I consider myself agnostic, but I decided I'll become a full atheist after I move out of my parents house. (I'm just outa high school)
I've read alot of Atheist literature, and been told that telling your parents you are an atheist is supposidly really hard, and in many cases can ruin relationships and isolate you.
If you've had to come out as an atheist to really religious parents, what was it like?
If you've had to come out as homosexual/bisexual to really religious parents, what was it like?
If you've had to come out as an atheist homosexual to really religious parents, what was it like?
**I'm straight, the gay part was just cause the comming out process and discrimination seem really similar. If you have a comment on that, please reiterate.
Thanks in advance for any answers.
2007-06-24 16:56:40 · 11 answers · asked by Go Leafs Go 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
My dad admitted that he doesn't believe in god either. So the conversation went well. Most of my aunts and uncles are christian so I probably won't discuss the issue with them. But it says on my myspace that I am an atheist so I am sure they already know.
2007-06-24 17:03:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honestly it depended on the person, I can't generalize. Some people reacted worse to the notion that I didn't believe in god and some reacted worse to the notion that I am not straight.
When I first left Christianity, a few years back, she was rather worried and concerned but she valued my opinion so highly that she ended up thinking more about it and in the end also left Christianity. My mom reacted positively to me coming out of the other closet, in fact she was relieved and happy for me. I only wish more mothers would be that supportive other their children.
Now my other family members did not have such a positive reaction at all, in fact I cannot even discuss the topic of religion with my dad because I get told "Jesus is the only way" etc... He didn't have a negative reaction though to my not being straight. Not like some of my siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and whatnot. Some of whom told me I was sick, disgusting and an abomination.
2007-06-24 17:09:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
On average, atheist, I think.
Polls in the US have shown that atheists are the least-trusted minority (sad, but true), below homosexuals, so that's where my answer comes from.
"If you've had to come out as an atheist to really religious parents, what was it like?"
It sucked. A lot. They assumed that I didn't really have doubts but that I was just making an excuse not to go to church (something that I thought was boring for many years before I even considered doubting the existence of God (I was raised Catholic)), and that was insulting. It was over a full year before they even accepted the fact that I refused to go to church any more, and I still don't think they're accepting of my lack of belief.
P.S. And now, see? A perfect example lies in the answer directly below mine:
"There are no upsides to such a revelation for the poor parents who have poured their lives into this child in vain."
"In vain," s/he says! As if this person is now worthless because they don't share their beliefs. That is not love. That is HORRIFIC--any parent who would disrespect their own child like that is a monster.
2007-06-24 17:02:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Isn't that the same thing?
Just kidding, really. I think that they'd rather accept you as an atheist than as a gay man. The fact that you're atheist is not that obvious and, if you show up with a girl, to introduce her to your parents, the neighbors will see something that is considered "the right way" by the majority of the people, therefore your parents won't feel ashamed. The fact that you're an atheist will not be that obvious and your parents can tell their neighbors that you're just a little confused, but you gave God in your heart.
2007-06-24 17:04:39 · answer #4 · answered by mrquestion 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
That would depend on if you still depend on their support. But then again, I feel it's easier to go with being atheist. Sure they might try to make you "see the sin in your ways" but I think thats about it. It's rather uncomfortable to speak with parents about sexual orientation but at least you know that it not aa choice like atheism is.
2007-06-24 17:07:34 · answer #5 · answered by Azu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think my family would have a harder time with me being an Atheist than they would if I were gay.
2007-06-24 17:06:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is.
I have a Chinese girlfriend who want to convert to Islam to marry my friend which is a Muslim. She has been beaten like hell and was isolated by her family until she change her mind.
2007-06-24 18:14:48 · answer #7 · answered by z_jepoh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Or, is it harder to tell your non-religious parents that you are going to move to England and become a Benedictine nun?
2007-06-24 17:01:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't know .... sorry, my parents were not religious at all. About the gay part, well, my family are quite open with sexual orientation.
2007-06-24 17:00:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you question is serious, then understand the reasons for the negative reaction from the parents:
1. My child just told me that they do not love Us or our God.
2. My child willfully is seeking the path to destruction for their soul and my grandchildren.
There are no upsides to such a revelation for the poor parents who have poured their lives into this child in vain.
What does it matter if a person gain the whole world, but lose their own soul?
2007-06-24 17:03:03 · answer #10 · answered by realchurchhistorian 4 · 0⤊ 6⤋