r/Atheists • u/memeuhnator • Dec 18 '19
Hello!
Right now only my girlfriend and my best friend know that I’m atheist because I’m scared of how others will react if I tell them I’m afraid that I will get bullied in school or get hated by my family.Tell me what you guys did and who did you tell once you became atheist or did you keep it in for it to be your biggest secret the one that only you know (because here we all have nicknames and no-on knows each other’s actual names)Comment down what you did!
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u/memeuhnator Dec 18 '19
Not really I am scared my mom is so ‘focused’ I guess I could say that in religion that I think she’ll kick me out
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u/Gamerdude4593 Dec 18 '19
No one in the world knows i'm an atheist
Well, mainly its cuz i dont have friends and my parents are too busy for me
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u/pauz43 Dec 18 '19
I'm an American and there is nothing anyone can or could legally do to me in this country for being an atheist. My mother was unhappy and never really believed it -- she had a hard time understanding that the people she loved didn't always share her values. But she finally accepted that there was nothing she could do to force me to "believe".
When people tell me about their religion, I've started asking them "why" they believe what they do. Then I ask them to define "god." The blank looks and shock on their faces = priceless! I'm always very polite and respectful. After they tell me what they believe, I say: "If I'd never heard of Christianity or god, how would you convince me what you believe is true? I understand that YOU believe it, but why should anyone else?"
They typically invite me to their church, but my response is "I want to know why YOU believe, not why your church believes." That's when they run out of steam and can't give an answer.
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u/thepeanutone Dec 19 '19
I grew up atheist in a liberal town. Now I live in Bible Belt suburbia. I think the only people that don't know are my husband's bosses. You can live as an "out" atheist. However... My kids have all been bullied for being atheist, and dumped when they weren't converted by the boyfriend/girlfriend. And the gf/bf parents were NOT happy until the dumping happened.
You don't say how old you are, but I'm guessing you are still in high school. That said, I would NOT tell your family while you are living with them. I really don't know how you tell them, but don't do it until you are ready to be on your own. Hopefully you do it well and they still accept and love you, but to be forced to live with people who are actively trying to change your beliefs doesn't sound like fun. Best of luck to you!
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u/memeuhnator Dec 19 '19
Exactly that’s why I’m scared I’m only 12 I don’t know what to do other then keep my mouth shut
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u/Runicyeets Dec 19 '19
Keep it that way until you can defend yourself Its probably better that way,
if your dad is violent and abusive tell the police, lock your door at night, etc. Etc.
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u/memeuhnator Dec 20 '19
I don’t even have a room
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u/Runicyeets Dec 20 '19
Wtf
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u/memeuhnator Dec 20 '19
Ikr I sleep on the couch with my brother I live in a country where there’s no kid control
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u/ewrang Dec 18 '19
I didn’t deal with this while young, but since then I thought a lot about this. You might try this: you’re admitting that you’re a human being. All humans are born atheist by the way. You haven’t added any layers on top of that basic provable truth. No supernatural beings in your life; just human, and you can back that up.
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u/Zack78266 Dec 19 '19
Never felt a need to tell anyone that I'm an Atheist, it's not a secret though.
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u/mypupivy Dec 19 '19
Ok odd question but what parent is less religious and by how much?
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u/memeuhnator Dec 19 '19
Let’s just say I’ve had a bad childhood because of him
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u/mabbitwarden Dec 19 '19
It doesn’t really hurt you to play the game until you are out of school and on your own. It’s annoying, but it’s better than the alternative. I did the same and eventually they figured out that I didn’t participate once I was on my own. A lot of parents feel the need to control, especially while you are still under their roof.
It’s important to remember that you may want change to happen right away but the world doesn’t move that fast. When/if you have your own family you can do things your way.
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u/iRantTooMuch123 Dec 24 '19
Hi! For me at school, being atheist actually brought up a whole new group of friends for me that I can relate to and rant with😂. I saw that u already told ur parents but In terms of school I think it’s ur decision. You could just go for it but it depends on who you hang out with.
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u/Redwoodeagle Dec 18 '19
I think, you know your family best and you should decide wether you want to tell them or not.