Outing onesself as atheis; family issues

[Trina]

I've recently gotten tired of keeping my mouth shut, while people are making religious comments (very noticeable on FB, though I'm a member of many atheist groups there). So I've begun 'outing' myself recently. My comments on the topic are largely 'invisible,' it seems. I suppose a lot of people don't know what to say. I have had some support. If anyone gives me trouble, I'll just block them.

I'm not actively arguing with people expressing their beliefs, in most cases. Although, for instance, if I see a msg about the Pledge of Allegiance and its supposedly Christian history, I'll post a link on a separate message to some factual data that debunks it.

Fortunately, my 'real life' friends are cool. I weeded-out the extremists several years ago, and plan to keep it that way.

My brother and sister aren't an issue; he's an atheist, and she's mild Christian but highly tolerant.

I've decided, for now at least, *not* to tell my elderly, religious but well-meaning aunt. I don't want the poor thing worrying about my 'eternal soul,' and of course she's not going to change from her belief system.

Less clear is some cousins that I see a few times a year. They're nearing 70 years old themselves, and seem in heavy denial of reality (i.e. they're devout Christians). The woman would probably handle it, but her husband, I think, would be likely to barrage me with 'inspirational materials' in hopes of converting me. It wouldn't change my mind, but would be highly annoying. Frankly, I'm inclined to deal with them as with my aunt, though it's rather distasteful.

Feedback? Thanks in advance!

[Minimalist]

Make it a point to see them even less.


I've got cousins I like and never see them.

[The Grand Nudger]

It's easy, when you feel uncomfortable, or when pressed, just tell them that you don't believe. Nothing to justify, nothing to prove, you just don't believe. It doesn't have to be a big deal. Any objection can be handled by stating that you find the argument less than compelling. If they insist on sending you inspirational material make inspired paper mache masks out of it. Makes good bird cage lining...and my personal favorite...I work it into compost..lol.

(I do actually have a drawer full of the more amusing ones, like the eye opening "Jesus Prayer Rug" optical illusion. Gift shop toy really, but it seems powerful to someone somewhere)

[Faith No More]

I say there is no need to go out of your way to let your beliefs be known, but if questioned, feel free to tell them. Family or not, they need to respect your right to have your own beliefs, so if they get pushy, stand your ground and tell them to back off. If they don't respect your right to believe what you want, then they don't respect you as a human being, and I see no need to keep people that don't respect you in your life.

[Godnose]

One thing I feel dead lucky about is never having had to do that. I was never christened or baptised or anything like that. My Mrs (who was) says it doesn't matter and so I'm tempted to show her this thread. However that would entail opening up a whole can of worms about which she is presently entirely ignorant - bless her!

[thesummerqueen]

I don't know that it would be a huge problem unless you only saw them on religiously inspired holidays. Are they visiting you, specifically? Or is it more along the lines of "the family meets here?"

If the latter, you can always get in the car and leave if someone gives you trouble. Generally family is willing to keep their mouth semi-shut for the sake of peace. Unless they're crazy like my aunt, who still hasn't gotten over me getting inked.

[Cinjin]

I don't know that it would be a huge problem unless you only saw them on religiously inspired holidays. Are they visiting you, specifically? Or is it more along the lines of "the family meets here?"

If the latter, you can always get in the car and leave if someone gives you trouble. Generally family is willing to keep their mouth semi-shut for the sake of peace. Unless they're crazy like my aunt, who still hasn't gotten over me getting inked.

you got ink too summer?

whadayaknow ... yet another cool attribute you share with myself.

[thesummerqueen]

you got ink too summer?

whadayaknow ... yet another cool attribute you share with myself.

Post #10. Contemplating my third. http://atheistforums.org/thread-5418.htm...ght=tattoo

[Cinjin]

you got ink too summer?

whadayaknow ... yet another cool attribute you share with myself.

Post #10. Contemplating my third. http://atheistforums.org/thread-5418.htm...ght=tattoo

I guess I'm going to have to take some pics and get them on that tat thread. I have a half-sleeve (shoulder to elbow - nearly all the way around) a forearm and one on the opposite shoulder. Probably get more when I find the right design.

[The Grand Nudger]

Speaking of my "christian magic file" I've alluded to before (can't remember who asked about it)

I have one of these in the drawer.



Nothing like "inspirational material" that promises cold hard cash ($46,000 apparently, which I'm assuming is a check from god redeemable at any church)
http://msgboard.snopes.com/cgi-bin/ultim...002087;p=1