How do I deal with a religious family as an atheist?
RedCedars
on
Sep 1, 2016
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I think everybody needs something to believe in (or not believe in), and we all try to make due with what we have. So it's okay, your family probably did not have the same exposure you did, so if you feel enlightened by your own path and yet suffocated by your parents different choices, contain them. Religion (or non-religion) is an intimate system anyways. It's yours to keep, or not keep.
Anonymous
on
Sep 4, 2016
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You can try behaving as if you were their Listener whenever they get onto religious topics. You know... don't judge or argue, validate their feelings, reflect content, maintain healthy boundaries.... you might want to skip asking questions to further the conversation though! And then for your self-care afterwards, you can come back to 7 Cups on your member/guest account and talk to a Listener about how hard and annoying that was! You can then bask in the comforting thought that you haven't lost your temper with them even though you felt tempted.
Anonymous
on
Sep 8, 2016
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Just respect that they have different beliefs as you do. If they try to force any belief on you ignore it, what you believe is your choice and your choice only
powerfulmindofawoman
on
Sep 17, 2016
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Respectfully let them know your religion and tell them about it. That way you make them understand your frustration.
TheTripleS719
on
Sep 17, 2016
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You deal with them with respect. Ask them to have the same respect for you, and not push their religion on you, just like you won't push being an Atheist on them.
Anonymous
on
Sep 25, 2016
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Tell them religion is not everything. And tell them if youve been created like this, this is not your fault you can think however you want
Anonymous
on
Sep 28, 2016
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Don't diss their views unless they disrespect a person's being. Because you're most likely a child, don't argue with your parents because they'll just get more angry at you for being an athiest. I know you think your views are right, but you have to respect other people's views.
Anonymous
on
Oct 12, 2016
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You don't have to deal with someone or their beliefs just because they are different from you. You have to know that you have the right to follow your beliefs whatever they may be and your family similarly has their own right.
Believing in a certain ideal or belief doesn't mean you should force others to follow it or that you be forced to follow someone's beliefs. That is an unhealthy mindset.
smoltimes
on
Oct 16, 2016
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Try and get along with them, just try not to start any conflict. Do not disrespect their beliefs or offend them. Try to be as neutral as possible when it comes to the subject.
funnyHeart83
on
Oct 22, 2016
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Hopefully you can put your beliefs across and be respected for being an atheist. If perhaps you are faced with intolerance, then you can suggest not wanting to discuss religious matters.
PeacefulLover
on
Oct 26, 2016
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You get a job and move out. And once you are stable on your own. Assert ur opinion like they assert.
Anonymous
on
Nov 5, 2016
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Based from my experience in my family, I strongly avoided any arguments with them, because they are known to be quite highly opinionated and hard to see what we're trying to say. I told them that I have my own ideas and lifestyle that I have the right to choose. Now, being an atheist for me doesn't mean that I will reject anything religious. Although I personally don't believe in them, I do have respect for them and the people that do believe in them. If a family member asked if I wanted to accompany them to church, if I ended up going, it is not because they forced me too. You need to let them know that although you don't follow their religion, you respect them and that you don't mind them, then ask them to understand and do the same for you.
helpfulSalamander78
on
Nov 11, 2016
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Think about thier religion as a belief system or faith that that person needs and uses in thier lives. Thats what they live by, try to relate and if you can't it's ok to kindly refer them to a more appropriate listener.
Anonymous
on
Nov 17, 2016
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As a christian, when speaking with an atheist, I found it helpful when they were open minded and shared their thoughts with me. My family does not share my religious beliefs, but I am understanding of what they believe and do not try to tell them they are wrong. If I feel uncomfortable about a certain topic, I let them know how I am feeling and respectfully decline the conversation.
FictionFanatic16
on
Nov 19, 2016
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As an atheist, I understand that religious individuals find their faith to be as important to them as my passions are to me. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs, and I bridge that difference with understanding and empathy.
optimisticEnergy
on
Nov 27, 2016
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It's important to understand that everyone has different views, and to ask that they accept you and your views, and to accept them and their views. Nobody will ever agree on everything, and your family is meant to be your support system, and their beliefs and your own should not stop you from having the bond of a family.
Anonymous
on
Dec 10, 2016
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With respect for the their rights as well as your own. We live in a global world and respecting differences makes us more compassionate and understanding. It is appropriate to have your boundaries and ask that they respect them. Be consistent and don't feel as though you have to justify your beliefs just as they don't have to justify theirs.
clarityofthestorm
on
Dec 10, 2016
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Personally my family does not understand what atheism is and they think that I "hate god" which is not true. The way to deal is to be respectful and attentive to them and their beliefs but never lose sight of your own because they are just important. Do not let them try to define you and if they have questions then answer them respectfully to help them better understand.
Anonymous
on
Jan 11, 2017
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Don’t bring up the subject unnecessarily. You should never feel like you have to lie or pretend about what you believe (or don’t). If you’re asked about your religious beliefs, be honest. However, you also don’t need to be a walking advertisement for atheism at all times either. Keep the focus on other topics. Instead of sitting back and hoping the conversation doesn’t turn toward religion, or waiting for it to pass on to another subject if it does, you can work to steer the conversation towards topics that may be more comfortable for everyone involved.
Angy86
on
Feb 5, 2017
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I state that i respect their beliefs, however i am open that my beliefs are not the same, everyone's beliefs should be respected, even if they arent your own.
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