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

Try to stay away from conversations involving religion, have a safety word if the conversation makes you uncomfortable. Include places that are okay and not okay to talk about religion. I.e.: no religion at the dinner table/on vacation

Dealing with a religious family as an atheist is difficult. From early on, make it clear to your parents that you respect their beliefs however explain how yours are different and make them aware that they should also respect your beliefs. Most importantly, don't let the difference of opinions cause any conflict between you and your family.

Well, to be honest I'm in the same situation as you. I can't tell you how you should deal with them but I can share what I do. I try my best not to express many of my contradictory thoughts whenever there's a situation where I want to object. It avoids a lot of conflicts if I let them be and keep my opinion to myself. This doesn't mean I'm restricting myself, I'm just trying to maintain peace. Secondly, when they want me to participate in anything religious, I do it for them thinking that I'm doing this for my family because they feel it'll be good for me. Even though I don't believe in it but I program my brain into thinking that it's to reassure them and an added security for my life endeavours even though I don't think god exists. I understand it can be hard to bring about so many changes to yourself. You feel like you shouldn't be the only party compromising but it's the best way to avoid your family becoming distant only because of faith. I hope you introspect on this. Good luck!

I, myself, am an Atheist but my parents and family are too. I think the right way as an atheist to deal with a religious family is, to let everyone their own beliefs. If their religion gives them comfort and motivation and makes them feel better, you should just accept it. Let everyone believe in what they want, if it isn’t hurting anyone.

I would try at all times to be as respectful to them as I possibly can. Of course, dealing with people with completely different opinions can be really challenging, especially when it's your own family. But keep in mind that you can only controle your own behaviour and thoughts, s keep them as honest and pure as possible.

As respectfully as possible. Regardless what beliefs people hold, from philosophical views to cultural and religious views. Most people will have different opinions from yours. You need to learn how to hear someone out and respectfully disagree without arguing. Respect goes both ways

Love each other as you are. Do not push your beliefs on them, even if they try to do it to you. Show them that no matter the religion, you can love each other and get along no matter your views.

Well, although experiences are highly different between individuals, I will say that I struggled with this for a while. I am agnostic living in a Catholic family. I found that even though we got off to a rocky start, compromise was a big part in avoiding things escalating into conflict. My parents acknowledged where I stood and accepted it so long as I'd attend church until I was out of the house.

I think in both positions, whether as the family dealing with the atheist and vice versa, dare I say, there simply needs to be a certain respect of personal sovereignty. We all have the absolute right to follow what we deem is necessary to follow, in our hearts. Guilt, shame, worry, fear, these things are not, in my humble opinion, excuses or valid reasons to mangle someone else's mind with one's own belief of what they ought to be doing or believing. And I say "mangle" because most of the time, anyone who puts such qualifications over someone else is really only serving to confuse someone who is in the process of finding themselves, which I think is a very important milestone in someone'slife than not many complete or even begin... and, ultimately, we should ask ourselves what is it that anyone really needs or even wants? Love. Acceptance. That said, there's this great story, that although is, as you will see, specific to one side or another as far as point of view, it really goes for anyone who is thinking of trying to impose themselves onto someone else's life experience. It goes something like this: once there was a native on his land and a missionary visits him to spread his beliefs to the people. He is obviously doing so because he believes he must and finds that it is his duty. The missionary tells the native that what he and his people are up to is Satan work and that they'll all go to hell if they continue. The native, after a short ponder, asks... if you didn't tell us this word you speak of, would we still have gone to hell? The missionary replied that he supposes not, for they wouldn't have known any better. And the native tells the missionary "So, why did you come to tell us?" For me there is a lot that can be gleaned from this story. I will say that, personally, I believe there is a lot of value in self discovery and doing what you feel you should do as an autonamous Human being, an equal to all others. As an equal and as an individual, there is no real need to be the preacher or the preached to. All teaching one receives should be by choice and seeking and thus having a respect for those different than you and mind or any other way, should be looked upon with love. Feel no resentment towards them even if they have a resentment towards you. Their feelings ultimately should not change your own. You are autonomous. You are an individual. You are your own. In fact, to have broken away from any thought pattern is proof enough... now continue and continue with love. Smile when others cannot fathom your direction. Humor others only if you can or desire to. Hold your place lightly, see others lightly. Even if, while one is young, especially, and family requires that you be a part of something you wholly disagree with... you have many options to explore in that situation but if all you can see to do is participate, then go ahead. It cannot change you. No one can control your mind and nor can they truly control your action. Follow yourself happily into freedom, for only that, I think, can really take you to it. Happiness and acceptance will provide clarity. Be sure of yourself.

It has been my experience that religion is a topic that most people prefer not to be pushed on. For some, we can take that a step further and say that they may become annoyed or even hostile when dealing with a differing opinion. I feel that when faced with these situations, it's best to remain calm and keep an open mind. It is important to remember that our families care for us. It may be that they try to push us toward their religion because they think it's what is best for us. Whenever we encounter someone who pushes extra hard, we have two choices. We can push back and meet force with force. This causes stress and strife for both sides. The other option is to keep our cool and show them with our actions and manners the type of people we want to be. Maybe, just maybe, they will see that we recognize their care and can respect their faith even though we don't share it. In this way we can begin to work toward a better relationship with our families as well as a better understanding of ourselves.