How do I tell my highly Christian friends that I'm an Atheist?

Question

When I say highly Christian, I mean they go to church 3 times a week, go to several Christian camps, and make rude and sarcastic remarks about other religions.

So, advice please, on how I can break it to them that I'm atheist?

Answer 1

Please see this video and reconsider:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4136610474021109864&q=rawlings

Answer 2

This one is a very sensitive subject.

They love to tell everybody about their beliefs, but don't want to hear anything different. That a non-believer, a "sinner" is in their midst.

Best keep it to yourself, unfortunately, until the time is right.

If you tell them in so many words, they will treat you differently, and try hard to get you to see it their way. Unfortunately, it will only make matters worse for you. So be yourself, believe what you think is right, just don't advertise it, and stay clear of conversations about that topic. Are they good and dear friends, who would understand eventually, or are these acquaintances who will give you grief?

Is there any way you can someday move to another place, where people are less devout and more like you?

We all have family and people we know back home who are like this, and it hurts that we can't be honest with them. But from experience, we know how it usually turns out.

Answer 3

If they are making sarcastic remarks about other religions - then they are not "highly Christian" I'm not a Christian - but I know that the Christian teachings say "do not judge."

You need not tell them - unless you want to do so. You can wait until they ask. Or - just tell them. Be prepared to argue. Hopefully you can have mature - intelligent arguments.

And - while you're at it - you might tell them that TOLERANCE of other religions (or the choice to have no religion) is where peace will begin.

Namaste!!

Answer 4

I was an atheist for 11 years, and I'll never forget the response I got when I told lifelong friends about my beliefs.

Consider one of the following:
-Not associating with what sound like insensitive hypocrites who don't understand Christ's teachings
-Not telling them so you don't lose their friendship
-Tell them and explain why. Expect to see a mix of concern and indignance. Be prepared to politely defend your beliefs if you want to maintain their respect in the face of what they may see as blasphemy.

If your friends make rude and sarcastic remarks about other religions, then they might turn on you too. I hope that it turns out well.

Answer 5

If they make "rude and sarcastic remarks" of other religions, they ARE NOT "highly" Christians and the "religious" activities they get involved in is pure "hypocrisy". True Christians are supposed to follow Jesus' teachings, and Jesus never ever rejected anyone. Just tell them what your believe in, if they are your actual friends - which I highly doubt coming from such hypocrit people - they MUST respect you and your beliefs.

Answer 6

tell them not to be so concieted, it's not very Christian-like. If they are true Christians that would stop them in their tracks. Also, Christians are supposed to be accepting and forgiving. But seeing as how, if they are really close friends that is, they prolly care about you... and only want the best for you.

As far as i'm concerned, dropping the Christianity and strictly believing in God is a better route, but that's up to you.

Being an atheist means nothing. Believing in God may just mean the world.

Answer 7

You don't have to. It really is none of their business. Your relationship with God or non relationship is your personal search for truth. You sure arent going to change them to your way of thinking. You would just be opening yourself up to personal attacks. If you are looking for a cool unemotional philosophical discussion, it doesnt sound as if you have enough common ground with these friends to have an intelligent discourse.

However you dont have to stand for their remarks about other religions and you can tell them that you find that objectionable. If they wish to disparage other peoples religions ask them if they would kindly wait until your not around. Then be open to finding a new set of friends.

Answer 8

Christians are like that. They have a way about them that is so judgmental that makes you feel like you can't tell them things. It sounds like you're a better friend than they are, willing to take there feelings into consideration. I guess you don't feel like they would do that for you, though. I'm sorry. I think a true friend would still accept you for your beliefs. I hope all goes well and that you meet some good friends.

Have a nice day,

Boxer

Answer 9

First of all, I'm sorry that your friends feel the need to make fun of other religions. That probably makes it a bit awkward for you. Do your friends invite you to church a lot or try to have Biblical discussions? If they do, and you choose not to go or participate, that might be a hint. Otherwise, I think the best way is to tell one friend that you think would respond the best (rather than telling all of them at once). Be prepared to defend yourself. I imagine once they all get wind of your atheism, they'll have all sorts of questions and want to pray for you and try to convert you.

Answer 10

Tell them honestly and without being insulting (ie. don't say "I'm an atheist because I think you are stupid."). Then you have the opportunity to find out what kind of friends they really are.

I happen to have two extremely Christian friends (I'll match my Christains against your Christians anyday of the week) - they are very understanding and tolerant but, they have told me, that they consider it just a matter of time before I see the light. When they say that I just smile and shrug.

Answer 11

if your friends dont want to hang out just because you are an atheist, you might want to find a new group to hang out with. so what if they're highly christian, what does that have to do with you? Thats all about them.

In short, just tell them. They'll probably ask you why/ try to convert you, but just let them know that you dont have any problems with their faith, but want to make your own choices. Let them know that if you are taking up Christianity, you want to do it for the right reasons, not to make them happy.