How do I deal with a religious family as an atheist?
215 Answers
Last Updated: 12/22/2022 at 4:25am
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
June 9th, 2017 4:19pm
Have respect for all religions even if you cannot relate to the religion on a personal level. You do not need to (nor should you) give your opinions about the other person's faith or religion. It is best to see the religion as a possible source of strength and spiritual vitality for the other person - regardless of whether you practice the same kind of religion or faith or not.
Anonymous
June 11th, 2017 8:14am
Talk to your family about your beliefs. Try to respectfully explain your beliefs so they can understand your decision.
Anonymous
June 16th, 2017 8:02pm
When anyone has a different opinion it is important to remain calm and polite. Let them know that you respect that they have their own beliefs and that you would appreciate if they gave you the same respect.
Anonymous
June 22nd, 2017 12:27am
Well, have someone to talk to about to get out how you don't believe in religion and someplace you can be yourself. For now, I guess. Also, I would see the positive in the religion. Any holidays to look forward to? Any fun traditions? Blending in, but still knowing yourself better than anyone else and not letting it ruin your non-beliefs, right?
Anonymous
July 6th, 2017 7:03am
Practicing ethical behavior involves being able to separate ones personal beliefs from the intended goal of helping another. Your beliefs should not determine the value or importance of those with different beliefs. No one's religious views or lack there of determines their right to be respected and/or treated equally. Everyone deserves this.
Find common ground. They may not understand your lack of belief and you may not understand their religion, but chances are you both have things in common that you can bond over. Learn more about their religion and why they believe. Always respect their beliefs even if you disagree.
The best way to deal with it is to ask them to respect your decision and to not force religion on to you. You should be able to be who you are and your family should love and support you. Live for you!
Anonymous
July 24th, 2017 1:37am
Try to respect and empathise with their beliefs the same way you want them to respect and empathise with yours. Their belief system is comforting and true to them, and it's important to bear that in mind - a lot of what seems like them pressuring you is coming from a place of concern. Respectfully let them know that you don't feel like you can completely relate to or participate in their religious activities.
Treat them with respect as long as they treat your beliefs with respect. There is no reason that as long as neither side interferes with the others beliefs that this should be a problem. If you do find that you are being discriminated against by your family for having different beliefs, then you can report this to the police if you are a minor, or if you are over 18 simply move out and cut off contact.
It is difficult if your family uses religion as a means of persecuting your personal beliefs. I find that it helps to remind everyone that we would benefit from accepting that everyone is different, and to allow others to have live their lives as they best see fit.
Anonymous
November 12th, 2017 4:29pm
You don't try to impose your beliefs or get into arguments over theirs. Respect them for who they are despite what ever beliefs they hold. Better not talk about things that could lead to religious arguments.
First you need to accept that this is a complex matter and that religion is not entierly a choice, it is about faith and practice. Then you need to respect them and avoid challenging their beliefs.
Have you come out to them as an atheist yet? If they're not supportive of you, just keep in mind that different people have different perspectives.
Depending on how severe their belief system is toward you, you may just need to keep it on the down-low. As someone who relates to this issue, most times family will act cordial if you treat them with respect and don't start arguments. If a fight ensues, try to direct attention elsewhere or even walk away if it becomes a threatening environment. If anything physical begins, contact authorities.
Just try to accept their beliefs as they are. You don't have to share their opinions, but if they are comfortable with their way of life, dont try to change them.
Anonymous
December 1st, 2017 3:59pm
Try to not be affected with whatever your family says about Atheists. They live their own life and you live yours.
Respect their belief & tradition, there's so much to a person than that. I don't think there's anything to "deal" with, just to respect it.
I think it's all a matter of respect. You need to aknowledge the environment they're living and growing in, and the common thoughts they are given from their religion. Being respectful and objective really is the key.
The most important thing is to establish mutual respect. It may help to have discussions with certain family members about what you believe and why. As much as it is important that your family respects your beliefs, it is also important that you respect your family's beliefs and try to understand why they believe what they believe.
If you believe it is a safe environment, first consider opening up to your most trusted family member. It can possibly be a safe way to gauge how your family will handle it and they might be able to help you.
Anonymous
January 11th, 2018 3:58am
Try not to be judgmental. Show them that you have respect for their ideals and beliefs. I know sometimes they don't always return the same respects or they do judge but don't use that as a reason to disrespect or judge them back. You can always try to talk to them and let them know how it feels if they do disrespect or judge you or your beliefs.
It all depends on how open-minded they are when it comes down to it. If they are intolerant and are dangerously steadfast in their beliefs then it's best to keep it hidden until you're in a position of independence. Because there's a high chance that if they're too religious, admission might make it worse.
It depends on how the family interacts with each other, I would say from personal experience to be kind to everyone and respect their religion, hoping they will do the same. That might not always be the case, but don't sink to that
Anonymous
January 27th, 2018 3:59am
You should always be respectful and tolerant of other people's religions, as you expect people to be of yours. Calmly explain your beliefs and be willing to have a discussion on them.
Be respectful of their beliefs and request the same. It is possible to be friends with others that do not share the same beliefs, however at times it can be challenging. Religious friends may have pressure from there religious center to invite non-believers for worship. If the family frequently asks that you attend, decline as respectfully as possible. Remember that the reason they are sharing their beliefs with you is that they trust you and want to share a very important aspect of their life. Their intent is to bring you the joy that they have experienced. It is out of care and love that they want to welcome you to their faith. Tread carefully.
Just try to understand that everyone has their own beliefs and as long as it makes them happy and isn't harming anyone else, they are fine! It's good to have an open dialogue about these things, though, because understanding each other helps so much more than you'd know.
Just do your best to respect your families beliefs. Just because you don't believe in the same things should not affect your love for one another. Hopefully if you show the love and respect towards your family, theyh will do the same for you.
Anonymous
February 14th, 2018 10:57pm
You don't deal with them (: As an apostate, I've been in a similar situation with my family for over 5 years now. The key is to embrace that your family is behaving as they have been taught to behave. As long as they don't impose their practices of beliefs on you, as an atheist, it shouldn't make a difference to you as to what they believe. Having a calm and open mind around this is very important. If they do try to preach you or tell you some stories, you could just listen to them as bits of humor and laugh it off. You just can't reason with someone who doesn't value reason, so it's better to save your time, energy, and excitement for better utilization. Hope this helps.
I, being a Christian, believe that you just tell them you are an atheist. They should not judge you, nor should they try to force you into their own religion. That's not what being religious is about, it's about honoring God, and doing your best to keep his word, not forcing his word down unwilling people's throats.
Anonymous
February 22nd, 2018 6:21am
talk to them and tell them that you are and spend time getting to know them, even share some things.
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