Within the last couple months I’ve had a 180 in my religious beliefs.
Weird question because usually it’s the other way around. I don’t know what to do because I feel like they wouldn’t judge, but I keep getting this gut feeling that I should hide it from them or just not bring it up.
What should I do or say if I do tell them?
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As a Christian myself I feel like the biggest negative of telling overs is if it’s coming off like you’re better or trying to preach to them if that makes sense? Like shoving it down their throats type energy.
I think it’s fine to tell them, but show them what it’s about through actions vs words has worked best for me in my experience
Why bother telling them at all? Your religious convictions are none of their business.
I’d just casually mention it. “Hey, just wanted you to know that I’ve converted to Christianity and I didn’t want that to catch you off guard in the future. I probably won’t be mentioning this to you again, but would hate for you to find out some other way and think that I didn’t feel comfortable sharing these things with you.”
– source: me, an atheist
I don’t think you really need to come out about it. A lot of people are private about religion.
have you been to church?
I don’t have any advice for this, but I’m really curious what prompted this change in you. Would you mind sharing that? I was raised in an evangelical Christian family, so I was a staunch atheist for years after I managed to reprogram myself. I find myself softening a little as time goes on, especially after finally meeting some actual Christian’s and realizing what I was raised it was more like a cult than a religion.
I’d say I’m agnostic, as I’ve gotten enough emotional distance from the trauma I experienced in the name of religion to feel comfortable acknowledging the possibility of a higher power. I don’t think I’ll ever go further than that, but it just makes me so curious to hear what brought about such a drastic change for you.
The truth.
I know that’s like a cop out answer but if you feel obligated to tell them, just explain to them what led you to that decision, and hope they are understanding, even though they obviously disagree with you. That’s all you really can do and if they’re good peeps, they’ll respect the decision.
No one’s business but your own. Why is this a thing? People should mind their own business.
Jesus… what world are we in… no offense man, why do you give any fks what anyone cares about your beliefs? Tell them if its brought up if needed and stand firm. “Ive actually converted to christianity and I’ve found myself happier”
“I’m not interested in debating what you believe or care.”
Why is everyone scared to have their own free thoughts and beliefs?
Why do you feel the need to tell them? Are they asking?
As an atheist, if my son came to me saying he converted to Christianity, I’d probably have a few questions, mostly boiling down to “why?” but ultimately, as long as I didn’t think someone was fear-mongering or otherwise pressuring him into it, I’d be like “whatever floats your boat”
I would say, unless they ask, keep it to yourself. Unless you feel a need to tell them but at the end of the day, everyone’s guna believe in what they want to believe
Why do you need to tell them? If it comes naturally, no need to hide it, but I don’t usually tell people my religion or lack of it …
Nobody is going to care as long as you dont try to convince other people. I’m also not sure it’s really converting-you’ve just decided to believe in something you didn’t believe in before.
Why would you tell them? I mean sure if it comes up, you can share it, but there’s no reason to tell them randomly. I didn’t tell people I became an athiest.
Good people will ultimately come around, My bro and I agreed on nothing, but we only argue till we were done with it, because real adulthood is recognizing that you barely have any answers.
And you just want someone, that’s at least going to be irritated with you, when you’re trying to solve the world.
Mom, Dad I’ve decided to go against empirical knowledge and common sense and throw my hat in with a group of bigots because I’m uncomfortable with the notion that we don’t actually know what happens when we die. Rather than reconcile with that thought and try to enjoy life, love all people, I’m going to story time each Sunday.
Huh dont usually see this side of the coin here lol
I don’t think there is anything you can say that would make them respect that decision or think it’s a good or smart decision. It honestly is a pretty baffling choice NGL.
I’ve never met an atheist that cared that I was a Christian.
The same way Christians have for thousands of years… Aggressively prosthelatize to them and insist they will burn in hell forever if they don’t join you!
Why bother? Unless you’re trying to convert them? THAT would be evil.
Let them ask you if they notice anything different
Matthew 6:3-4 is all you need to know.
Honestly, you don’t need to tell them if you don’t want to. Your religion is personal, that’s between you and whoever you pray to. As long as you’re also respectful, maybe just mention it as “hey, so I’ve started believing in this. Nothing has to change, I just wanted to share.”. Myself and most atheists are not against religion, we just have a different understanding/belief about the world. There’s a slight chance that if you accidentally get a little preachy (it can happen when people are passionate), they might not appreciate it, but just be chill, and they should be too.
Welcome to the family! Just tell them you’ve found grace. You really don’t owe anyone an explanation. It’s a personal walk. Pray for discernment. You’ll need it to tell the difference between people who are interested in your conversion and people who just want to pick a fight.
I wouldnt say anything unless asked about it tbh.
I don’t know if I would even mention it. Atheists are usually assholes and fiercely impose their non beliefs on others. Huh. I guess they’re not so different from the super religious Christians!
Would they actually care? Mention it them if they are people you would normally talk with about significant things in your life. But remember that while it’s a huge deal for you it’s probably not particularly significant to them.
You don’t convert to Christianity from atheism. Atheism isn’t a religion. You didn’t have faith and then decided that you did.
I don’t see this effecting them in any way. Atheism isn’t really the crux of a family unit the same way certain religions are. If it comes up naturally, say something. It’s not too big of a deal.
Are you dependent on them and are they the type to get upset?
If so don’t
If you aren’t dependent on them and want to tell them just do it
Just tell them you believe that Noah lived to be 900 and his 3 sons lived well past 500 years old and created the Asian African and European skin colors in a single generation. If they don’t accept that who needs them?
As an atheist (and a one-time Catholic), if an atheist friend or relative converted to Christianity I admit I would be disappointed but it wouldn’t REALLY impact our relationship.
If they wanted to talk about it, I WOULD be interested in the thought process and/or emotions behind ttheir decision. But I think after that I’d rather let the whole me-atheist/you-Christian go and just be ‘us’ again.
I would appreciate their telling me though, in a ‘no-big-fuss’, ‘this is about my relationship with god and not with you’, ‘I’m Christian but I’m not going too try to convert you and you will not try to convert me back to atheism’ kind of way.
Not sure if this makes any sense to you?
I don’t speak for everyone but i’ll love my family regardless of their religious beliefs. I have mine, they have theirs, we do happen to agree but should that change, they are still my family. I’d imagine a lot of people would think like this, maybe you’re overthinking, and if not the, truth is how much do you need the respect of others who don’t respect your own autonomy?
I mean do you need to tell them? I mean, there’s a difference between hiding it and just… not telling them
You could just mention you’ve been going to Church or something, and say you like the community.
I am very glad to hear you’ve come to Christ. I pray you continue to grow in your journey with Him and would encourage you to tell them as you are Led.
But no need to fear. Matthew 28:19-20
God bless you
Why do they need to know? For me, my religious believes are private to me.
Just tell them.
When they ask why, say “It makes me feel better about myself and my place in the world. This is something that I need.”
Just remember that the whole God thing is unsolvable by humanity right now. Anyone who believes anything be they Atheist or devout — it is all based on belief. The only sensible choice is agnostic — which recognizes that we just don’t know so why make a decision on it.
I mean, they’re supposed to notice a difference in you and your behavior as a Christian. That’s it. That’s your testimony.
Be proud of who Jesus is – the way, the truth, the life. Jesus has changed my life. No one loves me like him. He has made me a better husband, father, and person. He saved me from wasting my life on greed, saved my marriage and soul by showing me porn sucks, and gave me a purpose to serve others. Be bold but gracious. Be excited as you would tell them about getting engaged. Care what your Heavenly Father thinks more than them or people on Reddit. People on Reddit who say not to say anything all presume God and religion are worthless so it’s not good advice for a Christian.
I’d assure them that this is your journey. That you don’t judge them, nor want to change them, nor see them as the enemy.
It really depends on your relationship. My family is very Catholic and I am now a practicing polytheistic witch. I told them immediately because I knew even if they didn’t like it, they wouldn’t do anything about it. And that’s what happened. It’s been 7 years. They still don’t like it but we’re still okay.
Tell them that you know the truth
Your relationship with any god etc is entirely personal. It must fundamentally be intimate and personal if you believe that god is all knowing. No need to utter a word.
By the way, on an app I met God🤣