Stuck between a rock and a hard place

[JohnNelson98]

Hello, everyone. I'm brand new to this website, so wish me luck. Over the past few days, I've been thinking about whether or not to tell my family/friends that I am an atheist. At first I thought that there was no point in telling people of my beliefs (or lack thereof), but after thinking about it for a while, I realized that there actually are a lot of reasons why I should tell people. For one, I would be able to sleep in on Sundays. Secondly, maybe I would convince other people around me to not be so secretive about their atheism. And third, I would be able to talk with other atheists I know irl without worrying that someone will catch me. But then again there are a few reasons why I shouldn't tell anyone. One, my plan could backfire completely, and my dad could make me go to church everyday of the week instead of just Sunday (I don't think that would happen, but it's possible). Second, most of my friends are Christians, amd they're the kind who believe that they shouldn't have anything to do with non-believers. So, I think that I might lose some friends. Third, living with my dad would be awkward b/c he is a christian. So, I am having trouble deciding what to do, and I was hoping I could get feedback from fellow atheists. Thanks

[Dystopia]

It's best to just come out of the closet. How religious are your friends and family? Conservative religious or the kind of liberals who don't even go to church every week but still believe?

And how old are you? Considering you mentioned your dad could make you go to church

I here proclaim the best for you. You'll enjoy it here, and there are Christians, theists and deists on the forum, not only atheists and anti-theists

[Nine]

Welcome John.

People aren't nearly as strict in their beliefs when they are actually confronted with a real life situation. It's funny how many people suddenly become more tolerant of others when they actual meet somebody different.

[JohnNelson98]

Thank you for the warm welcome

Most of the people I know are pretty strong conservatives who go to church more than once a week.

I just turned 16

[CindysRain]

Hello John

You are in a tough spot. I would advise you to reconsider telling everyone, particularly your dad, at this point. The teen years are rough enough without adding an atheist into a family of christians. hock:

In a couple years you will have graduated and can be out on your own. I think that would be a better time to drop the bomb! This would be for your benefit, and peace of mind. Just my thoughts. Good luck!

And welcome

[Chad32]

Unless you think your family would hurt you, or compeltely disown you, you should come out. Maybe do it slowly, like mention atheism and see how they react to it. Don't just blurt out thta you're an atheist without having a idea of how they would react.

[Crossless2.0]

While I understand the desire to come clean about your atheism (and to sleep in on Sundays), you need to weigh that against what you think the likely consequences of coming out will be. If your family and circle of acquaintances are that conservative and devout in their beliefs, your announcing that you're an atheist might result in two years of well-meaning but unwelcome attempts to bring you back into the fold. That could be more aggravating than the status quo. Just a thought.

Once you are 18, you might be able to take ownership of your atheism without becoming everyone's project.

[Violet]

Thank you for the warm welcome

Most of the people I know are pretty strong conservatives who go to church more than once a week.

I just turned 16

My recommendation: do whatever doesn't get you dead. Blend until you can be yourself without returning to sender.

... Unless you want to.

[KichigaiNeko]

Hang in there

[vorlon13]

Or mess with your parents.

Feign belief in a FAR stricter form of Christianity than they profess. Observe dietary laws, get picky about wearing clothing all of the same fabric, object if your mom or other women talk about religion to males, ask about getting a poisonous pet snake. If either of your parents has a prior marriage start agitating the current one is adulterous. You're a teenager, you might find considerable inner motivation for this.

If you're good at it, they'll eventually beg you to become atheist.