A question for atheists?

Question

I'm 16 years old, and pretty much starting to lost belief in God. I'm not an atheist simply because "religion is too lame for high school", or crap like that. I'm atheist because it's the conclusion I've come to. So my question(s) is/are: What did you do once you realized you were an atheist? How did you tell the people close to you?

That should say "lose belief in God".

Answer 1

Only tell your very closest friends when they ask. In other words, "only tell those who have already proven that they don't rat you out."

Be brief and vague on any religious questions. "I don't know," and "I'm not sure," and "I don't know enough to have an opinion on that" are good answers.

WHAT DID I DO myself when I realized I was an atheist? I realized that building civility by keeping my word was my only legacy, the only thing that would remain after my death, so I have sought to be trustworthy and reliable and honest, without people knowing what I'm doing.

My atheism also makes me very energetic in sharing great art (especially books and movies) with others as well as making others laugh and appreciating their sense of humor. If you will, my atheism makes me realize the actual appetities of my soul -- for appreciating excellence and for merriment, not for ceremonies obsessed with death.

Answer 2

I've been an atheist all my life, I have never believed in god, so my situation was slightly different. I haven't really felt the need to tell everyone that I'm an atheist. I don't discuss religion much and most of my life I've lived around Lutherans who do not talk about their beliefs that much, so there wasn't really need to bring it up that often. If somebody brought up religion I told them I'm an atheist and most of the time it was no big deal. Otherwise I've pretty much just kept it to myself. They don't need to know my religion, it's none of their business, so I haven't felt the need to bring it up with them.

If your family and friends are very religious they may get disappointed or worried when you tell them and they might try to "save" you, but you just have to do what you feel is right for you and hope that they can respect whatever choice you make.

Answer 3

Perhaps consider the idea that you're agnostic vs. atheistic... For me, God is a possibility, not a firmly held belief. I guess some would consider this 'atheistic' but an atheist is one who firmly believes there is no God. How can you be sure one way or the other?

How to tell people close to you? Well, depends upon how you think they'll take it. If you think they'll take it badly, then ensure you are ready for a long talk, and try to stay relatively unemotional. :)

Answer 4

No one in my office knew I was an atheist Untill I got tired of all the religious talk and explained how absurd what they were talking about is. Don't do it that way! Be polite as you can and let them know from the begining that you do not have their same views.

As for family, your 16 they will probly think it is a phase. When they try to convert you look for the reverse to their argument. The internet is a great source of debate information.

Answer 5

I did not come from a religious family, so I never believed in God. It was a bit awkward when my religious friends started spouting their religious texts and talking about their relationship with their god(s) and whatnot, but all in all, I live in a very tolerant and diverse community, and I even have a couple of atheist friends. No one really cares which religion someone else is of.

Answer 6

If the people that are close to you are very religious you could be in for a struggle. I found it best to just not discuss. It is your personal belief and you do not have to share it if you don't choose. And the more religious the person is often means the harder they try to convince you otherwise. Why put yourself through all that? Your choice is validated simply because it is your choice. Peace and Good Luck.

Answer 7

i realized it when i started to really think about all the assertions that organized religions make. here is a quote that really sums up a lot of how i feel by Kenton Thomas "The only notions of God that I outright reject are
those conceived, preached, written, believed, or killed for by men." i think that if you believe, you can't be told how or what to believe, because whoever is saying that always has some sort of agenda. i haven't yet really decided if i am atheist or agnostic, but i am sure that i will know one way or the other

Answer 8

I thought about it for a while, then decided that I truly was an atheist. I didn't really go around spouting everywhere, but I didn't hide it. You should probably tell your parents, though, just to let them know. Just bring it up casually, unless your family's really religious. Sort of a "I think I am an atheist." in the car, perhaps, or over dinner.

Answer 9

So what is the conclusion that you have come to? Is it because something didn't go the way you wanted it to and you think that God is not there for you? Or just becase it is the "cool" thing to do now in school? If it is something along those lines I am so sorry to hear that. God does love you no matter whatyou might think. Sometimes He takes a little bit longer answering our prayers that what we would like. Human beings are an impatient group and if it doesn't come in a timely manner than whay should I wait for it. I will pray for you daily that you will see God and that He will show you that he exists.
God Bless!

Answer 10

I'm an Agnostic, and I think I started the process of becoming one at about thirteen. That's when I first started really listening to what the pastors were saying, really reading the bible, and really thinking "Wow, I don't think I'm lesser than a man, I don't think gays are evil, and I really, really don't think good non-Christian people would end up in hell." Luckily, my parents were both very open about it (both came from very religious families, but wern't particuarly religious themselves) so I didn't have much trouble telling them how I felt.