Revealing Atheism: Should You Come Out of the Closet as an Atheist?
Many atheists hide their atheism from friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family because they are afraid of the reactions of others if they find out. So many religious theists, especially Christians, are intolerant of atheism and atheists that atheists are forced to hide their true feelings. It would be better if more atheists could and did come out of the closet, but they need to be prepared.
Why Do Atheists Hide Atheism from Families? Are Atheists Ashamed?
Not all atheists hide their atheism from friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family, but it's true that many do. This doesn't mean that they are necessarily ashamed of their atheism; instead, it often means that they are afraid of the reactions of others if they find out and this is because so many religious theists — especially Christians — are intolerant of atheism and atheists. Thus atheists hiding their atheism isn't an indictment of atheism, it's an indictment of religious theism.
Not all atheists hide their atheism from friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family, but it's true that many do. This doesn't mean that they are necessarily ashamed of their atheism; instead, it often means that they are afraid of the reactions of others if they find out and this is because so many religious theists — especially Christians — are intolerant of atheism and atheists. Thus atheists hiding their atheism isn't an indictment of atheism, it's an indictment of religious theism.
Coming Out as an Atheist: Should You Come Out as an Atheist, or Keep Your Atheism Hidden?
Atheists are the most distrusted and despised minority in America; it's no surprise, then, that so many atheists don't reveal their atheism to friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers. Atheists are afraid of how people will react and how they will be treated. Bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination are not uncommon. Despite the dangers, though, atheists should seriously consider coming out of the closet anyway - it's better for them and for atheists generally over the long term.
Atheists are the most distrusted and despised minority in America; it's no surprise, then, that so many atheists don't reveal their atheism to friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers. Atheists are afraid of how people will react and how they will be treated. Bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination are not uncommon. Despite the dangers, though, atheists should seriously consider coming out of the closet anyway - it's better for them and for atheists generally over the long term.
Coming Out to Your Family: Should You Reveal Your Atheism to Family, Parents?
Many atheists struggle with deciding whether they should reveal their atheism to their family or not. Especially if a family is very religious or devout, telling parents and other family members that one not only doesn't accept the family's religion anymore, but in fact rejects even belief in a god, can strain familial ties to the breaking point. In some cases, the consequences can include physical or emotional abuse and even having all family ties cut off.
Many atheists struggle with deciding whether they should reveal their atheism to their family or not. Especially if a family is very religious or devout, telling parents and other family members that one not only doesn't accept the family's religion anymore, but in fact rejects even belief in a god, can strain familial ties to the breaking point. In some cases, the consequences can include physical or emotional abuse and even having all family ties cut off.
Coming Out to Friends & Neighbors: Should You Reveal Your Atheism to Friends?
Not all atheists have revealed their atheism to their friends and neighbors. Religious theism is so widespread, and distrust of atheists so prevalent, that many people can't tell the full truth even to those closest to them out of fear of ostracism and discrimination. This is a serious indictment against the alleged morality of religion in America today, but it also points to an opportunity: if more atheists did come out of the closet, it might lead to a change in attitudes.
Not all atheists have revealed their atheism to their friends and neighbors. Religious theism is so widespread, and distrust of atheists so prevalent, that many people can't tell the full truth even to those closest to them out of fear of ostracism and discrimination. This is a serious indictment against the alleged morality of religion in America today, but it also points to an opportunity: if more atheists did come out of the closet, it might lead to a change in attitudes.
Coming Out to Coworkers & Employers: Should You Reveal Your Atheism at Work?
Revealing atheism to anyone can lead to problems, but revealing atheism to employers or coworkers comes with unique problems not associated with revealing atheism to family or friends. People at work can undermine your efforts and even your professional reputation. Your superiors, managers, and bosses can deny you promotions, raises, and prevent you from getting ahead. In effect, being known as an atheist at work can negatively affect your ability to earn a living and provide for your family.
Revealing atheism to anyone can lead to problems, but revealing atheism to employers or coworkers comes with unique problems not associated with revealing atheism to family or friends. People at work can undermine your efforts and even your professional reputation. Your superiors, managers, and bosses can deny you promotions, raises, and prevent you from getting ahead. In effect, being known as an atheist at work can negatively affect your ability to earn a living and provide for your family.