending on the circumstances of the death, the closeness of my relationship to the person who has died, thankfulness for their lives and the joy they brought me, regret at things not said, sorrow I can never physically hold them again but that they will always have a space in my heart. My guess is that many Christians would recognise what I’ve just described

Oh I’m not going to engage on that level of debate annie

Sometimes eg Churches On Foundation it’s the music - the others I mentioned it’s the words as well.

Sorry but your reply is a cop out Maryeliza, just say I don't want to answer not turn it on me .

You have really been quite brutal to posters who are distressed by that bloody sausage roll yet will not be honest when asked about your non faith.

I’m being as honest as I can be( which I know as an evil atheist doesn’t mean much) I love certain hymns, certain bible readings - don’t you dare say that I’m not being honest - not very Christian of you is it? I actually for once revealed a bit more about my personal feelings than I usually do and then you react as you did - lovely.

Sorry Baggs I wasn’t suggesting or condoning violence from any quarter .

I was just asking why we would think that any religion would not be upset, outraged, etc at a paradox of this
kind.

And in a society with freedom of religion, then I would also say that I’m free not to believe AND sing hymns simultaneously

Then why not say how you can put a hymn which praises Christ as the foundation of the church as a favourite when you have scoffed at belief in him,

No Trisher, I only asked how atheists feel when singing a hymn of praise to aGod they believe is fiction.

This atheist feels fine in such circumstances and just enjoys the tune and her singing (others might not enjoy her singing though she thinks she can hold a tune even if she can no longer hit the high notes). This atheist thinks a hymn might be like a prayer to someone who prays but, since this atheist doesn't pray*, it isn't a prayer to her but she does feel a sense of community with the people with whom she is singing.

* the definition of what a prayer is has resulted in much philosophical thought so the atheist might be praying after all. Fortunately, she doesn't care either way.

This atheist used to sing in a university choir that practised in the university chapel. Most of the choir members were atheists but they liked the music written by people like Handel and J.S.Bach and they knew that most music and indeed much painting of those people's times had a religious bent because it was the Church that commissioned the music and the art, as in Michelangelo's time.

Art is art whoever's paying for it and hymns/cantatas, etc can be appreciated for their art without worrying about the words or images.

Aaaagggghhhhhh read my posts

Please could you stop blessing us all Maryeliza.

trisher Many people question their faith - Jesus did that too.

No Jal. Bless

*Sorry Baggs I wasn’t suggesting or condoning violence from any quarter .
I was just asking why we would think that any religion would not be upset, outraged, etc at a paradox of this
kind.*

I don't think religious people might be upset by certain things. I just think that, like people getting upset about other things (everyone gets upset sometimes) they should just deal with it. It is the apparent belief that being religious should preserve one from being upset about what others think of your beliefs that is odd.

Sorry. I don't think religious people might not be upset....

maryeliza said: And in a society with freedom of religion, then I would also say that I’m free not to believe AND sing hymns simultaneously

Yup.

So maryeliza, you can tell Christians they should turn the other cheek if hurt yet refuse to answer to a polite post explaining how you say a hymn which is one of your favourites and praises Christ as the Head of the Church can be a favourite when you do not believe what you are singing .
Fair enough , end of this discussion

I was raised catholic,in a "mixed marriage" my GM and GG were devout ,went to mass every day and lived by christian principles ..in short they were good people ...no more than good they were amazing people .My GG took in an old blind woman whose family had disowned her ..not out of badness but because they were very poor ,my G and Grandpa took in a family during the depression when they were destitute a young couple with twins.Now THATS christianity at its best ..I just read on another thread that the "good book" says let those who wont work NOT eat ...doesn't sound very christian to me !! I live by the principles my family had ,I'd do anything to help anyone who needed it...regardless of race,creed or colour but I dont believe in a faith that in my opinion is very flawed and wont sort itself out.My friend "found" Jesus when he was in his 40's he became the most narrow minded individual,anti gay ,anti abortion anti loads of things "because the Bible says its wrong" WHERE does this work of fiction say these things.And what god would tell folk to HATE in his name .Not my kind of guy !!Or girl !

I've just been reading this while watching Exodus.
Wondering what happened to Christian values when it comes to refugees.

Greggs Foundation supports the National Churches Trust, and gives grants to refugees through them.
However, they have to be allowed into the country first. I can think of a few people who claim to be Christian who will not allow that.

maryeliza did answer your question, annie. I've quoted her answer cos that's what I think too.

Eglantine I think many people do just that.

I did say that I thought that many people attend church on occasion as a type of 'insurance policy' and got short shrift from another Gransnetter (who has not posted on this thread as far as I am aware).
Their faith may waver sometimes but they would like a Christian funeral service - just in case. Who is to know?

Belief in God is an extremely difficult concept to grasp.

I go to church on invitation only basis usually - apart from the carol service. I certainly don’t need any insurance policy

I was generalising, not referring to you specifically maryeliza

It is not all bout you, although that concept may be difficult to grasp too.

Ahhh JalBless , a thousand times bless. But I didn’t actually say that I thought you were referring to me specifically did I ? Is there a new rule now for me to follow that I can’t answer a general point? Oh dear me - just can’t do right for doing wrong can I? Oh bless