Help! I'm a Closet Atheist - The Thinking Atheist Radio Podcast #39

Available on iTunes (search for The Thinking Atheist under "podcasts")
And at BlogTalkRadio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2012/01/05/help-im-a-closet-a...

You don't dare tell anyone, but you're a non-believer. Family, friends, co-workers and associates are oblivious, yet you ache to break the silence.

Your stories about how and why you've remained in the shadows. Your calls. Your emails.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• the thinking atheist
• Atheist
• Atheism
• Agnostic
• Agnosticism Podcast

[thegriffin88]

I had a religious friend (on oif those 'jesus is your friend' types. not too oppressive and liked dinosaurs as much as going to church) who asked me once what it was like to be Atheist. I replied: Free.

[DawsonsCrack]

Gosh and I thought coming out as a Gay was difficult :) I think you American Atheists need an Annual Atheist Pride Parade :)

[TheSolitaryTraveller]

listen guys, if your a closet atheist, just let it go don't let people hold you down and not let you be .. you.

it will always be hard at first but time heals all wounds. With family slowly bring it up to them and allow them to still see you as there son or daughter which they care and love for.

Don't bring up religion and thus cause them to see you as just an atheist, and cause them to loss sight of who you are to them.

[Kd4Master]

@Kd4Master cant wait for becoming major...

[Kd4Master]

well, as i read in the comments down there it seems im not the only closet-atheist! my situation is kind of HARD... i live with my mom a very closed-minded/Adventist person and FORCE me to go to church every time she goes... i have no choice... once i was talking about evolution, and she started to cry and said she was very disappointed about me. i felt like... Damn i did not even tell her i was an atheist and she was like that?? what would be like when i tell her what i think about christianity

[bucketfullotone]

Wait, why the fuck, am I watching this?

[zeldaofarel]

In Hungary most people are atheists. Even those who are religious are usually very mild about it. In politics it's getting a bit different. There are a few politicians who are expressing religious views and especially talk about restricting abortion and things like that. However, that isn't only religious either, because we have a decreasing population and we're a small nation state, so maintaining a certain number of population is needed.

[GouledXD]

I just put a well written respectful note on my room's door that's titled in a very un-assuming manner, and it's mid-night. Once I wake up first thing in the morning my family will get the message that I'm done with Islam (I live in Canada). This is probably the most courageous thing I've done in my life, I can already feel the dis-ownment of my family but I am not taking down that note. Oh my god my brain hurts. My family's gonna hate me, and my life will be hell, but I've gotta be honest.

[largecouchpotato]

@DawsonsCrack

That's a good idea.