I will be seeing a lot of Christians tomorrow, because pretty much every relative I have except maybe my brother is Christian. I now consider myself an atheist and have for about 4 or 5 months now. Should I just practice the fine art of biting my tongue, or tell them how I feel?
2007-11-21 01:15:58 · 31 answers · asked by Linz VT•AM 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It will most definitely come up in ordinary conversation. Some of these people can't talk about anything except religion, it seems.
2007-11-21 01:22:02 · update #1
LOL jin.. that is actually quite hilarious. It's almost worth doing.
2007-11-21 01:24:21 · update #2
Be you.
You should be proud of who you are. I'm proud of who you are...
2007-11-21 07:06:04 · answer #1 · answered by Jesus Chrysler 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What would be your purpose? Do you wish to sever all ties with Christianity, thus distancing yourself from family, friends and neighbors? Or might you wish to start a conversation regarding your doubts? Fer sure, if you bring it up at the big family gathering tomorrow, you will put a damper on the festivities and make everyone uncomfortable. Doing that will only indicate how insecure and immature you are. The reality - that there is no god and that the Jesus story is but a pretty myth - is no excuse to ruin other folks' holiday. Wait until afterwards and then find a sympathetic ear for your doubts and concerns.
2007-11-21 09:22:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, announcing your conversion to atheism on Thanksgiving Day may ignite a fight.
The choice is yours:
a) Practice the fine art of biting your tongue which has a predictable outcome: continued harmony and peace
or
b) Practice freedom of religions on Thanksgiving Day which may be a little like setting off firecrackers: harmony is gone, peace is gone
It's your choice as are the many wonderful dishes/foods available on Thanksgiving Day tables.
Perhaps there are other days on which religious beliefs can be publicly discussed vs major holidays?
Best wishes.
2007-11-21 09:27:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it very necessary for you to announce that you are an atheist? 5-6 months are very short period to stabilize one's mind and to get out of ritualistic religion completely. Remember the proverb " SILENCE IS GOLDEN" During the discussions about religion in a group, be a very good listener & try to control your tongue otherwise get away from that place on any pretext. Always remember as an atheist / human being , we do not have any right to hurt other's feelings or spoil their happiness.
2007-11-21 15:52:11 · answer #4 · answered by TARBA 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My advice, from personal experience, is not to tell anyone unless you trust them to keep it secret, and already know they will not react negatively. If they knew you were agnostic, just leave it at that. If not, you're stuck either faking religiosity at a minimal level, or making up excuses for not participating.
Atheists are still considered paraiah in most of the US, unless you live in a liberal college town.
An alternative that I haven't personally tried but have heard is effective, is to tell them you're now a Satanist. Then, later on when you tell them you're an atheist, they'll embrace you with open arms.
2007-11-21 09:24:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
That may not be the best time to do so for etiquette's sake.
Can you imagine sitting around the table and telling all attending Christian family members, oh by the way, I'm an atheist.
Save yourself and your family a lot of grief during this holiday. It is better to wait and speak with your immediate family one on one at a later date.
Trust me on this one...
2007-11-21 10:18:33 · answer #6 · answered by The Mad Padishah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep that is the best thing to do and don't even mention religion. There is other subjects that can be discussed and for your sake don't ask any one how they are feeling especially those ones who will complain about any illness they may never catch but they have it.
Football baseball cricket soccer and on it goes running and jumping bowling and what ever and even fishing who knows where it could be leading the day.
Oh if they ask you why you are not going to church say it is your day of rest as it is God's day too and you will catch up on Monday.
2007-11-21 09:26:36 · answer #7 · answered by Drop short and duck 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As an atheist their is no reason to preach and convert people, because what do you care. Their is also no sin in telling a white lie if you don't believe in god, so going with the flow to not cause a conflict on a family holiday makes you a better person.
2007-11-21 09:21:24 · answer #8 · answered by WJ 5 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Do you care that they know? Would it affect them adversly to find out his information? My mom has heart problems and when I told her I was an atheist it LITERALLY sent her to the hospital. She is ok now, but I came to the conclusion that I should never discuss religion with family again.
It really depends on if you feel comfortable staying in the closet...if you feel that you have to say something, then go ahead and do it, but be aware of the consequences.
2007-11-21 22:04:11 · answer #9 · answered by Grunty O 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Tough call. I usually don't make it a point to tell people that I have to deal with on a regular basis, but I don't lie about it either. It almost never comes up so it is rarely an issue.
You know them better than us. I wouldn't tell them if they are going to react negatively.
2007-11-21 09:21:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian, however if you are an atheist and really feel that this is right, why not tell them, if it comes up. We share about Christ because we believe wholeheartedly in Him. No matter what you say, the most important thing is that even if you can keep your beliefs silent to relatives and friends, the one who created you knows how you feel.
2007-11-21 09:20:07 · answer #11 · answered by AdoreHim 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋