It's also helpful to understand your parent's position in this. They'll still be deluded about religion and won't have asked the same questions that you have. They probably don't want to. And because they love you they'll be worried about your future. Therefore they might well try to set you on the right path again (in their eyes) and not understand why it won't work.
It's very easy for this to escalate and for both sides to end up shouting at each other. It's best not to let it escalate to begin with. So try to stay calm when you feel pressure on you to be religious or they try to emotionally blackmail you. Don't give them an excuse to blame your atheism on something else otherwise it will be very easy for them to assume that you are just wanting to be rebellious or naughty and this will shape their responses to you.
I've personally found that when I am asking difficult questions that the other person cannot answer and they are getting stressed, then that's perfect opportunity to become more calm myself.
It will be a lot easier if you make it all about the flaws in what you are being taught rather than about yourself. This puts the onus on them to convince you, not on you to change yourself to what they want.
Remember, it's OK not to know or to not have the answers available immediately. Many religious arguments are deceitful or disingenuous and it can take a while to see the flaw in them. This comes with practice. What is important is that you keep a questioning and curious mind that wants to learn more.
Also remember that the more you pick away at things, the more religious teachings show themselves to be nonsensical. And there is a whole wealth of knowledge at your disposal with the internet now.
It's very easy for this to escalate and for both sides to end up shouting at each other. It's best not to let it escalate to begin with. So try to stay calm when you feel pressure on you to be religious or they try to emotionally blackmail you. Don't give them an excuse to blame your atheism on something else otherwise it will be very easy for them to assume that you are just wanting to be rebellious or naughty and this will shape their responses to you.
I've personally found that when I am asking difficult questions that the other person cannot answer and they are getting stressed, then that's perfect opportunity to become more calm myself.
It will be a lot easier if you make it all about the flaws in what you are being taught rather than about yourself. This puts the onus on them to convince you, not on you to change yourself to what they want.
Remember, it's OK not to know or to not have the answers available immediately. Many religious arguments are deceitful or disingenuous and it can take a while to see the flaw in them. This comes with practice. What is important is that you keep a questioning and curious mind that wants to learn more.
Also remember that the more you pick away at things, the more religious teachings show themselves to be nonsensical. And there is a whole wealth of knowledge at your disposal with the internet now.
