If you have relatives that are strongly against your religious beliefs (or lack thereof)?

Question

how do you deal with it?

Answer 1

Not really, no. I'm an atheist. My immediate family is Catholic.

I mean, my mother is a liberal thinking Catholic and will NEVER be anything other than, but she's convinced that I'm going to heaven because I'm a good person. My siblings don't really care. My "other" family (the family I've known since... well... birth) accepts it about me.

Answer 2

I try not to talk about politics or religion with anyone, including my relatives. If they start to talk or harass you about your beliefs (or lack thereof), advise them that you do not talk about your beliefs and don't want to ruin everyones good time by talking about it. Then change the subject or go to another part of the room or house. For some reason, when people feel strongly about their beliefs, they feel compelled to convert everyone to their way of thinking. Just don't sparr with them, if you can help it.

Answer 3

everyone is different. i tend to deal with people in the same fashion as they treat me.

if they try to belittle my beliefs or tell me that i am going to hell for the gods that i worship, i simply point out the flaws in their religion. this can lead to arguements and to people not wanting to talk to you, but i really do not care about that, if someone's religion is so importent and strict that they cannot talk with a brother or sister without having to force it down their throat, then they are no family of mine.

this was the case with my brother that literaly tried to "beat the light of god into me" i responded in kind by bouncing him off of every wall in the house.

my cousin that did not understand my beliefs (he is a very devout christian) wanted to talk about them and to understand what it is that i do. so we went out for coffee and had a 6 hour discussion about religion and religious paths.

Answer 4

I do. It's very difficult and she causes a lot of conflict in the family :(

We have found one thing that is effective is that when she insists we read a book or listen to her tape, *before we do* we say to her "sure, as long as you'll agree to read mine." We keep reminding her that it is a two-way street and we're not going to quietly listen to "her truth" anymore.

Without knowing more details, I don't know what to say. But my thoughts are with ya. Just stand up for yourself with love.

Answer 5

Simple.

I don't give a friggin' dang about their opinion of my belief.

I cut my blood ties a long long time ago when they murdered my grandparents and took my inheritance by a technicality of the law.

Their opposition towards my belief or conviction holds absolutely no value to me.

Honest answer to your question.

Peace.

Answer 6

No matter what your religion is, no matter what your praying method may be, you will always be my brother/sister.
Just keep focusing on bigger things in life such as what to eat for dinner tonight. Then we can pray our own way before we feast.

Answer 7

Yes most of them are strongly agianst my lack of beleif, but they don't giv emea hard time. They respect me for my beleifs, but are certain I am on my way to hell. This inspite of the fact none of them go to church unless it's for a wedding or funeral:):)>

Answer 8

I pretty much state..

It doesn't matter what i follow..
As long as I'm a good person, and as long as i try and lead a good life. That is all that really matters.

My Parents are very strict Catholics and i am a Witch / Pagan.

Answer 9

Why do you tell them you lack religious beliefs? Just cause you're an atheist, doesn't mean you can't go to church.

Answer 10

its really easy to deal with since I find their beliefs silly and absurd, so I can empathize that they feel i'm in grave danger and going to hell...if thats what they need to get through the day, then so be it, its their defect to deal with, not mine.