I Cant Tell My Parents I’m Atheist… what do i doo

@Silas22

What purpose would it be to tell them?   They most likely would set out to show you how they feel you are wrong.  Are you looking for someone to convince you otherwise?  Imagine if you attend a church how many others in that room are also there out of obligation not true belief.  Maybe like you because parents pr maybe because a partner/ spouse is a believer.   

Religion or spirituality etc is found by on your own not dictated by "well my family believes so I must". Many did not believe until they had something happen to them or with in them.

I think as a young adult you should find your way and some people try different religions or many decide on an atheist view.  Your view may change again.   If your parents do not  feel exploring options is allowed their faith in the belief must not be strong or they would feel you will find your way back to those beliefs. 

@Silas22 aww that's tough, but there is nothing wrong in having a few secrets ❤ I too was brought up in let's say a very religious setting. But faith and beliefs are something we individually have to work out for ourselves. You don't have to tell your parents, but if you choose to, we got your back ok? Gives you a giant tiny hug ❤❤ goodluck with everything sweetie ❤

That's tough. The Christian faith is supposed to be about selfless love, freedom, and grace from Jesus Christ, not about control. I'm sorry your parents don't give you the freedom to explore your own beliefs and express your doubts, and that they would punish you instead of extend grace. I'm glad you found this space to talk freely. You don't have to tell your parents, but they may find out over time, possibly when you are no longer living with them.

@Silas22

if your parents are strict u probably shouldn't tell them but if they listens and understand i think you might talk to them and tell them your pov and see why they believe in that 

@Silas22 the Dalai Lama when asked what his religion is said "My religion is kindness." He did not say believe what I believe. In fact in his books he says to try what I practice and if it works use it and if it does not work then let it go.

I think that telling your parents would hurt them so for that reason I would not tell them. Instead I would search to find out how your beliefs have changed. If they ask you, you could say I am searching for what God means to me. To me the question is what kind of God do you believe in. If you say God is Love, I believe in Love. If you say God is the kindness of a parent, I believe in kindness. 

I do not believe in a God that waits for us to make a mistake and sends us to punishment. If you say God is forgiveness I believe in forgiveness. If you say God says kill your enemies, I do not believe in that God. It all depends on how one interprets God as to whether  I believe in it. 

Do you believe in treating other people the way you want to be treated?

Do you believe that being kind to others produces different feelings in me than being angry or spiteful?

Religion and spirituality is a very personal experience. If you want to discuss this topic in more detail, send me a message  www.7cups.com/@soulsings

@Silas22

Embracing atheism within a devout Christian family can be incredibly challenging. Prioritizing your emotional well-being and safety is crucial. Consider seeking support from online communities or local secular organizations to connect with like-minded individuals. Before disclosing your beliefs to your parents, prepare yourself emotionally and mentally for potential reactions.

Remember, your beliefs are valid and deserving of respect. Your journey towards self-discovery is courageous, and you're not alone. 

Take care of yourself and prioritize your well-being. Your autonomy and self-worth are essential.

@Silas22 Better keep it under your hat, at least until you are old enough to work for a living, pay rent & live in your own place (or with hopefully trustworthy roommates). Telling your parents about your atheism will only upset them. Most likely they'll try to talk you into believing in Jesus again, out of concern for the fate of your supposed soul. (Note the qualifier. As an atheist, you presumably don't believe in the idea of a soul. For what it's worth, I have trouble with the concept too) You don't need the hassle from them.

What has becoming an atheist done? Has it led you down any bad path? Has it caused you to take up a drug habit or hang out with the wrong crowd? I seriously doubt any of that has come to pass. It certainly wasn't true for me, when I went through my hard-core atheist phase in the 2000's. If you haven't hurt yourself or anyone else then there is no cause for concern...but your mother & father obviously won't see it that way. I think you know this already.

There is no need to tell them about it. Just keep your atheism under your hat, & cultivate it whenever you have some privacy. skeptic.com is a great resource for atheists, agnostics & other nonreligious folk. You can also check out yourlogicalfallacyis.com for the most common errors in reasoning; people who make religious & political arguments to convince you of their supposed rightness often resort to such fallacies. It would be to your advantage to familiarize yourself with them.