For All Atheists?

Question

Dont worry I am an Atheist too and have no intentions of starting a fight. I was just wondering for those of you that had Christian Families, how did they react when you told them? Any Advice for me and how to tell them?

My Family is not really hardcore Christian but the Elders of my Family are.

Answer 1

Mine were ashamed of me and thought I was ignorant. My mother even said, "Is THIS what I've been working all these years for!?" How pleasant.

Now, that's not to scare you away from revealing your atheism, as each family will react differently; however, it is likely in your best interest that you not do so if you foresee conflict.

It's no one's business but your own. Your spirituality or lack thereof is 100% personal.

Answer 2

Depends on how Christian the family is. If they are the "sorta Christians" (they go to church whenever they feel like it or don't mind sinning) then they'll probably take it pretty well but if they're hardcore, fire and brimstone types then you're gonna send them through an emotional roller coaster. They will react in a very negative way, and oh yes there will be yelling but for the love of whoever do not cop the Atheist attitude a lot of you guys have, it will only make things worse. Just take the verbal beating because in the end they are not going to change your mind, just keep a cool head and try to discuss it rather than argue about it.

Answer 3

I wish I could offer great words of wisdom but my atheism was firmly established when I was just a little kid.
I really came from a family of generations of nonbelivers.

I wish I could offer advice but every family is different. Maybe if you seek out possible allies in the household or close to it.
Maybe it is your father or your mother who is more tolerant. Maybe a quiet discussion to sound out their attitudes.
I have noticed with some believers it is more about what the Church the belong to will think about them raising an atheist demon than how they actually think about it themselves.
So go easy if you are not sure.
Or maybe you just let it slide by quietly until you are clear enough of the family (no longer dependent) to surface and show your true colours.

Answer 4

So you're an atheist who want to announce your beliefs to a Christian family? Good luck. They might want to debate you on it for a while, explain how the way you think or believe is "wrong".....but you just have to lay down the basics.

"Mom, Dad, etc. I've decided I no longer have a belief in Christianity because of this and this.....etc...

And I believe Atheism is the most sensible belief because of this reason and this reason.....

No matter our differences or disagreements we will still love each other, we're family no matter what. Please don't try to fight me on this, I've made my decision. Despite our different beliefs I respect what you believe and respect you as parents."

Something along those lines may water down a dispute or anger or shock that may spill over.

Answer 5

Well in my country there is no stigma attached to atheism or mainstream science, so would never be a problem.

Presumably you're in the US, where words like freedom and tollerance are bandied about with flagrant hypocrisy, and where only those who believe in the "sugar plumb sky fairy" are generally accepted as normal..

This is why the rest of the world views the US with suspicion and distaste..

You know it makes sense..!

Answer 6

You should tell them that your spirituality is an intensely personal and private part of you that you, and you ONLY, control and have responsibility for. If you will be defending your beliefs (not that you have to), you should know why you think the way you do and be able to articulate it under duress.

I suggest you try:

http://www.godisimaginary.com

Most parents are not good at eating crow but if you can steer them to godisimaginary.com (the videos, in particular), there's a good chance you won't have to make any further arguments.

If God exists, he must be a cosmic God, not a personal one; a creator, not a meddler.

I'm agnostic and anti-religion. I doubt that God exists but I'm SURE that all religions are invalid.
:-)

Answer 7

We just never talk about it. I was raised mormon and I stopped going to church when I was about 16 and my dad tried for a very long time to force me to go, but I would just sneak out and walk home every Sunday. Finally he gave up. Now we don't talk about religion Actually we don't talk period. So I wouldn't necesarily recommend doing what I did. Maybe you should just stick with it and go to church until you move out. An hour or so every Sunday isn't that big of a deal and its probably worth it to avoid having that kind of family problems

Answer 8

Whatever you believe is what you believe.
If your not Christian than your family should love you for you and not how you feel and your opinions.

Its good to have an opinion and not be forced into a belief that you dont feel is right for you.

If you need to tell them tell them.
You will figure out how one way or another.

Answer 9

I don't bring it up. What they don't know won't hurt them. Most of my older family members are gone now. The aunt that got me into the Mormon church when I was 16 is dead, and she never knew I left it because she lived far away in Arizona. I don't actively set out to hurt people. My brothers, my father and my husband and son know. It was no big deal to them.

atheist

Answer 10

My mom was cool my brother flips and tells me I'm going to hell blah blah I've gotten use to it. Just scare them with scriptures that would make their god not so much of a loving being or rip pages out of the bible should they start bothering you for any reason even non religion stuff.