Moms not taking my atheism well.

[robvalue]

It's not your fault Ian. I'm very sorry to hear she took it so hard. We don't have a choice in these matters, when our brains are no longer convinced by something, we can't decide to just become convinced again through choice. So it's not like you've even made a conscious decision to not believe, it's just what happens.

My advice is to focus on the difference between religious faith and your personal relationship with each other. They are entirely different things, but people can so often get that blurred when religion is really important to them. You could reassure her that you feel no differently about her, and that you are still the same person. She should be able to see who you are through your actions, more so than going through religious rituals that anyone can do.

I would recommend reinforcing that it's the religion, not her, that you can no longer believe in. And if it would help, you could give rational reasons, such as there is no evidence. That's a judgement call depending on what your mother is like.

Again I'm really sorry to hear this, and I hope you can both work it out. A lot of people find the best thing is to agree not to talk about religious matters, and just enjoy each other's company, talking about anything and everything else.