is it okay to be an atheist funeral director?

If a client asks, just say that you respect everyone beliefs and rituals, and will do your best to ensure that those beliefs are followed. I would not lie if asked about your beliefs, but I would not say that you are atheist either. I would just say it is a personal belief and that you don't like discussing it with clients.

Well, I'm a Wiccan, and frankly I wouldn't care WHAT your religion (or non-religion) is as long as you deal with my family respectfully and do your job well.

In other words, I'd have no problem dealing with an atheist funeral director. That said, your religion is no business of mine, and I'd find it very odd and unprofessional on your part if you injected that information into your dealings with me in my time of grief.

As for what you could say if asked... tough question. It might be safest to say: "That's personal, but rest assured that I will do everything in my power to ensure that the needs of your family are met and your religious traditions are respected. Just let me know what you need and I'll make sure it's done."

I highly doubt that many people are going to ask you about your beliefs. People dealing with a funeral parlor are more focused on the matter at hand.

It might make some people uncomfortable, but there are a whole lot of people who just won't care. If it comes up with someone who you aren't comfortable just telling them you are an atheist, say something like, "Religion is a very private thing for me."

Death is something we all deal with, atheist or not. The role of someone in your position is to offer sensitivity, but above all to be efficient and make a difficult time as easy as possible. You don't have to comfort the bereaved, and in any case it's not really your place unless you knew the deceased personally.

If anyone asks, just say, "I prefer to keep my beliefs private, but I am respectful of all faiths. I'm happy to accommodate the needs of any client to the best of my ability."

It shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure you are respectful of the deceased family's religious preference. Be caring and compassionate, and if they say things like God bless you or something, just say thank you. If the topic of religion comes up, you can say something like everyone is entitled to their beliefs, I would rather not disclose my personal beliefs because it is not necessary to take care of your needs. Or you can say that even though I personally do not believe in God, I still feel very sorry for your loss, and I wish you and your family the best during this tragic time no matter what God or religion you believe in. Just because I don't believe does not mean that I am uncaring, insensitive, or judgmental. Just be yourself, and be confident.

Why should this even be an issue?

A funeral director is there to serve others according to their faith, it doesn't matter what you personally believe in.

I would just not discuss my religious beliefs at work. There's no need to discuss them.

It's not very common at funerals or anywhere else for people to ask about religion. It's not considered polite by many people. So i don't think you have anything to worry about. If someone did ask, you can always reply "that's personal."

I don't remember asking the funeral director what religion he was when making the arrangements for my father. It's no ones business what you practice or don't.

I see nothing wrong with it. But many people will want religious services as well as expecting you to maybe pray with them. I don't think you need to mention your "non" religion, but like I said. Many people may expect something religious from you.

IF you're USian you'll have to lie like everybody else does.

If you live anywhere else, no one cares.

Clients of funeral directors have there own problems to deal with.

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