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Advice for Atheists & Agnostics
Family, Work, Marriage, Weddings, Etc.
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• Discussion Forum |
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Discussion Forum!
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People have a lot of questions about atheism and atheists - but such questions don't
just come from theists. Atheists themselves have a lot of questions - not only
about the nature of atheism and what other atheists think, but about how they should
deal with theists, how to deal with telling others about their atheism, etc.
Here you will find an index of questions dealing principally with family issues: how
atheists can cope with conflicts, disagreements, and problems that occur within either
their own families or the families of their spouses. Because of the misunderstandings
about atheism and the prejudice directed at atheists, it can be very difficult for atheists
to handle devoutly religious families who seriously disapprove of atheism. It may be
difficult or even impossible to maintain good relationships with such familly members,
but the advice here is designed to help you try.
Atheists & Families
Most people and most families are religious to one degree or another. As a result, most
atheists will at some point have to content with close family members who are religious and
don't share that atheism. Sometimes, family members can be very devoutly religious and
object to atheism and atheists, especially within the family. How should atheists deal with
these difficulties?
Highlights:
• How do I reveal I am an atheist?
• My family says atheism is just a "phase"
• My family wants to reconvert me.
Atheists & Weddings
Atheists are human too, and so of course atheists are just as likely as anyone else to
participate in many of the common social experiences which mark a society. One of them is,
of course, weddings - both their own and the weddings of friends and relatives.
Unfortunately, wedding ceremonies are commonly religious in nature - what is an irreligious
atheist to do?
Highlights:
• Why would atheists even get married?
• My spouse-to-be wants a religious wedding, but I don't.
• Are there non-religious wedding options for atheists?
Atheists & Marriage
Marriage is one of the most intimate and serious relationships a person can have in their
lives; consequently, it is understandable that atheists wonder to what degree the differences
between atheism and theism affect that relationship. Can atheists and theists make a
marriage work? Would two atheists or two theists be more compatible than an atheist and a
theist?
Highlights:
• Can mixed marriages between theists and atheists work?
• I was a believer when I got married, but now I'm not so sure.
• My in-laws don't know that I am an atheist
Atheists & Children
Of all of the problems that atheists might experience with their families, those involving
their own children are perhaps among the most emotional and difficult to resolve. Many
people honestly believe that children require religion and God in order to be raised
morally and properly - so if atheist parents don't offer that, they will feel compelled to
intervene and replace what they believe the parents are failing provide.
Highlights:
• What should I tell my kids about religion or atheism?
• Should I raise my kids as atheists?
• Invitations to Religious Services
Atheists at Work
People spend more time at their jobs than they spend in many other social situations -
as a result, they also tend up spending more time with their coworkers than they might
with friends and family. This means avoiding topics like belief in god and religion
may be very difficult; if you are or seem to be the only atheist around, problems can result.
Highlights:
• Should I reveal my atheism to my coworkers?
• My coworkers talk about religion constantly...
• My coworker tries to convert me...
Atheists and Religious Ceremonies
There are a lot of questions people have regarding the relationship between atheism and
ceremonies. They are often difficult questions to answer because of the various functions which
ceremonies have. Some ceremonies are important rituals, integral to religious tradition and
doctrine. Others, however, are mere social customs which people observe out of courtesy and
without any intention or purpose beyond that.
Highlights:
• Our families want our child to be baptized
• My spouse wants to baptize our new child
• I've been invited to a religious funeral
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