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

Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on May 9, 2020
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I think first and foremost is that everyone involved tries to remain respectful toward each other, regardless of beliefs. It's easy for a family to become divided over things like religion and politics because people feel passionately about those things. A good starting place might be to ask your family members to sit down with you and talk calmly, agreeing to really listen to each other. Your family may take your rejection of religion personally so if you can help them understand that it is not personal, but simply a decision that you've reached that might help your relationship with them.
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Profile: StoicallyChristian
StoicallyChristian on May 20, 2020
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I'm the only religious person in my family. I have to remind myself to only talk about God/Jesus and scripture when my family asks me to otherwise it comes off as overbearing. If I were an Atheist I would remind my family that I love them despite my beliefs and only to talk to me about God/Jesus/Scripture when I bring it up. It's hard and it needs to be done constantly. I kinda wish my parents and my brothers would remind me of that more. It's hard not sharing something that you place value in and find joy in when others don't.
Profile: darkskies05
darkskies05 on May 27, 2020
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Hello! I grew up in a religious environment. It wasn't until I turned 21 that I realized I didn't want to continue being a part of the religion or participating. I think the best way to deal with this is to evaluate how your family is like. Would they be open to you being atheist? How would they react? Based on that, it would be easier to make a decision. With strict parents, it's important to recognize that even though they may seem hesitant and take a while to accept your views, they are your parents and possibly want what's best for you.
Profile: AFellowPilgrim
AFellowPilgrim on Jun 13, 2020
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There is a saying that says, " you don't have to agree to get along." I have been married for over 30 years. When I first married my wife and for many years thereafter we were both Christians. Nowadays she is still a Christian but I no longer go by that label. I don't call myself anything, not even an atheist. But the point here is even though we are still married I do not make fun of her or try to convert her to my way of thinking. Instead I just love her and treat her kindly and respectfully as I always have. At first it scared her when she realized I no longer believe the same way she does. But as I just continue to love her and treat her kindly and meet who needs she came to accept it. He is still a Christian and I am not. But we get along I love her and she loves me. She doesn't try to convert me and I don't try to deconvert her. So, my advice to an atheist who has a religious family is just to treat them respectfully and kindly and put up with their nonsense. If you talk with them, even if you talk about religion or atheism, it is perfectly okay to say what you believe, but just be kind and respectful about it. You don't need to try to prove yourself right. You already know what you believe and just leave it at that. It will eventually be okay if you just keep on track of treating them kindly and respectfully and still being yourself. After a while they will get over their fear of you bejng an Atheist. Just give it some time. If you just continue acting kindly, compassionately, and gently toward them year after year they will eventually get used to you as you are.
Profile: Sav517
Sav517 on Aug 2, 2020
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Religious beliefs vary greatly! However, when it comes to mental health and caring for others the most important thing is self-reflection. Does dealing with religious people make you feel uncomfortable? Do you feel you can not provide proper information with someone who has different views? If you answered yes to either of these questions it is perfectly ok to direct the person to a new listener. This platform is all about providing equal help to everyone and if you feel you can't do that it is perfectly ok to redirect the client. If you feel you CAN provide what they are asking that is absolutely great!
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Aug 5, 2020
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I have a religious family, and I'm an agnostic. I feel for you entirely. I deal with my family by keeping religious views out of discussion. If I mention religion less, usually they do, too. I also try to be as least hostile towards the topic as possible. I used to go to a religious private school, which caused me a lot of trauma and bad memories associated with that religion. Regardless of my personal opinion on it, though, I try to remain respectful. Overall, I'd just advise to respectfully coexist as best as you possibly can, and be prepared to stand your own ground.
Profile: Duetelll
Duetelll on Sep 14, 2020
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As an atheist with a religious family, at first I tried to tell them my views, but they judged me. So, I learned to just ignore their views. Agree to disagree, you know? When they have conversations with religious topics, I don't partake in them or respond that I have no say in the matter. If they continuously judge you or force religion on you, avoid them if you can. If for whatever reason you cannot avoid them (they live with you for example), assertively stand up for yourself, set your boundaries and tell them how you feel. If they still don't listen, please seek support, as they're clearly not treating you with respect.
Profile: 000silverMemory000
000silverMemory000 on Sep 25, 2020
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The best way to get comfortable with your own beliefs is to realize how personal it is to you. Although it can be difficult if family members constantly harass you about it, you will learn to be your own best friend. Express to them that you have deep respect for their religion while also hoping to gain respect from them. If they do not accept you even after communicating, they will not and that’s okay too. Don’t go back to a religion that you do not believe in for someone else. You do not owe an explanation to someone for your beliefs, even if it is family. All you need to do it remain civil.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Sep 28, 2020
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If dealing with a religious family as an ashiest, you still treat them with equality and respect. despite our race, sexual preferences, religion etc, everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard. Having differences does not mean we are in a position to judge others and their choices, as long as it harms no-one, everyone deserves freedom to be who they want to be and have their own beliefs without the fear of being rejected. Everyone should be allowed the same dignity as another. We all have feelings, we all have troubles and stresses, why should religion be an excuse not to help someone just because you don't believe? treat everyone as equal, and be kind
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Oct 21, 2020
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It depends on how open and accepting your family is! Judge their characters under a figurative microscope and see if you can glean what their reactions will be if you tell them your beliefs. Some religious people are more accepting of us atheists than others. Just be cautious if you live with them. You don't want to end up hurting your relationship with them and dealing with it every day until you can move out. Above all, do whatever you judge to be the right action. Ask the advice of people you trust. And be safe!
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