Advice

[Sludgeman101]

I am still fairly young, and i have recently just become an atheist. The problem is, i haven't told my parents. I grew up in a fairly religous household, the inside of which contains many crosses. They haven't yet given me any indication that they would act negatively torwards the information, but taking into account the negative views they have taken to other important choices of mine, my girlfriend, my first car, which classes i'm going to take... Just to name a few. So i am a little afraid that they would react negatively. As a side note, i'm going to assume most of you are aware of fox news's "war on christmas", my family watches that every year, and sometimes they do make comments about atheism. So, any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

[The Valkyrie]

It's always a difficult one.

THere's a YouTube video from The Thinking Atheist entitled coming out atheist which might be worth viewing.

In all honesty, depending on your situation, your age, etc, I would look up some of the online videos about doing so, see which tactic best fits your situation, and develop it from there.

Perhaps sit down with your parents and broach the situation subtly. Talk to them about their thought on the "war on Christmas" nonsense and bring the other point of view into the discussion.

Above all else, proceed carefully and at your own pace.

Welcome, btw.

[Lemonvariable72]

I am still fairly young, and i have recently just become an atheist. The problem is, i haven't told my parents. I grew up in a fairly religous household, the inside of which contains many crosses. They haven't yet given me any indication that they would act negatively torwards the information, but taking into account the negative views they have taken to other important choices of mine, my girlfriend, my first car, which classes i'm going to take... Just to name a few. So i am a little afraid that they would react negatively. As a side note, i'm going to assume most of you are aware of fox news's "war on christmas", my family watches that every year, and sometimes they do make comments about atheism. So, any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Given what you have said here it sounds like it would go very badly if you told them. I wouldn't out right tell as they need to know, but if they outright ask you then I don't think you should have to lie about it either. If they pin you down on it just stay cool and calmly explain why you don't believe it. Beyond that just play it cool

[Elskidor]

Man, I never realized just how lucky I was by not having to deal with religious parents. So sorry. I ran away from home on a joy ride for a month when my spoiled ass didn't get my way, so I'm not the best one to give advice either. Tonight on FOX NEWS: Runnaway Atheist on the loose. Lock your doors and cock those guns and grab your holy water!

I wish you good luck and hope people with similar experiences can help you out.

[Minimalist]

[Sludgeman101]

You make a good point! Haha!

[Minimalist]

Don't expect rationality from anyone who watches FOX.

[SteelCurtain]

I am always a proponent of the whole 'wait until you are financially independent' route, Sludgeman. Play the game until you move out and aren't reliant on them. It's what I did, and I was never religious. It takes a lot of the oomph out of the tantrum, and makes moving forward as equals possible.

[Wyrd of Gawd]

I am still fairly young, and i have recently just become an atheist. The problem is, i haven't told my parents. I grew up in a fairly religous household, the inside of which contains many crosses. They haven't yet given me any indication that they would act negatively torwards the information, but taking into account the negative views they have taken to other important choices of mine, my girlfriend, my first car, which classes i'm going to take... Just to name a few. So i am a little afraid that they would react negatively. As a side note, i'm going to assume most of you are aware of fox news's "war on christmas", my family watches that every year, and sometimes they do make comments about atheism. So, any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

If you are an only child reassure them that you will respect their wishes and give them religious burials.

If they get pissed and disown you then it just shows that they are rotten Christians who lack a speck of real love and forgiveness. Who knows, you might become religious later on in life.

[BlackMason]

I am always a proponent of the whole 'wait until you are financially independent' route, Sludgeman. Play the game until you move out and aren't reliant on them. It's what I did, and I was never religious. It takes a lot of the oomph out of the tantrum, and makes moving forward as equals possible.

^^This is truth. I'm an undercover atheist. You really don't need to come out while you're still living with your folks. You don't wanna shit where you eat and sleep.

I've locked horns many times with my mom. Not cool! If you're like me then you may have a hard time containing your worldview. So if you ever decide to speak about it don't be direct. Bring your points across via a questioning tactic. For example: "You say it is because of the holy spirit. How can we be sure it is the holy spirit and not my subconscious mind at work?"

Socrates was awesome at questioning. Get your points across with subtle questioning. Be more passive rather than aggressive. It's a sort of feeling out type of thing I'm suggesting. If they're negative then that's your cue to back down.

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If you are an only child reassure them that you will respect their wishes and give them religious burials.

If they get pissed and disown you then it just shows that they are rotten Christians who lack a speck of real love and forgiveness. Who knows, you might become religious later on in life.

Is this really the best way? It's almost as if you're encouraging Sludgeman to put his security (if he's a dependent) on the line just to prove his parents are hypocrite christians. Somethings are just not worth it.