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Atheism/atheists wedding & funeral
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Question
dear sir,
Are there any atheist wedding & funeral ceremonies in your country? How was your wedding ceremony when you got married and how atheists make ceremony in their funeral?
thank you
Hello,
Here in the United States, atheists as a rule do not have ceremonies for weddings or funerals. In the case of weddings, all the atheist friends I have were married before a judge, not a religous practitioner. In the case of funerals, atheists here don't have them. They simply get their bodies cremated. (Though a brief memorial may be held just before, depending on the wishes of the atheist).
Speaking for myself, I was married in the Roman Catholic Church (in 1975) and this was before I renounced all religions and religious practice and became an atheist.
Again, the aim of atheists in this country at least, is *not* to have any ceremonies associated with their funerals. This is not to say it is impossible or can't be done, only that I know of no atheists who have done it!
Hope this answer helps.
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Answers by Expert:
Philip A. Stahl
Expertise
I specialize in the areas of scientific materialism and consciousness described as a materialist epiphenomenon. Also can answer questions pertaining to general atheism, atheist-agnostic differences etc.
Experience
I have been an atheist for over 27 yrs. and have written two books on the subject: 'The Atheist's Handbook to Modern Materialism'(2000), and 'Atheism" A Beginner's Handbook' (due out next month).
Organizations
Intertel, American Atheists, American Mathematical Society, American Astronomical Society, American Geophysical Union
Publications
Atheist articles: 'The American Atheist' magazine, assorted U.S. newspapers (e.g. Baltimore Sun); two books (already mentioned in experience section); papers-articles published in Intertel's Journal: Integra.
Education/Credentials
Master of Philosophy in Physics. Also took more than 3 yrs. of theology and metaphysics courses at a Catholic University (1964-67) - before I became an atheist. Thus, I have much more religious familiarity & background than many atheists.
Awards and Honors
Writers' Digest Award for the essay 'The Atheist in America' (2000), Government of Barbados research in solar physics award (1980-84), AAS Solar Physics Award (1984)
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