Registering out of Respect, or is it Disrespectful?

Question

My husband is Mormon, well, kind of. He hasn't been to church since before he was a teenager and was only part of it due to his mother's beliefs. We're not religious in any sense and believe more so in Atheism than anything. Well when we were married his long time friend, who happens to be a Bishop, was the one who officiated our marriage. Since then, he's contacted us on registering our son along side his dad's records in the Church. I feel we'd be disrespectful as I don't believe in the religion, and will not be teaching our son about it. But my husband wants to do it out of respect for the Bishop. What's everyone's constructive thoughts?

Answer

Former Mormon here. Because your husband has never officially resigned, the church still sees him as a member. Since he isn't, he should just resign. Then his name will be scratched from the records.
If you don't want your son to be raised in the church, then don't get him registered. Simple as that. It's not disrespectful to raise your son the way you want to raise him. He's YOUR son, not theirs.

Answer

I wouldn't but that is just me. My husband is a former JW, and I am former protestant. 
Both churches want us to register with the other, and we won't be, if we were going to have any children, they wouldn't be registered either. 
In the end it is up to the two of you, but if it is in conflict of how you feel about religion, don't. That is our main reason for not registering with the other's former church.

Answer

Mormon here... I believe in the church with all my heart and soul, but I'm going to be completely honest. Don't  take this lightly. You don't owe anyone. Not even the bishop. Please, do not make such a major decision like this, for anyone other than yourself, your family and your son. Better yet, if your son is at the age of accountability, let him decide for himself. Let him take the lessons, and have him read the scriptures, if that's what he wants, and if he wants to be baptised, then maybe you can support him on that. Just HIM! (YOUR SON!) If he doesn't want to, so be it.  Or, if you prefer to wait until he's older, or an adult, he can make that decision then as well. But, don't let anyone try to pressure you, or make you feel like this is something you should, or have to do, out of guilt, or obligation. This is something that you and your husband need to sit down and/or discuss with your son. And, might not be the bishops intention to pressure you in any way. You have to understand what ultimately drives us Mormons to share the gospel with others. The truth is, most of the time we're just trying to express our love for you and your family, and bring people into the fold of Jesus Christ! But, admittedly, we can come off as being a little pushy from time to time. And well... people don't like that and I don't blame them. I suggest being honest with the bishop. (Not hateful- just honest,) whatever your decision may be. Believe me, I've had plenty of people who have helped me see that maybe I was being too pushy, or I just needed to back off and I try to always respect that! You have to remember, we're not perfect by any means and we make mistakes too. The bishop will understand. So do what is best for you and your family and just be honest with the bishop.

Answer

It’s not disrespectful for him to suggest it.

Answer

me & my husband r completely atheist as well but we got our son christened so that in future if he wishes to get married & wants a church wedding he can. Xxxx

Answer

If you aren’t planning on raising him Mormon, I wouldn’t.

Answer

I don’t think you should participate in a churches tradition unless you intend to follow it or participate. I do feel like it’s disrespectful and dishonest, almost like you’re misleading. Or it’s for superficial reasons. Only you can search the intention of your own heart. If you don’t plan to raise your child in a specific religion, then don’t participate. That’s ok too. Most religions walk new believers or converts through the traditions of they choose to do so as adults. You don’t have to do it while they’re children.

Registering out of Respect, or is it Disrespectful?

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