I was raised in a strict christian family, have seen the light and truth and I am now an Atheist. Do you or don't you let your family and friends know you are an Atheist since they may reject you forever?
2007-04-01 04:54:52 · 17 answers · asked by Therealtruth 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
My parents were really shocked when I first told them. Actually, it was a mixture of shock and disbelief. My parents are not "church going" folk and religion isn't an every day topic in my house but I sensed a little disappointment. Ever since I told them, they refuse to talk about religion with me. In fact, they forbid me to tell my grandparents about my choice fearing it would give them a heart attack (both are over 90 years old). So, without my parents or grandparents to talk with, Yahoo Answers has become like a second family to me in terms of religion....
2007-04-01 05:14:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You aren't raising them, they raised you and they chose to do it that way.
Think of it this way - Christianity is a calendar of holidays (among a great many other things). Holidays are nothing but a reason to schmooze with the family, even celebrate family. It defines a means to honor grandmother when you drop her in the ground. Is that bad? Wrong? I would offer the same advice to a Jew but they don't seem to have this problem of wanting to vocally reject everything from their past.
2007-04-01 12:02:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been raised an atheist, but my Christian aunts and uncles and grandparents have gotten used to the idea of me my immediate family not believing in God. Your relatives will say things to you about how wrong it is and talk about other atheist that "found their way". They will eventually just accept it but it might take a while. Have patience. I am 23 and they still are adjusting to my family.
2007-04-01 13:23:54 · answer #3 · answered by xXonceagaincrushedXx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an atheist. Yes, if asked, I tell the truth. If your family and friends truly love you, they will still love you if you are an atheist, muslim, christian, or alien. If they reject you forever, you will know them for what they are, and be better for that knowledge.
2007-04-01 12:00:07 · answer #4 · answered by CC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No problems at all. My dad is atheist anyway and although my mum is Church of England (in terms of being baptised in that faith) she is not a practicing christian.
Friends don't bother as its the norm not to be religious. Infact i think it would be the opposite way around here (uk) as most dont bother with religion anymore.
2007-04-01 12:07:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's something you need to resolve within yourself, you can't let others answer this for you.
My father disowned me for being an atheist, and we haven't had a relationship for 28 years. But he's the only one who did. Even my minister stepbrother still speaks to me. So does my stepmother, she's nothing like my father as far as my beliefs are concerned.
You should be able to live your life as you please and believe as you wish, but as a caveat, be sure before you tell certain people who may not understand the reason for your choice.
2007-04-01 12:01:44 · answer #6 · answered by iamnoone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are truly an Atheist, then you should avoid using religious phrases, such as "Have seen the light". Atheism is one of those things that people will claim to be affiliated with, but don't embrace what it truly is. I have no problem with whatever you want to believe in, but if you claim it, you should follow it.
2007-04-01 12:09:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I express my opinion to them on religious matters all the time, and I call Bullcrap by its name when I hear it no matter who is around.
I have facts and logic to support my opinions and they know that I'm correct which is why they tend to listen to me.
My parents have come a long way actually. They're beginning to see the light and realize that life isn't scary without god and it makes what happens in life have more sense.
2007-04-01 12:17:14 · answer #8 · answered by Atheistic 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They would not reject me if they knew. They would either worry or feel shook up over the fact., but they would never cut me off. Rather than have them go through any emotional gymnastics I simply do not discuss the topic.
2007-04-01 12:03:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
All my family knows about it. Most likely you will not be disowned, or anything like that. But, you will likely hear a lot of "we're still praying for you" type comments once people know. You learn to tune them out.
2007-04-01 12:06:47 · answer #10 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋