Do you think it's important that your family/friends know your an atheist?

I just wonder what you guys think. I haven't really told that many people about my beliefs. In fact, probably more people know my feelings here on gamespot. My family and especially my extended family wouldn't take it well. I wouldn't be hated or disowned but they would certainly be praying for me behind my back. I have to admit that there's always this urge within to say something about it when I have the opportunity.

So, does it matter to you? Should it matter to me?

It is the major problem with society I have these days, in that nobody actually wants to discuss and entertain another's perspective out of respect for that person, and rather base an entire personal assessment of you and your behavior (and political positions as well) on what you say you believe. Zeviander

I feel like I want to share because perhaps I may be able to help free them from the mental bondage of religion. But I can't help but think of when I used to be a christian how that I would have behaved the same as them had someone told me that they were an atheist. I wouldn't have hated that person but I would be thinking to myself how foolish they were and how they were going to hell.

I guess the crappy part is the term "atheist" has been demonized by the religious, news media, and some atheists themselves. It's tragic because clearly we have achieved a level of insight that the religious thoroughly lack.

Yes. I feel horrible lying to my dad's side of the family about my lack of faith. They deserve to know who I really am. 

But I can't afford to disclose it at this time; only when I am financially independent and out of the house will I tell the truth. Perhaps even that isn't the right time, though. I also have to worry about how people who are directly involved in my life will react. My father, for instance, might start to beat himself up for failing to raise me Islamically, and everyone else will see me as a degenerate or a hedonist just because I dislike Islam. 

Yes it is important that they know I think. I don't even really know why, I find the belief in religion to be stupid so I don't want people to think or associate me with that. Also people are more willing to open up and talk to you and as k questions if they know you have no biased faiths

Depends on culture.

My Family knows that I am an atheist. My parents don't mind, but most of my family looks down upon me, but I suppose that it's not just about atheism, but thing's I've done in the past and my complete indiference towards most of them.

Most of my friends are atheist/agnostic.

My Christian friends don't mind, but they have told me that they pray for me and that they hope that I find the path of God.

they have told me that they pray for me and that they hope that I find the path of God.

jerk-o-tron2000

[QUOTE="jerk-o-tron2000"]

they have told me that they pray for me and that they hope that I find the path of God.

junglist101

That's how I feel. "Cool, pray for me. You waste your time, I'll do something else with mine"

[QUOTE="jerk-o-tron2000"]

they have told me that they pray for me and that they hope that I find the path of God.

junglist101

This part is what drives me nuts and why I am reluctant to come out to my family. I just find it insulting. I guess they have your best interests at heart, but it is a subtle way of telling you that they got it right and you don't.

I used to feel the same way. Now I just overlook it and just see the good intentions.

It irks me, however, when it comes from a "Holier Than Thou" person that just reeks of ingenuity.

Most of my family are atheists, so fortunately I didn't have to deal with this problem:)

Most of my family are atheists, so fortunately I didn't have to deal with this problem:)

Postmortem123

[QUOTE="Postmortem123"]

Most of my family are atheists, so fortunately I didn't have to deal with this problem:)

wis3boi

Yup, I was lucky to be born in a majority-atheist country; however I have to put up with the terrible weather - you guys have me beat there:P

Also, your steam signature picture is always very nice:P

[QUOTE="wis3boi"][QUOTE="Postmortem123"]

Most of my family are atheists, so fortunately I didn't have to deal with this problem:)

Postmortem123

Yup, I was lucky to be born in a majority-atheist country; however I have to put up with the terrible weather - you guys have me beat there:P

Also, your steam signature picture is always very nice:P

:oops:

Only my immediate family knows I'm an atheist. It's not an important thing for me to bring up to relatives whom I only see at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or family reunions, because you don't want to ruin such an event with a religious debate.

Genetic_Code

Ain't that the truth......

Nothing like receiving snide looks when it's your turn to "Give thanks for what you have" to make everyone unnecessarily unconfortable.

Most of my close friends and family know my positions as I was taught to and continue to question everything of course that can also include atheism. However, I think many people not in my "inner circle" my think I'm very religious as I regularly refer to a variety of religious texts, many times to point out their own hypocrisies. I of course can not be certain of the origin of most religious text total truth or pure bull, they are not without their merits. Of course, these same individuals almost seemed shocked when or if they find my thoughts don't fall in line with their own.

I don't go around pushing my beliefs down others throats though as that would make me a supreme hypocrite, so to answer the original questions; no I don't find it important to let everyone know my beliefs. Even if you do come to my door trying to convert me, you still might not find I think you're fall of it, because I find it is much easier to encourage a religious individual to take a closer look at their own belief system if they don't see you as an "enemy" of sorts.