Should i tell my family im an atheist ?

[Rwandrall]

This is a dilemna im pretty sure most atheists have faced.

Here is my situation: All of my siblings, as well as my mother, know im an atheist, but my four grandparents and my father dont, and they are the most religious. My grandparents on my father's side, furthermore, are very intolerant and will take it really badly.

Also my father has this fantasy of the perfect son. Wanted me to be like him, which im not in many ways, and he takes it as a sort of failure (even if he'll never admit it.) This is relevant because admitting im an atheist will really hurt him, he's gone to mass every week since he was born.

Why should i tell him ? me being an atheist is something that doesnt regard anyone else but myself. But i feel bad not telling the truth.

As many most probably have gone through the same experience, can i get some advice ?

[TheMultiverseTheory]

Here's an opinion. Don't.

Do they deserve to know? No. If they are highly intolerant individuals that already see you as a failed person under their veiled eyes, then they have no right to know about the person you really are. If you also wish not to hurt the feelings of people you care about, then it will not hurt to not tell them. You may find it just easier to let them live in their deluded worlds, whilst the people who won't hate you-for-you can know.

Sometimes there are cans you just don't want to open. If you do, you may lose your father and your ignorant grandparents. In the end, however, it is up to you and how important you feel this is.

[Autumnlicious]

Agreed with TMT - Those whom you are most comfortable with it already know about it. Unless your relationships are really strong to begin with, keep it low key. It will hinder understanding, but in an uneven relationship, understanding already is hamstrung.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

Telling my Irish Catholic father about my atheism changed our relationship for the worst. He was never able to accept it.We were still angry with one another when I died. I have always regretted telling him. Believing I was on the moral high ground didn't help at all.

You asked: My opinion: DON"T. It will accomplish nothing and cause both you and your father a lot of pain.

[Pippy]

wait, you died Padraic?

I'm sorry to hear that.

[AtheistPhil]

I don't see the point of telling him you're an "atheist", it's just a label and your father surely has prejudices against this particular label. I think your futur actions will speak for you. I guess you don't go to Church anymore so you're already acting like an atheist, what's the point of telling your father then ? He might think you're not religious but still catholic and that's a good middle ground for now.
You should not hide your criticism of his religion but don't label yourself anything.

[theblindferrengi]

Are the people in question wealthy?

If yes, then don't tell them.
If no, then it doesn't matter.

[Autumnlicious]

Are the people in question wealthy?

If yes, then don't tell them.
If no, then it doesn't matter.

If you are wealthy, tell them.

If not, don't.

Money fixes all.

[theblindferrengi]

If you are wealthy then you dont have to worry about what others think.

[LEDO]

How much money do they have and are you in the will?