I've been an atheist for about a year now.
I was living with my father and his family, who take their religion very seriously. Anyways, they caught me watching a dirty video, and they sat me down to speak with them. They already know I'm an atheist, and we don't broach the subject too much (mostly because I tell them that I don't like talking about it, since it's pointless of course...) and anyways, they got very upset. My father began yelling, became very upset, cussed, and even told me to go live with my mother. Apparently since I don't believe in Jesus, I cannot change my bad habits.
I didn't want to live in an environment like that, so I came to live with my mother. She is religious as well, but accepts at least that I am an atheist.
My question is this... what are we atheists fighting for? I mean, I definitely think the world would be a better place without religion, but if being an atheist separates me from my family... is it worth it? I mean, I could still be an atheist inside, but lie to everyone... or is that even worth it?
Basically I just need to know that other atheists out there have been hurt badly by their family as well... and I need to hear from other atheists that I am doing some good, at least in the long run, by standing for my (lack of) beliefs... even to my family.
Thank you.
I was living with my father and his family, who take their religion very seriously. Anyways, they caught me watching a dirty video, and they sat me down to speak with them. They already know I'm an atheist, and we don't broach the subject too much (mostly because I tell them that I don't like talking about it, since it's pointless of course...) and anyways, they got very upset. My father began yelling, became very upset, cussed, and even told me to go live with my mother. Apparently since I don't believe in Jesus, I cannot change my bad habits.
I didn't want to live in an environment like that, so I came to live with my mother. She is religious as well, but accepts at least that I am an atheist.
My question is this... what are we atheists fighting for? I mean, I definitely think the world would be a better place without religion, but if being an atheist separates me from my family... is it worth it? I mean, I could still be an atheist inside, but lie to everyone... or is that even worth it?
Basically I just need to know that other atheists out there have been hurt badly by their family as well... and I need to hear from other atheists that I am doing some good, at least in the long run, by standing for my (lack of) beliefs... even to my family.
Thank you.