So a few months ago, I became an atheist. For the last few months I have kept quite about it, and have became even more depressed at the idea of death. But after the last few days of watching hours upon hours of videos about atheist, and the universe, my view on life became much more positive. I intially decided that I will not tell anyone(outside the internet) that I am an atheist. Reasons for not doing so include that my dad is a pastor and I used to serve in churches in quite a few areas. Even though my dad is a pastor and my mother is also very religious, I don't think they would be overly hostile to the idea that I am an atheist, but I know that they would be greatly saddened and dissapointed. And many people in my previous churches see me as a very faithful and good servant of the church, while I do not think I am, and do not desire to be what they preceive me as, I do not like to dissapoint people. It is also important to note that my social life outside a church is completely dead. Of the little social activities which I partake and enjoy from being part of the church will probably cease to exist, as I don't think they would allow an atheist in the worship band, and people will also probably view me and my father somewhat negatively. I desire to tell someone about it because it is annoying and tiring to have to pretend that I am a sincere Christian.
Don't take this the wrong way, but why would anyone care what your religious status is? Keep it to yourself.
Jandurin
i think he's talking about his familyBeyond them though, I wouldn't though. Just stop going to church or whatever and people will catch on if they even notice.
We all need somebody to talk to about what we genuinely feel inside, but I don't see why you would have to bluntly tell your parents "I am an atheist." If you believe in the ideals of christ there is no reason you can't keep attending church and just let it mean to you what it means to you.
[QUOTE="dave123321"] Unlike yours , they are non-existent .Jandurin
hmm, well i was talking about his siblings. i wonder how my sisters would take it if i suddenly decided i was christian? You should take it further and become a priest.
If you are asked sure tell them. Otherwise why bring it up? I am an atheist as well and unless someone asks me I never mention it as I know no one cares :)
Don't take this the wrong way, but why would anyone care what your religious status is? Keep it to yourself.Pirate700
I'm sure the evangelist in the churches my father serves in will care, which is quite a few people. Edit: To clarify, they would want to know why I became an atheist, and would most likely bring me back to Christianity. I know how churches here work, considering I was part of some evangelist events.
[QUOTE="Pirate700"]Don't take this the wrong way, but why would anyone care what your religious status is? Keep it to yourself.Lonelynight
I'm sure the evangelist in the churches my father serves in will care, which is quite a few people. So is this all about sabotaging your dad? Once again keep it to yourself.
[QUOTE="Pirate700"]Don't take this the wrong way, but why would anyone care what your religious status is? Keep it to yourself.Lonelynight
I'm sure the evangelist in the churches my father serves in will care, which is quite a few people. Edit: To clarify, they would want to know why I became an atheist, and would most likely bring me back to Christianity. I know how churches here work, considering I was part of some evangelist events.Then tell your family and don't worry about the others. Who care what they think if you're not even going to be there?
[QUOTE="Pirate700"]Don't take this the wrong way, but why would anyone care what your religious status is? Keep it to yourself.Lonelynight
I'm sure the evangelist in the churches my father serves in will care, which is quite a few people. Edit: To clarify, they would want to know why I became an atheist, and would most likely bring me back to Christianity. I know how churches here work, considering I was part of some evangelist events. If you can so easily be swayed to go back to Christianity than maybe you aren't really an atheist. Sounds like you are just having some disbelief for right now, maybe you are agnostic. Agnostic - : a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable; broadly : one who is not committed to believing in either the existence or the nonexistence of God or a god Just sounds like if you would be so easily swayed maybe you still have lingering doubts. I can't say for sure of course
Who care what they think if you're not even going to be there?Pirate700
Should I tell them that I'm an atheist though?(when asked of course) Or lie and say that I'm still a Christian(which will be kinda wierd if my parents know I'm an atheist)
The problem is though, if I am honest, it will only cause problems for me.Lonelynight
I would tell them. However, I'm not you. Do what is best for you. If you don't want problems, then don't tell them. You have to ultimately decide if it's worth faking your religion in order to avoid problems. The worst problems I could think of is that you might be judged. Although Christianity has corrupted the practice of judging, everyone should judge and be prepared to be judged. However, if it's something like they'll kick you out of their house and you are unable to live on your own, then I would fake my religion and lie if I have to.
[QUOTE="Pirate700"]Who care what they think if you're not even going to be there?Lonelynight
Should I tell them that I'm an atheist though?(when asked of course) Or lie and say that I'm still a Christian(which will be kinda wierd if my parents know I'm an atheist) Who really cares what others think. If it will cause less drama for your family and yourself than lie I guess but personally I rather be honest with myself and everyone around me. Its a matter of what you think is best
[QUOTE="comp_atkins"]if asked be honest but no need to go running around telling everyoneLonelynight
The problem is though, if I am honest, it will only cause problems for me. the alternative to lie to your family? for how long are you willing to keep that up? sure they'll probably be somewhat disappointed but i'd hope they'd respect your freedom to make your own choices. as for the social aspect if you're hanging out with the type of people who will openly shun you for your beliefs, why would you want to be hanging out with such people?
[QUOTE="Pirate700"]Who care what they think if you're not even going to be there?Lonelynight
Should I tell them that I'm an atheist though?(when asked of course) Or lie and say that I'm still a Christian(which will be kinda wierd if my parents know I'm an atheist)It seems like you really have an afinity for these folks. Maybe you should still attend, enjoy the people and the atmosphere and still keep it to yourself. Not everyone needs to know everything about you. I mean, do folks there really come up to you and inquire if your a christian or not? Just tell your family if you need to and keep on keepin on.
When I was an atheist for a time, my parents didn't really care that much, but I did get a book about religion from someone who is quite pious. I did read it, but it wasn't something I would get converted over. So it's not true all the time that no one cares if you're an atheist or not. :>
Personally I don't think telling people about your faith or lack of is necessary unless brought up in conversation. Nobody really cares that your an athiest or catholic or muslim really.KlownMaster
that entirely depends on which country you live in
[QUOTE="testfactor888"] If you can so easily be swayed to go back to Christianity than maybe you aren't really an atheist. Sounds like you are just having some disbelief for right now, maybe you are agnostic. Agnostic - : a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable; broadly : one who is not committed to believing in either the existence or the nonexistence of God or a god Just sounds like if you would be so easily swayed maybe you still have lingering doubts. I can't say for sure of course I'm not afraid of being swayed back to Christianity, and I doubt that I will join any religion in my life time, as the only thing that really kept me from being an atheist the past few years is the idea of eternal torment in hell. The things that worry me is that if I am honest about my beliefs, will they view me or my father negatively, their view on atheist while not on par as American Christian fundamentalist, is still quite negative.
Why would you tell people you're atheist? That will do nothing but piss off the theists. You're asking for trouble, you're going out of your way to mock them. Why not just claim agnostic
[QUOTE="Genetic_Code"] I care too much, I would like to stop caring what others think of me, but I find it kinda hard.
the alternative to lie to your family? for how long are you willing to keep that up? sure they'll probably be somewhat disappointed but i'd hope they'd respect your freedom to make your own choices. as for the social aspect if you're hanging out with the type of people who will openly shun you for your beliefs, why would you want to be hanging out with such people?comp_atkins
They won't shun me, but they will be constantly try to convert me, which means I would have to debate with them, which is something I do not which to do, since I know what their arguement is going to be and know that I already reject it. So arguing with them will probably only end with me feeling that I have insulted them, because I really think that their arguement is ridiculous.
It seems like you really have an afinity for these folks. Maybe you should still attend, enjoy the people and the atmosphere and still keep it to yourself. Not everyone needs to know everything about you. I mean, do folks there really come up to you and inquire if your a christian or not? Just tell your family if you need to and keep on keepin on.Pirate700
I do like most of them, and I do enjoy the social aspect of being part of a chuch, but just as you asked, people really do care whether you are a Christian or not, and if you aren't they would actively try to convert you.
What country do you live in again?Jandurin
Malaysia, which is a Islamic country, but I grew up within the small minority of Chinese speaking Christians.(Chinese speaking and English speaking churches generally have different ways of doing things) Edit: Why does GS keep eating up my post?
Why would you tell people you're atheist? That will do nothing but piss off the theists. You're asking for trouble, you're going out of your way to mock them. Why not just claim agnostic
MagnumPI
Howis telling someone you don't believe in god mocking them? By that logic, telling an atheist that you believe in god is mocking them.
I don't understand the need to tell anyone beliefs or lack of TBH. I don't mention mine when dealing with people.LJS9502_basic
My beliefs are radically different from those people I interact with, since my social and political views are related to my lack of religious beliefs. And besides music, I pretty much have no other topic to talk to others with. And to be clear, I'm not the type to go around and tell other's my view, but alot of times, my view are asked and I have to lie about them.
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