How do I deal with a religious family as an atheist?

Sometimes this can be the hardest hurdle we have with our family. I personally struggle with my family and their religious views. To put it very lightly, we have very different views. I always attempt to stand my ground, not allow religion to become part of the conversation and if it does I let whoever I am talking to know that I will not allow myself to be subject to bashing and will walk away if necessary. Sometimes, its even easier to avoid the situations or family members all together. If you do have to be around them, just be yourself, be compassionate and understanding of their views and attempt to come to a resolution that works for you both.

They could take it well, or they could take it horribly. Chances are, their religion is one of love. Reminding them of that will be the key. Either way, being honest with them and slowly detaching yourself from any religious affiliations is the best route to go. If you aren't comfortable worshipping any certain god/gods, nobody can force you to. Religion is a personal choice, one that everyone has the right to make on their own. Don't feel obligated to be religious just because of your family or friends or community. I promise it's going to be ok and one day you will be able to make your own choices and live your own life.

Be respectful towards them and their beliefs. Just because you have different views on religion does not mean you cannot be respectful to one another. Do not try and force your views on them, just as they shouldn't force their beliefs onto you. If you are able to have an open conversation about religion with them on a generic level then that is great but otherwise do not raise the issue as this may cause un-necessary problems. They may carry out certain rituals or lifestyle choices in the name of their beliefs, this does not mean you have to be a part of such however you should not try and prevent them from doing so as this would be disrespectful.

I try to ignore it and move on. If it gets brought up I politely tell them I don't wish to discuss it with them. If they keep pushing I just leave the situation. You need to remain respectful to their beliefs so they treat you with that respect back. When someone asks what I believe made the earth or some other question like that, I tell them I don't question them so I expect them not to question me. My opinion shouldn't affect anyone else's, but my own. Especially if I'm not critcising them. Just make sure you pick your battles.

Try your best to respect your family, even if you disagree with them. Try to understand where they’re coming from and try your hardest to be open-minded. It’s okay to disagree with people, even your family. On the other hand, you also want to respect their opinions/beliefs. If your beliefs don’t align with their religious views, then express that (in a respective) manner to them. Explain to them why you’re an Atheist and don’t want to be a member of the religion their devoting themselves in. Overall, it’s important to have your own opinions and beliefs while respecting others for theirs, as well.

I say every now and then - "There are few things that are as out of place as an atheist in a temple". As a person who has been through something on these lines, I'd say, patience is key. I was born in a Hindu family and kinda eventually became an atheist. I subtly tried to see if my parents would be okay with atheism, but it didnt end well. I chose to act like a religious person since it really seemed much easier than trying to confront them about it. But yeah, it was so frustrating to act like the same kid with religious views at times, especially when I had to spend time on religious things. I finally got freedom (in that aspect) when I left home to attend university. But I really started missing family, so much that I didn't mind acting like a religious person if that would make them happy. You may always choose a different path if you feel like it. It's all up to you!

As respectfully as you would with anyone else whose beliefs you don't share. Since you didn't state a particular problem, I'm going to assume that you deal with being invited (or not invited) to ceremonies or other events that feel awkward to attend. You may always go for the sake of being a supportive family member; your attendance does not mean you endorse any particular beliefs but that you enjoy certain family functions or don't wish to miss certain celebrations. If someone asks you why you would "dare" be there, you can always say "because it's an important occasion, don't you agree?" If they ask again, you can say "Why do you ask?" And stare. They should get the message that it's rude to interrogate someone like they are doing. If your problem is that you don't want to go, you have every right to say (ahead of time is polite) "I have other plans" and leave it at that.

You do you. Let them do them.

Perhaps become aware of the emotional and psychological approach of my family members. Try to talk to them about religion and atheism in private as individuals but never together if you feel it would intimidate you. Try to learn ways of bonding as a family beyond the differences and be open to communication if there is no fear of being belittled, verbal or mental abuse etc. Perhaps ask your loved ones to do research Into topics of interest for both of you. It also sounds like this worries you, so find some people who would be willing to support you when you feel down and help you with self esteem if they ever attack it.

It's okay to have different beliefs than your family. You yourself have developed your own opinions and that's okay! You should try and avoid that topic to stay clear of any conflict. If it does happen to come up respect their opinions even if you don't agree. You could say something like "Although we have different beliefs I respect your opinion though I don't agree." Try to be passive and peaceful, sometimes people will get offended or take it the wrong way when you talk about your opinion. That's not me saying you shouldn't share your opinion or have your own, it's me saying sometimes its best to put it aside instead of arguing and leading to tears in relationships.