At family gatherings, my family prays. And I don't want to pray, because it's not in my religion. And my Aunt, Uncle, and cousin on my dad's side believe in God, and are Christians, they even send my cousin to a Christian school. They go to church on Wednesdays and Sundays for 4 hours. Nothing wrong with that, it's just that I don't know how they are going to react when I tell them that I am an Atheist.
All of the family on my dad's side will probably hate me for being an Atheist.
My mom has already grown a little bit apart from me because I am an Atheist.
So, my question is, How do i tell my family that I am an Atheist? And that I don't believe in God.
2007-12-15 14:34:14 · 13 answers · asked by [MidnightWriter] 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Don't. Unless they ask. If they pray before meals just start your meal early. Any other time they pray just go about your business. If they confront you on it just tell them you believe different. Just stick to your guns and try to ignore the subject.
2007-12-15 14:38:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
There is no easy way, sweetie.
I'm 28 years old, I've been an atheist for well over a year, and only one person in my family knows that I am.
It's a very delicate and frightening situation to be in.
The best advice I can give to people who ask this question is this:
Bring up religion or atheism when it seems natural to do so... when the conversation goes in the direction of religion or atheism, ask questions. Try to gauge how the person feels about atheists. That should better prepare you for how they will react.
Also, be prepared to answer LOTS of questions when you do talk about your own atheism with your family.
It's so difficult to choose - the freedom of being yourself openly and unashamedly with the people to whom you are closest, or the security of knowing those people are still in your corner. I hope that your experience with this will be more positive than you currently predict.
2007-12-15 14:42:46 · answer #2 · answered by Snark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you set your mind in concrete hon, I challenge you to read 2 books.One is by an agnostic, the title is
"The Bone Peddlers:Selling Evolution" By Wm. R. Fix.
You will learn things they didn't teach you in school because it was kept from them by their professors , or they didn't want you to know it.
The next is "A case for a creator",I forget the Authors name but he was once an atheist and is now Christian after examining the facts for himself.
At least read the books and make a decision based on ALL the information instead of half truths they teach in schools, whether H.S. or a University.
Be open minded ENOUGH to pray in case there IS a GOD, to reveal the truth to you so you will know if HE is real or not.If you will do this in a humble manner, you WILL find the truth.
2007-12-15 14:49:57 · answer #3 · answered by Joe F 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I am in the same situation.
I would suggest just not mentioning it at all. it is not something everybody must know. when everyone else is praying, I bow my head and stay silent. still need to respect their beliefs. but you dont need to (and shouldnt) say the prayers yourself.
just act like it is not really a big deal. dont argue with anyone about their faith. it is not worth it.
I have taken a lot of flak for being atheist, but I try to not mention it if possible, and if it does come out, I just take whatever anyne says without comment.
if they see that you are still a good, moral person without being christian, they will respect you for it.
2007-12-15 14:42:52 · answer #4 · answered by Julie S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you know why u stopped believing in God?
many christians became athiests b/c the christian religion makes god too confusing, not to mention christianity is confusing.
praying when u need something
three beings as one god. Jesus(man) is father son and holy spirit.
god killed himself to save us from adams sin? if god wanted to do that he has that power. he does not need to lower himself to human standards. he supieror, come on ppl.
before you tell your family there is nothing wrong with looking in to other religions. look at judiasm and christianity.
athiesm is the easy way out. ppl become athiests when the chicken out or just plain give up.
2007-12-15 14:53:58 · answer #5 · answered by My point exactly 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"All of the family on my dad's side will probably hate me for being an Atheist."
They shouldn't hate you if they are Christians, but they will be concerned for you, because they love you. If they do show contempt, then please disregard their actions and/or what they may say to you. We (Christians) are to love everyone and we should not be needlessly critical of others.
If my daughter was atheist, I would love her every bit as much as ever, but I would pray with fervor that she could know God and come to trust and love Him.
You should tell your family calmly and with the assumption that they will attempt to persuade you out of your belief system. That will probably happen. Just say, "I don't believe that God exists". You don't need to be dramatic about it.
Personally, I DO hope you discover that God exists. May God draw you near to Him and not let you go. Merry Christmas, sweetie.
2007-12-15 14:44:55 · answer #6 · answered by Iamnotarobot (former believer) 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
well its the same type of stiutation with me....i mean i dont bash any religion dont get me wrong but if they start trying to shove it down my throat me and my family get in a very heated debate...and its funny i dont even believe in "god" but i no more aobut the religion than they do so i just think u should tell them if they hate u for it they dont deserve u...just remember u are wonderful and u believe how u want to believe=]
2007-12-15 14:43:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The condition of your heart is nobody's business, but as Christians I'm sure they will be concerned for you. It looks as if you are not quite independent yet, so you're going to have to put up with it, and they are going to have to put up with you until you move out and get your own place.
2007-12-15 14:46:40 · answer #8 · answered by Shinigami 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wonder if your life was the other way around and you were surrounded by atheists would you be the only believer? I have a suspicion that you're just rebelling and not aware of it.
2007-12-15 14:43:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Your belief should be personal and respected by your family. But you should tell the reasons why you want it so. But why are you atheist even if your family is Christian? Doesn't seem right to me. Ask them to try and convince you to be Christian, so you can go back to them.
2007-12-15 14:42:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 5⤋