Bigthink - Idea Comments Feed

Comment on: How does someone tell their Christian parents that they are an atheist?

Bigthink — Mon, 05 May 2008 07:07:43 +0100

it can't be easy if the folks are devout.. but if you tell them this is something you feel strongly about then being honest is the best way.
Atheists can still be in touch with the sublime and the poetic.. they just don't have the supernatural prism thorugh which to explain all the great human stuff like music and art and love.
Show them you love them are still the same person and they should be fine eventually.
Good luck.

Comment on: How does someone tell their Christian parents that they are an atheist?

Bigthink — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:10:38 +0100

I know you're in a difficult situation but try to look on the bright side. It's not really so bad. What if you were an atheist Pagan witch dirt worshipper? And this is not a joke. This happens a lot.

Comment on: How does someone tell their Christian parents that they are an atheist?

Bigthink — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:25:34 +0100

I throw like a girl but you best duck anyway.

Christ most definitely said you had to be a Christian though he didn't use that word. John 14:6 (...no man can come unto the Father except through Me) is only one example of many.

There is no pat answer as to how one should reveal their beliefs (whatever they may be) to others, be they parents, children, friends, or co-workers. You must ask yourself what you hope to achieve by explaining your position. Do you wish to change their beliefs? If that is the case then by all means spill the beans. If not then perhaps you should leave it alone. Unless their beliefs begin to infringe on your rights or those of others there really isn't much point other than a love of circular argument.

Comment on: How does someone tell their Christian parents that they are an atheist?

Bigthink — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 05:47:55 +0100

If your parents are Christian by definition they should believe the words of Christ. Christ never said you had to be a Christian.
Here among us, who can cast the first stone?

Comment on: How does someone tell their Christian parents that they are an atheist?

Bigthink — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:51:09 +0100

I cant even imagine such a dilema. Most of my familly members were not religious, and the few who were are moderate at best, no one doubted evolution and other sciences. Religion was always more a cultural tradition then anything.

But if i was in the position you described. I would probably just come out and say it. I the parents reject their child for not sharing their beliefs, well they are not very compationate people. After all religion is a personal choice , not something that should be forced upon people.

Comment on: How does someone tell their Christian parents that they are an atheist?

Bigthink — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 23:44:56 +0100

I dont think its something that you need to come out and tell them, unless it comes up. I came from a christian household and it eventually came up in a conversation concerning evolution. I didn't come out and tell them, but when it came up I didn't lie, I just stated what I believed. (though i was reading God is not Great by Hitchens and Why I am not a Christian by Bertrand Russell, GREAT book).