I have been considering for a while now how to work in the fact that I no longer subscribe to the beliefs of my family. They are devout, and I can't keep pretending that I still go to church. I know most people say not to make it a big deal, but this is going to be a big deal. Even a fraction of a detail that doesn't coincide with my dad's worldview is going rock the boat and maybe lead to a full interrogation. So how did you folks do it? Do they know the extent of what you believe? Sexuality coming out stories apply here, too!
I need to say it, because my father wants me to say verses from the Quran at his funeral, one day. I asked him what has more meaning for him, verses everyone would speak in a language that it isn‘t mine or my own words that comes deep from my heart.
I told him what meaning religion has for me, or what we called religion. If religion is something that is good for us, combine yourself the ingredients of your religion.
My religion consists of family, friends, music, sport, laughing, nature. Everything I like and is good for me. My life.
I avoid anything and everyone who disturbs my peace and freedom.
I was never in.
Right from the start of discussions I asked too many questions and said I didn't believe their answers. They weren't too bothered and I soon realised I was an atheist.
You don't need to "come out". To me, religion, or lack thereof, is deeply personal. If they ask just say it's personal. The problem i see a lot is that once you come out as atheist, especially if your family is religious, they try to push it on you and pretty soon theyre condtamtly sending religuois stuff to you and then getting upset when you don't respond the way they want and it creates unnecessary tension. So you don't need to say anything. Just stop going to church and if asked just say it's something you want to keep to yourself.
I can relate to what you are saying as I am going through the same process. I don't want to hurt anyone but it's impossible to avoid that when you are from a religious family. I did it in stages . They have still not accepted the fact that I m not religious and still try to get me to go to church . In my community , it's difficult for a person without faith to have friendships and relationships . It's difficult to have to constantly explain to people why you don't want to go to church or why you are not religious. Even if you explain it to them they don't understand most of the time. I am not the kind of person who will constantly engage with religious people to stand up for my convictions. I am just tired of having to explain over and over again why I don't have any faith . So when my family insists I just go to the mass / religious service to oblige them . It's difficult to be completely liberated from religion without damaging your relationship with your family .
I put it on my Facebook. I may or may not submit to their questioning. It's my truth to give or keep.
Concerning sexuality... even more important that you pick and choose who deserves to have their curiosity answered.