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Family members often have different beliefs about God and religion. Some people may believe in one denomination, some people may not believe in God, etc.
How Can I Tell My Parents I Don’t Believe in God? I am Atheist
I recently read a question where a person said that they just felt like God didn’t exist. They were very young (still only 16), and said they had “converted” some of their friends to atheism as well. They asked if they should tell their parents (and how), or if they should wait until they were 18 and moved out. Here is my reply:
That is a great question you asked! I completely understand your situation. I am not an atheist myself (I strongly believe in God with all of my heart), but I have often had serious doubts and questions about God. I went through a period of atheism and agnosticism. I would like to point out that your spiritual beliefs may also change as you mature and learn more about the world.
You ask if you should tell them or not. Personally, I think that depends on your relationship with your parents. Do you love them? Do you trust them? Can you sit down and talk with them without them being mean or rude or unloving? Can they sit and listen to your questions and arguments for why you don’t believe and be calm and listen to you?
The reason I say that is because if you love your parents, and they treat you also with love and respect, perhaps you should talk to them. Maybe at some point your parents also felt the same way you did, but something made them choose the “christian” life. Maybe they can relate that to you and talk about it with you. Maybe they even have doubts or questions. I know I have had doubts and questions too. Sometimes finding questions to those answers, or finding faith in that doubt can light your soul on fire, and send you in a new direction in life.
Keeping feelings hidden can sometimes really harm people, and you will never find the answer to anything in life you don’t first seek it. If your parents are nice and would listen to you, maybe you should sit down and be like this:
“Look mom and dad, I want to talk to you about religion. I have some questions, and lately really just don’t believe in God anymore. My reasons are because… (your reasoning).”
Then see what they have to say about it. Maybe they can say, “I completely understand.” Maybe they can even help you to understand something about God you question. If not, maybe they can at least come to terms, and understand why you feel the way you do. They can love you and pray for you, and perhaps one day your feelings may change. Just please make sure to always keep an open mind. I do not like to force my beliefs on anyone. But everyone should keep their options open and always keep an open mind.
But if your parents are mean, unloving, or rude, perhaps you should wait to tell them until after you have moved out. Then you could explain why you feel the way you do, and your reasons why you feel that way.
I hope you will examine those questions and doubts you may have. Don’t get confused by people’s own ideology, theology, or ideas about God or what the bible says. Instead, seek this out yourself. Ask hard questions. Read the bible. Read other religious views. But don’t give up to easily on God. God is always there. In my opinion God does exist, and created this incredible universe and everything in it.
Anyways, best of luck, and I hope all goes well!
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This post was written by Revelation on October 12, 2008
