Hey,
Concerning your religious friends, you don't have to play the atheist card right away or at all. It's possible to have a conversation about religious issues and doubts without going there. That way you might get an idea how they view atheism, if you really feel the need to raise the subject.
Concerning your parents - no one can expect of you to play the rebel hero. If you fear consequences for your future (e.g. concerning support for college) it is your right to hide your views.
What gets my blood boiling is the "If someone tells you to pray, you have to pray" bit. It's utterly degrading - especially, who is "someone"?
Concerning your religious friends, you don't have to play the atheist card right away or at all. It's possible to have a conversation about religious issues and doubts without going there. That way you might get an idea how they view atheism, if you really feel the need to raise the subject.
Concerning your parents - no one can expect of you to play the rebel hero. If you fear consequences for your future (e.g. concerning support for college) it is your right to hide your views.
What gets my blood boiling is the "If someone tells you to pray, you have to pray" bit. It's utterly degrading - especially, who is "someone"?
The fool hath said in his heart, There is a God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Psalm 14, KJV revised edition
