Question for atheists...especially older ones

This topic is locked from further discussion.

Avatar image for onefiredude
onefiredude

296

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 14

User Lists: 0

#1 onefiredude
Member since 2007 • 296 Posts

I'm starting to be slip from my faith...but my parents are Christians and we go to church and all.

I'm pretty much an atheist already, but how would my parents act if they knew?

If you are an atheist and have religious parents, please comment

Avatar image for quiglythegreat
quiglythegreat

16886

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#2 quiglythegreat
Member since 2006 • 16886 Posts
My parents don't care. They totally understand.
Avatar image for Denjin_hadouken
Denjin_hadouken

5927

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#3 Denjin_hadouken
Member since 2007 • 5927 Posts
I have religious parents and I'm an athiest. Just dont let your parents know or they'll hose you down with holy water
Avatar image for supermetroidfan
supermetroidfan

19767

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#4 supermetroidfan
Member since 2004 • 19767 Posts
They'll kick you out to the streets in which you'll have to fend for yourself.
Avatar image for KiIIyou
KiIIyou

27204

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#5 KiIIyou
Member since 2006 • 27204 Posts
Just tell them if they ask, it's not a big deal...shouldn't be anyway.
Avatar image for Crimson_Sin
Crimson_Sin

3004

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#6 Crimson_Sin
Member since 2006 • 3004 Posts
I'm in the exact same predicament. My aunt (shes my legal guardian) is extremely religious. I've always been atheist but I never told her and always went to church. When I told her she thought I was atheist because "it was cool". She still tries to convert me and tells me that one day I'll turn to god because I cant live without him. Its not gonna happen. I do, however, suggest telling your parents if you're atheist because its really better that they know.
Avatar image for disc0very
disc0very

3636

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#7 disc0very
Member since 2006 • 3636 Posts
My parents accepted it. They don't really cfare as long as I come to my own conclusions.
Avatar image for disc0very
disc0very

3636

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#8 disc0very
Member since 2006 • 3636 Posts
They'll kick you out to the streets in which you'll have to fend for yourself.supermetroidfan
You no longer want to have my babies :o
Avatar image for best-gam3r
best-gam3r

4553

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#9 best-gam3r
Member since 2005 • 4553 Posts
My parents are super religious, but i wouldn't consider myself athiest. I'm just losing my faith, (if i ever had any) because all the stuff that i was taught is really starting to sound like bulls*** when its given some thought. My parents don't know, I just play along. I kinda feel guilty when i don't close my eyes when we pray...:|
Avatar image for Tezcatlipoca666
Tezcatlipoca666

7241

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#10 Tezcatlipoca666
Member since 2006 • 7241 Posts
They can deal with it, you shouldn't be forced into a religion anyway.
Avatar image for SimpJee
SimpJee

18309

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#11 SimpJee
Member since 2002 • 18309 Posts
If this is about not wanting to go to church, just keep saying you don't want to go to church every sunday until they quit asking. Or you can sit them down and tell them your thoughts about everything.
Avatar image for a55assin
a55assin

7603

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 11

User Lists: 0

#12 a55assin
Member since 2005 • 7603 Posts

My close friend had the exact same situation on his hands. After about 2 years of slowly making his parents accept his "resignation", it was all alright. Just slowly ask your parents questions that you think they can't answer. Like about Adam and Eve or **** just be straight forward and finish it in one big blow..one big night of arguements...it works.

 

 

Avatar image for yamum2
yamum2

5879

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#13 yamum2
Member since 2007 • 5879 Posts

I'm starting to be slip from my faith...but my parents are Christians and we go to church and all.

I'm pretty much an atheist already, but how would my parents act if they knew?

If you are an atheist and have religious parents, please comment

onefiredude
No dont turn atheist what r the benifits of being one. It just makes u depressed u think when u die there is no after life. Jesus died and rose again. The only way to disprove christianity is if they find the body of jesus.
Avatar image for Canuck3000
Canuck3000

40562

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#14 Canuck3000
Member since 2004 • 40562 Posts
My Parents believe in God and I don't. They don't have a problem with it.
Avatar image for SimpJee
SimpJee

18309

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#15 SimpJee
Member since 2002 • 18309 Posts
[QUOTE="onefiredude"]

I'm starting to be slip from my faith...but my parents are Christians and we go to church and all.

I'm pretty much an atheist already, but how would my parents act if they knew?

If you are an atheist and have religious parents, please comment

yamum2
No dont turn atheist what r the benifits of being one. It just makes u depressed u think when u die there is no after life. Jesus died and rose again. The only way to disprove christianity is if they find the body of jesus.

Being a Christian depressed me much more, when I thought there were things in control of me that I had no perception of, or control over. That's depressing. Knowing that there is nothing but yourself to blame, knowing that reality is all there is, is very much reassuring and encouraging.
Avatar image for pdevil21
pdevil21

799

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#16 pdevil21
Member since 2004 • 799 Posts
Instead of becoming atheist, may I suggest you become agnostic, which means "without or lacking the knowledge of such things."  But you can still be open to a creator through this, after all, there is no way to prove god or gods, but there is also no way to disprove it.  And don't be turned off by this church, you don't have to go to a sit in a box to know god.
Avatar image for jackelhunter
jackelhunter

598

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#17 jackelhunter
Member since 2005 • 598 Posts
[QUOTE="yamum2"][QUOTE="onefiredude"]

I'm starting to be slip from my faith...but my parents are Christians and we go to church and all.

I'm pretty much an atheist already, but how would my parents act if they knew?

If you are an atheist and have religious parents, please comment

SimpJee

No dont turn atheist what r the benifits of being one. It just makes u depressed u think when u die there is no after life. Jesus died and rose again. The only way to disprove christianity is if they find the body of jesus.

Being a Christian depressed me much more, when I thought there were things in control of me that I had no perception of, or control over. That's depressing. Knowing that there is nothing but yourself to blame, knowing that reality is all there is, is very much reassuring and encouraging.

where in the Bible does it say that God has control over you.  if he did you wouldn't be an athiest because He wouldn't let you.

also, the same thing in Christianity you have no one else but yourself to blame.

Avatar image for DEATH_GODX
DEATH_GODX

1473

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#18 DEATH_GODX
Member since 2004 • 1473 Posts
my parents told me i better be joking or they'd beat me until i cried out to god
Avatar image for freek_brothers
freek_brothers

280

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#19 freek_brothers
Member since 2007 • 280 Posts
agnostic is better than both because we have less choices.
Avatar image for pdevil21
pdevil21

799

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#20 pdevil21
Member since 2004 • 799 Posts
my parents told me i better be joking or they'd beat me until i cried out to godDEATH_GODX
Block their punches with the Bible and maybe they will realize how idiotic that is.
Avatar image for jackelhunter
jackelhunter

598

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#21 jackelhunter
Member since 2005 • 598 Posts

my parents told me i better be joking or they'd beat me until i cried out to godDEATH_GODX

im a Christian and even i think that's stupid.  that's not what the Bible is about. that's not a way to get someone to get into any religion. no wonder a lot of people bash Christianity.  because they base it on how some Christians act instead of its message. 

Avatar image for yamum2
yamum2

5879

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#22 yamum2
Member since 2007 • 5879 Posts
[QUOTE="yamum2"][QUOTE="onefiredude"]

I'm starting to be slip from my faith...but my parents are Christians and we go to church and all.

I'm pretty much an atheist already, but how would my parents act if they knew?

If you are an atheist and have religious parents, please comment

SimpJee
No dont turn atheist what r the benifits of being one. It just makes u depressed u think when u die there is no after life. Jesus died and rose again. The only way to disprove christianity is if they find the body of jesus.

Being a Christian depressed me much more, when I thought there were things in control of me that I had no perception of, or control over. That's depressing. Knowing that there is nothing but yourself to blame, knowing that reality is all there is, is very much reassuring and encouraging.

So knowing that there is an after life where no bad can happen and u can do what ever u want want made to depressed.
Avatar image for bastards12345
bastards12345

7194

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#23 bastards12345
Member since 2005 • 7194 Posts
agnostic is better than both because we have less choices.freek_brothers
You can be agnostic and be theistic or atheistic...
Avatar image for Matthew_Kaeser
Matthew_Kaeser

13493

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

#24 Matthew_Kaeser
Member since 2002 • 13493 Posts

I'm 35 and grew up in a religious household. My father was a Lutheran minister afterall. He commited suicide when I was 25. I'm not saying that was the deciding factor for me being an athiest, but it sure as hell didn't help.

By the way, I have never told my mother how strongly I oppose believing in an almightly being as the end all. She is still very active in the church and I respect that.

Avatar image for freek_brothers
freek_brothers

280

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#25 freek_brothers
Member since 2007 • 280 Posts

[QUOTE="freek_brothers"]agnostic is better than both because we have less choices.bastards12345
You can be agnostic and be theistic or atheistic...

well Im neither.

Avatar image for Def_Jef88
Def_Jef88

17441

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#26 Def_Jef88
Member since 2006 • 17441 Posts
[QUOTE="freek_brothers"]agnostic is better than both because we have less choices.bastards12345
You can be agnostic and be theistic or atheistic...

of course, in fact im a agnostic thiest
Avatar image for pdevil21
pdevil21

799

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#27 pdevil21
Member since 2004 • 799 Posts

[QUOTE="DEATH_GODX"]my parents told me i better be joking or they'd beat me until i cried out to godjackelhunter

im a Christian and even i think that's stupid.  that's not what the Bible is about. that's not a way to get someone to get into any religion. no wonder a lot of people bash Christianity.  because they base it on how some Christians act instead of its message. 

 Your exactly right, unfortunately those our the same people who base all there decisions on one experience or incident.  Then they hold that same prejudice with them the rest of their lifes.

Avatar image for pdevil21
pdevil21

799

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#28 pdevil21
Member since 2004 • 799 Posts
[QUOTE="bastards12345"][QUOTE="freek_brothers"]agnostic is better than both because we have less choices.Def_Jef88
You can be agnostic and be theistic or atheistic...

of course, in fact im a agnostic thiest

hear hear
Avatar image for dante_123456
dante_123456

15011

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

#29 dante_123456
Member since 2005 • 15011 Posts
i don't know, my parents aren't very religeous, but they beleive in God, but i haven't told them that i'm an athiest. Most religeous people are like dogs, so if you tell your parents that your athiest they might freak out
Avatar image for Xbox360gamer1
Xbox360gamer1

8575

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#30 Xbox360gamer1
Member since 2005 • 8575 Posts

I would just stay with you faith.

I mean, everyone has strong and weak times in their faith, You may be 60 is a while and say wow, I wish I did change religions.

 

I mean why be Athiest, There are no benefits really. 

Become Catholic, 1900 years of owning noobs.

 

 

Avatar image for Xbox360gamer1
Xbox360gamer1

8575

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#31 Xbox360gamer1
Member since 2005 • 8575 Posts

i don't know, my parents aren't very religeous, but they beleive in God, but i haven't told them that i'm an athiest. Most religeous people are like dogs, so if you tell your parents that your athiest they might freak outdante_123456

 

 

WTF?

As in loyal?

Being religious(like myself) doesn't mean we are fanatic, Athiests just like to single them out and make it seem like all religious people ar crazy, because they know most religious people are normal and that they have nothing wrong with them.

 

There are 2.1 BILLION Christians......maybe .1% are fanatics, most live in Italy

Avatar image for Nisstyre_56
Nisstyre_56

2849

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

#32 Nisstyre_56
Member since 2006 • 2849 Posts
I don't think they care....
Avatar image for Xbox360gamer1
Xbox360gamer1

8575

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#33 Xbox360gamer1
Member since 2005 • 8575 Posts
[QUOTE="bastards12345"][QUOTE="freek_brothers"]agnostic is better than both because we have less choices.Def_Jef88
You can be agnostic and be theistic or atheistic...

of course, in fact im a agnostic thiest

Technically we are all agnostic since we can't prove or disprove God, we can just believe. You would have to know Jesus to be truelt thiest
Avatar image for Tolwan
Tolwan

2575

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

#34 Tolwan
Member since 2003 • 2575 Posts

My parents are super religious, but i wouldn't consider myself athiest. I'm just losing my faith, (if i ever had any) because all the stuff that i was taught is really starting to sound like bulls*** when its given some thought. My parents don't know, I just play along. I kinda feel guilty when i don't close my eyes when we pray...:|best-gam3r

If you're losing your faith, before turning to atheism try asking your pastor or a priest for clarification on the issues you think are "Bull****". Sometimes they can be very helpful, and you should get clarification before ditching your religion entirely. And some of these guys are really smart too, i have talked with some that even have a Bachelors or Masters in Science degree, majors in biology, chemistry, and physics... Dont underestimate them simply because they work for god.

Avatar image for Def_Jef88
Def_Jef88

17441

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#35 Def_Jef88
Member since 2006 • 17441 Posts
[QUOTE="Def_Jef88"][QUOTE="bastards12345"][QUOTE="freek_brothers"]agnostic is better than both because we have less choices.Xbox360gamer1
You can be agnostic and be theistic or atheistic...

of course, in fact im a agnostic thiest

Technically we are all agnostic since we can't prove or disprove God, we can just believe. You would have to know Jesus to be truelt thiest

you dont have to know something to beleive it
Avatar image for Achilles438
Achilles438

5088

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 103

User Lists: 0

#36 Achilles438
Member since 2006 • 5088 Posts
you shouldnt give up on Jesus so easily.  Pray and seek God even more.
Avatar image for a55assin
a55assin

7603

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 11

User Lists: 0

#37 a55assin
Member since 2005 • 7603 Posts

[QUOTE="Def_Jef88"][QUOTE="bastards12345"][QUOTE="freek_brothers"]agnostic is better than both because we have less choices.Xbox360gamer1
You can be agnostic and be theistic or atheistic...

of course, in fact im a agnostic thiest

Technically we are all agnostic since we can't prove or disprove God, we can just believe. You would have to know Jesus to be truelt thiest

 

I'm a vampire...I've lived for thousands of years...I have witnessed Jesus' crucification..and therefore I am a true thiest...according to you.  

Avatar image for Xbox360gamer1
Xbox360gamer1

8575

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#38 Xbox360gamer1
Member since 2005 • 8575 Posts

My close friend had the exact same situation on his hands. After about 2 years of slowly making his parents accept his "resignation", it was all alright. Just slowly ask your parents questions that you think they can't answer. Like about Adam and Eve or **** just be straight forward and finish it in one big blow..one big night of arguements...it works.

a55assin
Actually everything in the bible can be answered, by one thing......Symbolism.
Avatar image for Xbox360gamer1
Xbox360gamer1

8575

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#39 Xbox360gamer1
Member since 2005 • 8575 Posts
[QUOTE="Xbox360gamer1"][QUOTE="Def_Jef88"][QUOTE="bastards12345"][QUOTE="freek_brothers"]agnostic is better than both because we have less choices.Def_Jef88
You can be agnostic and be theistic or atheistic...

of course, in fact im a agnostic thiest

Technically we are all agnostic since we can't prove or disprove God, we can just believe. You would have to know Jesus to be truelt thiest

you dont have to know something to beleive it

bingo
Avatar image for a55assin
a55assin

7603

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 11

User Lists: 0

#40 a55assin
Member since 2005 • 7603 Posts
[QUOTE="a55assin"]

My close friend had the exact same situation on his hands. After about 2 years of slowly making his parents accept his "resignation", it was all alright. Just slowly ask your parents questions that you think they can't answer. Like about Adam and Eve or **** just be straight forward and finish it in one big blow..one big night of arguements...it works.

 

 

Xbox360gamer1

Actually everything in the bible can be answered, by one thing......Symbolism.

 

Trust me...parents may have a problem when you start asking them questions. Difficult ones...like about the old testaments. 

Avatar image for deactivated-60a3c754d0a16
deactivated-60a3c754d0a16

9782

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

#41 deactivated-60a3c754d0a16
Member since 2002 • 9782 Posts

I'm a 29 year old agnostic, so I suppose I fall within the Atheist umbrella. My parents are both Christians and I was raised Christian. While I would certainly describe my parents as person's of faith, I wouldn't define them as extremely religious. My mother goes to church every Sunday, my father goes when the mood strikes him.

All of that being said, knowing how upset my mother would be to discover I no longer share her faith I really can't see any reason to let her know. I don't mind going through he religious motions when I visit, and telling her the truth wouldn't accomplish anything more than making her feel bad, so I don't.

Avatar image for Pooey_Mess
Pooey_Mess

435

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#42 Pooey_Mess
Member since 2004 • 435 Posts

To all the agnostics... 

There are only two kinds of agnosticism.  Agnostic theism (you don't know God, but you believe in Him) and  agnostic atheism (you don't know God and you don't believe in Him).

If you claim to be purely agnostic, you are effectively an agnostic atheist.  If you say you don't know of God, and you don't believe in Him because you don't know of God,  then you're effectively an atheist.  Pure agnostics never have and never will exist.

Agnostic atheists are also referred to as weak atheists.  You lack belief in God, but you don't believe in the nonexistence of God.  Therefore, the possibility of a God (or any deity(s)) is open to you.

Avatar image for Matthew_Kaeser
Matthew_Kaeser

13493

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

#43 Matthew_Kaeser
Member since 2002 • 13493 Posts

I'm a 29 year old agnostic, so I suppose I fall within the Atheist umbrella. My parents are both Christians and I was raised Christian. While I would certainly describe my parents as person's of faith, I wouldn't define them as extremely religious. My mother goes to church every Sunday, my father goes when the mood strikes him.

All of that being said, knowing how upset my mother would be to discover I no longer share her faith I really can't see any reason to let her know. I don't mind going through he religious motions when I visit, and telling her the truth wouldn't accomplish anything more than making her feel bad, so I don't.

Schwah
Yep, that's how I feel as well. What's the point in telling her if it will do little more than upset her.
Avatar image for deactivated-60a3c754d0a16
deactivated-60a3c754d0a16

9782

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

#44 deactivated-60a3c754d0a16
Member since 2002 • 9782 Posts

  Yep, that's how I feel as well. What's the point in telling her if it will do little more than upset her. Matthew_Kaeser

Right on. Good sons don't make their mamas cry, and I pity the fools who do. :evil:

Avatar image for onefiredude
onefiredude

296

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 14

User Lists: 0

#45 onefiredude
Member since 2007 • 296 Posts

Thanks for all the comments guys...i wanted my problem to be viewed from other people's perspectives...

But the thing is, some of you said that they wouldn't care. However, I know my parents love me very much and wont want me going to "hell", or as they think (I don't believe much about hell). But I don't see them trying to convert their friends or even my relatives. Even though that's true, do you guys really think they won't care?

Avatar image for jm4847
jm4847

3535

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

#46 jm4847
Member since 2006 • 3535 Posts
I told them years ago and I became a huge dissapointment to my father. He got mad every time I talk about submitting my Apostasy letter to no longer be considered a Catholic.
Avatar image for Matthew_Kaeser
Matthew_Kaeser

13493

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

#47 Matthew_Kaeser
Member since 2002 • 13493 Posts
Well, you know your folks better than anyone here, so we can really not give you a realistic answer. I do believe it best to just not discuss it with your parents if it will only cause heartache, though. It seems that you really want to get this off of your chest, so perhaps just go with your own instinct, but be sure to plan out how it will be brought up as well as how they may respond. Bottom line, be intelligent about it.
Avatar image for onefiredude
onefiredude

296

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 14

User Lists: 0

#48 onefiredude
Member since 2007 • 296 Posts

Well, you know your folks better than anyone here, so we can really not give you a realistic answer. I do believe it best to just not discuss it with your parents if it will only cause heartache, though. It seems that you really want to get this off of your chest, so perhaps just go with your own instinct, but be sure to plan out how it will be brought up as well as how they may respond. Bottom line, be intelligent about it. Matthew_Kaeser

 No, i'm just wondering what would happen if i did...it doesn't bother me that much

Avatar image for Lobster_Ear
Lobster_Ear

5428

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#49 Lobster_Ear
Member since 2005 • 5428 Posts
Me and my dad are atheists and my mom is catholic. She knows I am an atheist, but there's nothing she can do about it. I make my own decisions about religion and politics.