Originally posted by ForeverDamned
Hi. I need some religious help, and I want SERIOUS answers only! Ok, so my family are all Christians. They are not "hardcore" Christians, but they try to attend Church every Sunday. Up until a few years ago, I believed in a God. I stopped believing in a higher power a few years ago. I am now Atheist. I am scared that if I tell them, that they will think less of me, or rather "hate" me. I'm stuck in a crisis here, and I don't know what to do. Any advice?
This is tough, and been through it.
Honestly, it all varies on just how religious they are. If they are progressive they may understand, but it's never easy. I understand why you want to tell them as well, mainly because it feels like some huge secret.
Look there is nothing that will make this straight out easy. There are basically a couple approaches you can take:
1. Flat out tell them - This can be the fastest method and is like ripping off a bandaid. Once it's out there is no more holding it within yourself. If your parents are understanding it should be alright, but if they aren't so much it can have repercussions. It can (can) result in some blow back.
2. Hint at it slowly over time - Very tricky to do, and can feel odd.
3. Tell them once you have independence - Pros would be not having any real harsh repercussions you could end up with the first option, but at the same time it means you have to hold it within yourself til then (not necessarily healthy or good).
I wish I could give an answer, but there just isn't one. It's up to you how you come out. As for parents having less respect it's hard to say. At first my stepmom acted a little funky around me as did my dad, but after some time it's become nothing. Matter of fact, my dad has acknowledged that I know much more about religion than he does. Of course there is a little joke here and there, but nothing bad (coming from someone who has watched Bill O' Reilly rag on atheists). Every once in a while I might throw a joke back. Don't get me wrong, one of my stepbros still acts odd about it, which just gets me pissed at the falsities churches teach about atheism (won't rant).
If you need to talk more about it I'm free to help as I do hope you get through the issue.