although practically everyone else knows, i hide the fact that i'm an atheist from my (hindu) parents and family...is anyone else in the same position?
2007-04-06 07:56:57 · 9 answers · asked by jebussaveme 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
lol, im 23! im 99% sure that if i told my family, my (hysterical) mother would cry and blame herself, my (angry) father would blame my mother and my (incommunicative) brother would be a smug git...not to mention the barrage of questions/chiding i'd have to endure from them and other family members...i am being cowardly but mostly i don't want my mother to cry...
2007-04-06 08:10:16 · update #1
I was never sure how to handle that situation. Now, after some time, I just go with the flow. I never pretend to be religious (i.e. bow my head, pray, etc.), but I don't go around telling everyone about my beliefs either. If someone asks me I answer as if it were the most natural thing in the world. It usually takes them off guard, but you have to treat it as if it is the most natural thing in the world. Otherwise there will be a stigma associated with those who are atheist.
Don't be ashamed of your beliefs and don't allow yourself to be bullied into behavior you don't agree with, but don't shove your beliefs down the throats of others either.
2007-04-06 08:09:53 · answer #1 · answered by Peter D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure that many Christians in America have Atheist family members with go along with it for social reasons.
And I'm sure many Hindus are in the same predicament.
Best of luck ;)
2007-04-06 08:01:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I haven't disclosed my beliefs to my parents and siblings yet. The only reason is because they haven't asked. They are assuming I'm still a Christian. I have no reason to initiate that discussion on my own, since there is no benefit in letting them know differently. If they ask me to come to church or outright ask me about my beliefs though, I won't lie to them.
2007-04-06 08:03:53 · answer #3 · answered by omegavolt 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I do. My wife's parents and grandparents are all missionaries. They wonder all the time why we haven't found a "good church" here in LA. I just want to scream sometimes "wake the F*#K up you brainwashed cattle!"
Richard Dawkins refers to Atheists as a minority that are treated much like how gays used to be treated decades ago.
Want some good reading? Read The God Delusion by Dawkins.
2007-04-06 08:01:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, I'm lucky that my family has always been very open and accepting of what we choose to believe.
2007-04-06 08:00:20 · answer #5 · answered by photogrl262000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I firgured if the people I care about are going to care about me it should be for real reasons. So I told them.
2007-04-06 08:03:22 · answer #6 · answered by Magus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why won't you just tell them you don't believe what they believe? I'm pretty sure they'll be fine with it
my family have never been religious, we are all atheists
2007-04-06 08:01:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I use to be. it will be known eventually though!
keep ya head up...logic and reasoning is absolute.....peace!
2007-04-06 08:02:05 · answer #8 · answered by kramaster 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry that you are forced to do that. It won't be forever that you will have to hide it. Are you young or something?
2007-04-06 08:04:15 · answer #9 · answered by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋