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How does one cope with being the only non religious person in their entire extended family and friend circle.
I felt like i'd committed social suicide from the moment I let my family and friends know that I wasn't gonna be religious anymore.

It feels so lonely.

#religious #friends #suicide #lonely
Emman1185 3 June 3
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0

Level 2

Hi Emmanuel, do you mind sharing your 'coming out' story? Also can you give a bit more context, like your background? I'd send a private message but I just joined (still at Level 1)

Hey Calgorithm. My parents are Nigerian and they are super religious. I was raised in thesame vein, church every sunday and at least 2 other days in the week, never allowed to question anything from the word of God, was taught never to associate with people who don't share my faith and so on.

Deep down, none of it ever made any real sense to me and then one day, i stumbled on a youtube video of Christopher Hitchens in which he absolutely tore into religion.

This got me started on my journey to skepticism and after a while, i stopped going to church, stopped joining in family prayers. As you can imagine, this caused quite a bit of stir in my family who all taught i was under some kind of evil spell.

Eventually, i had to sit down with my dad and rest of the family and came out to them. Its been 3years but they are all still in denial.
1

Level 7

Religion has never been a big part of my family life. Plus, I've always been the odd one out because I don't care one way or another about fitting in. I'm accepted or not either way doesn't mean anything to me.

2

Level 9

I know the feeling, because I'm in the same boat. I hope to come out one day about my beliefs,etc.

1

Level 7

I hope you have the possibilities of making friends outside your family circle. Surround yourself with like-minded people and I don't think it will matter so much what your family things.

0

Level 9

exactly did you let them know?

2

Level 7

It was such a non-issue for me that I never felt the need to bring it up. I'm sure some people know but it's not something we discuss. I have never understood others felt the need to "come out" - for me transitioning to a non-theist wasn't any more significant to me than deciding what I'm going to eat for dinner.

1

Level 7

Its a tough position, but know that you make it easier for the ones after you. I have friends and family who are atheists but refuse to go public with it. I’m also told it’s reassuring for them to know they’re not alone.

Marz Level 7 June 3, 2018
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2

Level 8

It is your choice what you are willing to accept and tolerate in order to live your life as you see fit and to be happy. I often say, "you can live your life one of two ways. The way YOU want to live it or the way someone else wants you to live it". That is the choice you must make.

1

Level 6

Yeah as a non-religious person and a vegetarian it seems to strain my social outlets. Can be lonely being true to yourself.

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