Its their problem! Make sure you put a stop to the preaching and if they can't accept you, their loss!!!!

I just keep telling them I don't need a bed time story to scare me into being a good person.

I respect their beliefs and all I ask of them is to respect mine as well. If they don't I just ignore them. Take the high road. Life is to short to get mad and frustrated over small things.

I don't really handle them as much as they handle me...if that makes sense. My dad and stepmom disowned me because of their religious bullshit, but it's their loss, so I don't let it bother me. Most of my family are believers, but we all get along for the most part. It's just that my dad is a fundamentalist evangelical lunatic, so as far as I'm concerned, fuck em.

Familly its very important

I used to be much more tolerant and deferential to religion. It started wearing thin when people would say that they would pray for me. At that point I decided that if they aren't tolerant and deferential to my beliefs I don't have to reciprocate. Now I secretly believe that they know it's all nonsense and let it go at that.

Well my family has not only ignored me but has been doing this whole I know you are but what am I thing just copying everything I say and telling people they came up with it. I am the only atheist so majority rule over no respect and less compassion.

The best rule of thumb is not to talk about sex, religion, or politics with dumb dumbs

I cut them off. When people are only around to change you, you have to look at what they're trying to change. Some people are there to help you better yourself, keep those people around. Anyone who wants to change how you think is not worth keeping around no matter who they are to you.

My parent still tell me they're praying for me about this and that. And invite me to church. I've told them my doubts already, but I really don't think some of them have accepted it yet. I'm mostly going to not talk about it much with them, unless I really feel that it's unavoidable.

Keep them on a distance until they grow up. Be the Grown Up.

Strive for a détente.

In my opinion, neither party should be trying to convert the other. Any attempt to do so will only reinforce the other's views and stereotypes.

I've been belittle for decades now and "discarded" by extended family for my beliefs and as an excuse for them (since they have rejected my beliefs), I must be right.

That is so difficult because they believe they are absolutely correct and we are the confused ones
I have had many the debates but now realize I am the result of what I believe and I love this guy

I have 2 sisters both older than me who live in Wis & Minn. I live in Az. They are both extremely religious (Christians) as was I as a kid. i now consider myself an atheist but I have avoided telling them because one would probably never speak to me again and the other would pummel me with conversion efforts. Our political philosophies also diverge -- the Minn sister is on the far left, the other is more middle of the road conservative. I am an Independent who tends toward the conservative side. I usually try to avoid talking about politics & religion with them but recently the Minn sister started blithering about how bad Trump is on a recent call. She was dumb-struck when I told her "I support the President". In her most recent call, she avoided the subject.

When trying to be friendly, we look for common ground, and we try to stay open to things that are different. If biting your tongue and going along doesn't suffice, education about their beliefs will. While I was an atheist, I became skilled at challenging Christians with the words and actions of their savior. If you don't want to invest your time and effort to understanding, then it is best to be quiet.

Don't discuss the subject with them...