I am an atheist…..

Even though I don't believe in said religions I am always cautious not to offend anyone. Everyone is entitled to their own belief/reasoning. The best thing to do is to choose your wording carefully; sometimes its better to say that you are exploring the possibilities of faith and questioning them then saying outright that you don't believe in God. Showing that you are mature enough to consider their faith can go a long way to keeping their respect and love. I would just choose your words wisely and try to be understanding about their faith so that they can be understanding about yours.

You are who you are. Everyone has their own beliefs & opinions. I see that it could be hard to mention that being raised in a Catholic family.. Maybe try sitting down & calmly telling them. You should not be feeling guilty. Everyone is different. Good Luck!

Hey man. Personally I'm a down home Southern Baptist. Asian roots though :). Anyhow I believe that people are entirely entitled and dependent on their opinions. I don't like to shove bible verses and testimonies down people's throats, and I find it pointless to preach to a person who is adamantly set on their beliefs. I feel like experience wise, when or if you're ready you'll accept God. If not than it's you're life that you're given freely to live. And you should never be afraid of what people will think. Because thoughts are invisible unless spoken aloud. And if spoken aloud, why should another person's opinion affect how you live? You make your own path and you support yourself for it.

I'm atheist too and I don't understand why you should feel guilty. My family, my friends are catholic. I respect them and they respect me. Of course the key is to talk together and explain yourself and after all that's your choice and would be silly to consider you as a "bad" person only because atheist or agnostic. And come on we're in 2014. Aren't 2000 years enough to understand that believe is a personal choice ?

as Catholics, I think what your family is scared of is the fact that you will not be granted eternal life, you will be in hell, etc. and they don't want that for you. I find that many religious people are sincere in that part. I would talk to them and don't use the word atheist. I usually tell people when they ask me is what I believe in, not what I believe in. I believe in the goodness of human beings and their power to do good whether it be with or without god. then if they have questions like heaven and hell, I just tell them I don't believe in a heaven and hell. (I am agnostic)

I think it's great that you have chosen to seek out your own perspectives on religion and while your parents may be upset with your decision at first, hopefully they will see accept it as a sign of your independence and growth. Don't be afraid to expand your beliefs in order to fit your own philosophy. Everyone has different views on life and you shouldn't feel embarrassed or afraid. When talking to your parents make sure you let them know that finding answers rather than accepting what they have already taught you is important to you. Good luck!

When I say to my parents that I hate to be catholic, they ask me (obviously) WHY?!! I told them, is stupid to think that the Pope is the representation of Jesus when for centurys they're making all kind of crimes against the people and their own vows (e.g. the Borjia) They make a poverty vote but the Vatican have so many money that if they give away there would no more poverity in the world!!! Im not catolic because go to the curch don't give me anything, just to hear some guy who have brainwash. The sperituality that the human begin needs is not in some sculpture, is in found the way to feel in peace with the world.

you see, it is things like these that piss me off. WHY would you have to feel guilty for thinking differently? Just imagine if you would not only be an atheist, but also Gay!! OMG! (sorry, sarcasm) Dude, live you life as you want to live it. Believe in as much or as little as you want to and don't give a crap about other peoples insecurities. If you think your parents couldn't "handle" it, than just don't tell them. It won't make any difference will it? Soon you will be moving out and won't have to worry about stupid issues like this.

There is nothing wrong with having whatever belief you do, even though it's different from your families. Your family is probably worried for you though, that you will not enter heaven or something. Which is something you should consider trying to respect if not accept, in all fairness. Perhaps that'll make them more understanding of your perspective.

In the end, only you can decide what you want to do, just make sure that it's a choice that you can live with. Whatever makes you happy.

Maybe you are an atheist to handle watching Bizarre Foods. Better yet, maybe you're an atheist to become a medical doctor. 25 Medical students go into college and 10 graduate. Good luck in med school.