How did you tell your family/friends that you are an atheist?

Question

I live in an overly zealous Christian society. This was okay when I was a Christian but once I realized that god does not exist I began to live a lie and pretended to be a christian. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did you tell your family/friends that you are an atheist?

Answer 1

I did it in Swaheli. Took 'em weeks to figure it out.

Answer 2

I cannot say I am in your situation, but I am in a situation where I cannot admit my religion to anyone I work with or meet. Here is what I do.

First, I inform them I am starting my own church. Then I bother them until they agree to join or leave me alone. I have 12 members!

Second, if things get more personal, I claim I am Buddhist. I actually don't know a lot of Buddhist, but I know more than the ignorant people I live near. I just start discussing the Eight Fold path and Pajapati and people run away. (Sorry to all the real Buddhist out there, very sorry.)

So basically, act crazy and lie?

Answer 3

Do you remember the movie Carrie? My mom is like Carrie's mom but without the violent tendencies. So no, I haven't told my family because I'm sure it would put her in a mental hospital if she ever found out.

To get around it, I refuse to talk about religion as it pertains to me. Sometimes my mom gets worried that God is angry at her and I reassure her that he's not, but other than that, I avoid the topic. I do occasionally go to church with my folks on religious holidays because it makes them happy and it doesn't hurt me.

You're not obligated to tell anyone that you're Atheist. If you want to tell a friend, then tell a friend. If you just don't want to talk about religion at all, then don't bring it up. If someone else inadvertently brings up a discussion that clashes with your viewpoints, discuss it from a hypothetical point of view.

Answer 4

It all depends on your situation I suppose. Are you independent? Are you of age? What will happen when you tell them?
If you are incapable of being on your own either for financial reason or because of your age then I suggest that you just play along.
If you are capable of leaving (because it sounds like you might be asked to do so) then by all means, tell them and prepare to leave. No matter how hard it might be.
But until you can support yourself, I say lay low and don't rock the boat.
And ALWAYS remember that it is not YOU that would force them into a difficult situation, it is thier inablility to see the real world around them that has forced YOU into a difficult situation.
Good luck to you.

Answer 5

This is what I told my family, and they were cool with it.

Think about Thomas from the bible. He spent three years with Jesus. He saw him multiply the loaves and fishes. He saw him raise Lazarus from the dead. Thomas saw him walk on water and many other miracles.

Yet, when Thomas, one of Jesus' best friends, was told that Jesus rose from the dead, he said "BS!". Even HE didn't believe the idea that Jesus could rise from the dead.

Only after being shown firm evidence did he believe. All I want is the same thing that Jesus gave Thomas. If Thomas didn't believe it and he was THERE, why is it so odd that 2,000 years later I don't beleive it either.

Then tell you family if God wants to give you proof, just like he did to Thomas, he knows exactly how to provide it.

Not everyone will like it (especially if your family & friends are "faith alone" types), but I think it is very sound (and biblical). It's tough to argue against. Good luck!

Answer 6

I am in a similar situation, and I don't care if my family knows, my friends do. I would just tell them and accept the consequences, good or bad. If things go downhill fast, I would get outside help, and not just the local sheriff's office if you live in a prominently Christian society.

Answer 7

I'm not an atheist but I'm agnostic. I used to be a Christian but not anymore. I believe in SOME kind of higher power but am not any religion at all nor do I think I ever will be.

I just flat out told my parents I don't believe in any religion so don't bug me about it and everything will be cool if you don't pester me. Surprisingly, they don't talk about religion with me at all despite the fact that they are very religious people. So far, so good!

Answer 8

You are not obligated to share your metaphysical beliefs with anyone you don't want to, including your family or friends.

If they start asking questions you don't want to answer, it's fair to tell them that you don't want to answer and that it isn't their business.

Personally, I never told anyone, but they pretty much figured it out for themselves when I quit going to church, praying before meals, etc. I prefer not to live a lie, but I'm also not going to go out of my way to cause problems over it. If someone asks, I'll usually tell them the truth, unless it makes more sense to obscure it.

The wonderful thing about no longer being ruled by dogma is that you get to be inconsistent and hypocritical if the situation calls for it.

Answer 9

It depends on what kind of relationship you want with them. Sometimes it's easier to just be polite, nod and smile and let them think you believe on some level. Both me and my boyfriend do this with our families, because it would cause a big problem in the families. We want to enjoy time with our families and not spend time fighting about religion. So we basicly lie by omission. Works for us! :)

Answer 10

Only talk about your faith when you feel you need to. If someone asks your opinion on how a bible verse should be interpreted, give your own take on it. If they are beeting you down with their religous views then don't spend time with them, or change the subject. People of different faiths can hang out have fun and never have to talk about the subject the disagree on.

Answer 11

Tell them that you have problems with Christianity and that you think the answer lies elsewhere... and you want to find your own answers, not theirs... it doesn't have to be an ugly exchange or a dramatic fight, just be honest and tell them that you feel the un-hypocritical thing to do is to tell the truth to them and yourself. I would respect that more than someone who lied just to make people happy... they probably will too.

Good luck.