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Just told my dad I'm an Atheist (self.atheism)

submitted ago by AmnestyPlease

Well...it happened. Finally had the courage to tell me super religious dad and step mom that I'm an Atheist. My step mom stormed out immediately and my dad yelled out, "How arrogant are you to believe there is no greater power?!" and continued on for 20 minutes. He then told me I'd be the cause for WW3 and probably a divorce between him and my step mom. I tried explaining why I'm an Atheist but was asked to leave. This wasn't meant as a sob story, just wanted to get it out.

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[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]Shepherdless 33 points34 points ago

Fucking A

[–]psilokan 31 points32 points ago

Fucking eh.

</Canadian>

[–]exocutioner 2 points3 points ago

fuckin oy

[–]Perpetual_Entropy 1 point2 points ago

Indeed...

[–]voldemort_the_nazi 1 point2 points ago

Fucking quite

[–]kragmoor 1 point2 points ago

fucking aye

[–]kirbsome 4 points5 points ago

Fookin prauns

[–]Moulton20 2 points3 points ago

Fucking hell... Oh wait...

[–]fumafumafuma 6 points7 points ago

and my axe

[–]The_Grey_Wanderer 1 point2 points ago

Is this the line for the nachos?

[–]kirbsome 0 points1 point ago

Nope, just your average reddit conga-line.

[–]vaendryl 14 points15 points ago

islamic countries are a fucking joke. ww3 will be with china and it's allies on one side and most of the western world on the other.

[–]MonarchistSoldier 13 points14 points ago

*China and its colonies

[–]Sevsquad 1 point2 points ago

I think that a war between us and china would take place mainly in japan, as I think if china tried to turn japan into a colony we would interfere.

[–]Whelks 4 points5 points ago

The western world is China's colony. We are the main source of its income.

[–]OmegaSeven 7 points8 points ago*

China and the west have nothing to gain in a world war.

China attacking the western world would be tantamount to biting the hand that feeds them. I also don't think India would let that happen.

[–]Puppy-eater 0 points1 point ago

*hand. Otherwise, I completely agree with you.

[–]OmegaSeven 0 points1 point ago

D'oh!

[–]howdareyoutakemyname 0 points1 point ago

Honestly, a world war couldn't benifit anyone but the Islamic countries.

[–]OmegaSeven 0 points1 point ago

It's a bit naive to refer to "Islamic" countries as one monolithic group.

[–]walkngonawire 0 points1 point ago

Devils advocate: Explain.

[–]OmegaSeven 0 points1 point ago

I'll put it simply:

Self identified Islamic countries and cultures are incredibly diverse ranging from the Middle East to Africa and Southern Asia with vastly different governments and economic motivations. Not to mention the vast cultural differences that go well beyond a shared religion which they don't even seem to agree upon all the time.

Basically you could say something similar about all christian or secular nations and be just as wrong.

And furthermore many of these countries are just as dependent on the global market as China, India, Europe and the U.S.

[–]swampskater 0 points1 point ago

Also, Turkey is a secular Muslim country and one of the United States' closest allies. They also recieve zero monetary aid from us.

[–]angrynutrients 3 points4 points ago

I beg to differ, Australia has REALLY good relations with China.

[–]big80smullet 4 points5 points ago

As in they buy the shit we pull out of our dirt and we REALLY like that.

[–]angrynutrients 2 points3 points ago

Yeah, basically. China's pretty dependent on the resources australia has because China's land is too young to have produced the assortments of metals and other elements that Australia has. However we are also dependent on their industrial power

[–]Eurofooty 0 points1 point ago

Until the prices go up. I foresee some manufacturing base returning back to Australia as the Chinese working class achieve better working conditions and pay, unionisation and representation.

[–]UninformedDownVoter 0 points1 point ago

And true communism!... one can dream *tear.

[–]Skwerl23 0 points1 point ago

so does walmart

[–]SuperNoob1258 0 points1 point ago

China+dependents V. India+dependednts

[–]Skwerl23 0 points1 point ago

ha this reminds me... my dad told me the 200million man army spoke of in revelations is china's army...

oh man people are crazy. (but hes a good guy and doesnt treat me any different)

[–]theycallmejake 0 points1 point ago

Funny, I remember hearing that the big army in Revelations was the Soviet Union. And before that, it was the Germans. And before that, Napoleon.

Any bets on whether it turns out to "have always been" something other than any of those?

[–]democritusparadise -1 points0 points ago

Right, because China has a history of trying to conquer the world.

[–]vaendryl 0 points1 point ago

because a nation as large as china became that way by being passive throughout it's history. have you heard of tibet, by chance?

[–]democritusparadise 1 point2 points ago

Tibet isn't the world and I never even suggested that China had clean hands. I'm just saying that China only wants to dominate its neighbours. It always has, and has never tried to extend its influence beyond them, unlike the USA. I think China deserves the benefit of the doubt when it comes to designs on global empire.

[–]vaendryl 0 points1 point ago

the funny thing with countries focussing their expansion overtly on bordering nations is that after a while you suddenly find yourself on their border.

USA works by having vassal states all over the world. they conquer or "liberate" countries and make sure they will remain their "allies" in the future easily swayed to do whatever they want. for example, dangling some "definite evidence of nation X having WMD's" which the public never sees but politicians find very convincing.

USA and China may work differently but every empire has the same goal and that's keep getting more powerful.

[–]RepostThatShit 4 points5 points ago

But Christian historians won't neglect to mention that the leaders of the war powers weren't "True Scot-- Christians" and really it was faithlessness that was ultimately at fault.

[–]Mnementh2230 3 points4 points ago

With as backwards as most Islamic countries are, I don't think it would be much of a fight.

[–]buffalonkey 1 point2 points ago

And after years of bloody senseless war, the 2 factions will forge a peace based on the idea of exterminating all Atheists.

[–]ReyTheRed 1 point2 points ago

I don't think it will be quite that simple. I think a more likely cause would be America going all nazitastic and going after Muslims trying to exterminate them. Then everyone else would have to step up and stop it.

I don't think it is going to happen, but if WW3 does happen, that is a more likely cause in my mind.

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]wootastic 65 points66 points ago

your face is gonna be so red when OP causes WW3

[–]Bloops_n_bleeps 15 points16 points ago

Don't forget to tag him so we can all rub it in later.

[–]mrpotatoes 1 point2 points ago

You don't know the future. OP could be a future super villan.

[–]Glassberg 39 points40 points ago

Cheer up! Your dad thinks that you're important enough to start World War Three all by yourself!

[–]martynas_101 16 points17 points ago

in the words of Monty Python: "Always look on the bright side of your life..." :)

[–]Diabolico 4 points5 points ago

He could totally make Time's Man of the Year for that stunt!

[–]whatusernamewhat 31 points32 points ago

good job son. You will not regret this decision. It will probably make you much happier. Stay strong.

[–]AmnestyPlease[S] 20 points21 points ago

I already feel relieved. Thanks for the kind words.

[–]TheAlmightyHelmet 7 points8 points ago

All in favor of whatusernamewhat being OP's new dad?

[–]fireandiceman 5 points6 points ago

aye

[–]sleepyj910 0 points1 point ago

<scruffy>second</scruffy>

[–]bbctol 30 points31 points ago

How arrogant are you to believe that the greater power didn't create this universe just for you, and by happening to believe in one specific branch of a certain superstition, you will have eternal life and happiness and everyone else will burn in a fire forever!? I swear, the arrogance of atheists...

[–]oh_creationists 23 points24 points ago

Random guy #4593438920 is an atheist! Quick, launch the missiles!

[–]memers 39 points40 points ago

But I am le tired.

[–]Tyler182 36 points37 points ago

Well, have a nap. THEN FIRE ZE MISSILES!

[–]ToastyMallows 14 points15 points ago

I'm so glad people still know what this is.

[–]Glassberg 6 points7 points ago

I miss AlbinoBlackSheep

[–]TwoNine 0 points1 point ago*

Origin of the "le" meme I think.

Edit: Spelling

[–]ToastyMallows 0 points1 point ago

..really?

[–]TwoNine 0 points1 point ago

If I'm thinking of the right video, the French guy says "I am le tired".

Edit: Hence memers comment.

[–]ToastyMallows 0 points1 point ago

Oh I know that I just didn't think it went as far back as that video. I thought it would have started somewhere else

[–]ivosaurus 6 points7 points ago

Emotion is what they use to fight you, because that's what got them to believe in the first place.

Don't let it be effective.

[–]UncleSammich 6 points7 points ago

Sounds bad. If there is a divorce, it'd be their own doing, though. Not sure if you're willing to say that much.

[–]AmnestyPlease[S] 13 points14 points ago

They are fighting constantly so this is just throwing another log on the fire

[–]ivosaurus 6 points7 points ago*

It's possible that he could try to build up this blaming you for their problems into a very real thing, at least in his mind. Being able to transfer blame to others, whether rationally or irrationally, is something most people can be apt to do, religious or not.

Be *wary of this and try not to let it happen.

[–]AnotherCuppaTea 2 points3 points ago

Also, wary.

[–]ivosaurus 2 points3 points ago

I was wondering about that, thanks

[–]stagetwosyph 2 points3 points ago

Fighting?! But their relationship has God in it, shouldn't it be perfect... ohhh wait.. yeah nvm

[–]badcatdog 0 points1 point ago

Angry people are angry.

[–]VeryLittle 4 points5 points ago

Best of luck. Also consider what Dan Savage said about coming out (as gay) to your religious family. Yes, it does apply.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SgkviV9GIY

[–]HellboundAlleee 8 points9 points ago

There are lots of "greater powers" in the world than humankind.

Viruses, for instance, kick our asses. And you don't want to meet a tiger in a dark alley.

[–]RepostThatShit 8 points9 points ago

Tigers only exist because we deliberately keep them from being hunted to extinction by us. Any attempt to ambush a single weak human, however unlikely, would be a useless gesture. Our species is now the ultimate power in the universe. I suggest we use it.

[–]blackholedreams 4 points5 points ago

The ability to destroy a tiger is insignificant next to the power of the Fo-wait a second, where was I going with this?

[–]Mcgyvr 1 point2 points ago

Ultimate power in the Universe? We can't be sure of that.

From observable evidence, there is certainly no civilization anywhere that has happened to find us yet, nor have we found any. My skeptic leanings obviously lead me to the conclusion that no contact has been made in either direction (no, there are not aliens among us, and no, we are not hiding evidence of aliens). However, I do agree that there must be other life out there, and that it is highly likely that somewhere in the Universe there is a civilization at, above or way above our current power.

[–]RepostThatShit 1 point2 points ago

You have missed the point for the last time, admiral. Reddit is not as forgiving as I am.

[–]tm258 3 points4 points ago

Hang in there. I understand a little how hard it can be sometimes when your parents don't understand, though mine have never gone that far. Just remember that you have a whole community here supporting you.

[–]AmnestyPlease[S] 2 points3 points ago

I really appreciate that. It's nice knowing I can always come to you guys

[–]tm258 1 point2 points ago

You're very welcome! :)

[–]m84m 2 points3 points ago

Don't worry about it, there are better things to spend your life doing than trying to appease unreasonable parents.

[–]sandmankim 2 points3 points ago

When i was young, my mom would bring me to church, back then i didn't tell anyone that i was Atheist. One day, when i was asked to tell the crowd what kind of believer i was, i told them i didn't believe in anything of greater power or anything and told them i was Atheist. They told me i'm a sinner and i just left the church laughing while my mom was still in there. She didn't care about me being Atheist though.

[–]dr_shipman 1 point2 points ago

If you're a big enough deal to cause WW3 then I think your arrogance is pretty justified.

[–]Renegade86 1 point2 points ago

My dad said the same thing to me not too long ago. My problems aren't nearly as bad as yours though, stay strong and we're all pulling for you.

[–]myhairyanus 2 points3 points ago

Bravery level: Ron Paul.

[–]aazav 1 point2 points ago

When he blows his top, be awesome by being more calm than ever and being quiet and content. Let him rant. Let him go on. Because his loud arguing only shows that he has no better method to use to communicate with you on the topic. Think "so, he really has no batter way to talk to me about this than being furious and yelling at the top of his lungs?"

That should tell you a lot. Be silent. Let him finish. Respond calmly, confidently, slightly amused at his outburst and state, "I see. This is your rational response to my our discussion? Is this actually how you plan to accept my decision?"

Let him rant. It shows a lot.

[–]AmnestyPlease[S] 0 points1 point ago

That's exactly what I did. But when I tried to respond, he asked me to leave the house. I know we will talk in the future and this will be my game plan for every talk.

[–]Mnementh2230 2 points3 points ago

"How arrogant am I? How arrogant are YOU to assume that you're made in the image of an all-powerful, all-knowing creator of the entire universe? How arrogant are you to assume that this creator made all of this, the entire universe, just for you - and that he cares deeply about what you do with your genitals?"

[–]SexySatan 1 point2 points ago

I mean no disrespect, but why tell them if it's going to cause this much trouble? I assume there wasn't a huge reason they needed to know. I just don't understand why people put themselves into this situation all the time.

[–]AmnestyPlease[S] 1 point2 points ago

I just wanted to be honest with them. They would ask me to come to church on Christmas and Easter and every time I had to make a bullshit excuse of why I couldn't make it. Now it's all out in the open and I can breathe easy.

[–]SexySatan 0 points1 point ago

Fair enough. Thank you for the response.

[–]nerox3 0 points1 point ago

If they would accept your lack of faith would you be more likely to come with them to the church services? you know, to be sociable?

[–]AmnestyPlease[S] 0 points1 point ago

I like spending time with my family, so yea I would go to the church service to be with them IF the church they attended didn't portray every religion and non religion as the enemy. It just made me sick sitting there hearing the pastor call some one like me evil. I actually came to him after a service and asked, "Why can't you preach about equality and to love thigh neighbor as the bible said?" His reply: "Because not everyone is making it to heaven, and they need to realize that."

[–]nerox3 0 points1 point ago

I think (but what do I know) that if you're open about your lack of faith it shouldn't be a problem going to a church that says you're going to hell. (It's not like the threat holds any terrors for you.) I suppose if they would expect you to actively participate and testify to your faith in Jesus that would be a problem but if the pastor knew you were not a believer surely he would relish the opportunity to convert you.

Hmmm. That does sound a bit naive of me. But it certainly would be fun to see how he preached the fire and brimstone when someone in the audience is openly skeptical. There is a bit of an "emperor's new clothes" spell cast in a church service.

[–]evilkorova 1 point2 points ago

Based on how little i know about the OP, I agree with the question you asked. If he's relying on them for food/money/shelter, sometimes it's best just to bide your time. Every situation is different though and maybe his situation was getting bad.

I don't know enough about the OP to have a strong opinion about it. If it makes his situation better, awesome. I hope he didn't just make it worse though.

[–]sideshowchad 1 point2 points ago

I don't know your family so I can't say this for sure, but from my friends that have come out to their families they got similar reactions at first but then they got used to it. One of them still has arguments now and then, but they're able to get along and just avoid the subject.

[–]AmnestyPlease[S] 2 points3 points ago

Yea I figured it would head in that direction. It's just going to take a while to get to that point. Thanks for that. Gives me hope that it'll get better.

[–]eeon 1 point2 points ago

To say that Atheists will cause WW3 requires so much ignorance it's just...it makes me dizzy to think about.

[–]Qwouphy 1 point2 points ago

If anything, I would like to think that religion would be the ultimate cause.

[–]Prufrax 1 point2 points ago

Well, when all hell breaks loose I know who to blame. In all seriousness, stick by your convictions, it's difficult when those around you are against what you believe.

It may not make you stronger doing so, but the feeling of buckling is much worse. I hope things work out well for you.

[–]Qwouphy 1 point2 points ago

I guess I just can't see why such harsh words were said, have they no love for you? I'm proud, in a weird anonymous internet-y sort of way, of you for having the courage, and I'm sorry that things were not smooth. Good luck!

[–]Gracksploitation 1 point2 points ago

Last measure: tell your dad you started doubting the existence of God when he divorced. Surely, if God really existed, your dad wouldn't risk breaking his vow?

This is assuming your dad actually divorced. My apologies if that's not the case. And again, this is a last measure.

[–]AmnestyPlease[S] 0 points1 point ago

Yea he divorced my mom when I was four. I'll use that as my last ditch effort

[–]monstereddit 1 point2 points ago

At least now they may cherish their time with you more because they think you will go to hell.

[–]AmnestyPlease[S] 1 point2 points ago

That made me laugh way too much. Thanks

[–]Kreatorrage 1 point2 points ago

Your parents are dicks, fuck 'em.

[–]Megaxzeo 1 point2 points ago

Power to you brah.

[–]Tingi 0 points1 point ago

You a pathetic excuse for a father, I feel sorry for you.

[–]GiPwner 0 points1 point ago

Stay strong! You're better than they are.

[–]billy__ 1 point2 points ago

"How arrogant are you to believe there is no greater power?!"

How ignorant are you to assume there is one.

[–]breatherevenge 0 points1 point ago

I smell a scumbag

[–]SoulTea 0 points1 point ago

Weak shit on his part. Religion if anything will be the cause of a WW3, not the lack of it.... I don't see how religious people find non religous people to be the arrogant ones.

[–]61Analyst 0 points1 point ago

Hang in there. Family troubles between parents are never fun and almost never the fault of the offspring. Just worry about who you want to be and don't get drug in as a pawn of the pissing match.

[–]Kyrgh82 1 point2 points ago

What a douche...

[–]Kyrgh82 1 point2 points ago

World War 3 will begin because the ass clown fundies want to bring about Armageddon by fulfilling the prophecies about the middle east.

[–]TheJarzus 1 point2 points ago

Sounds like there are already problems between him and his wife, now he has a scapegoat.

[–]ForgetNormalcy 0 points1 point ago

wow he said you would be the reason for a divorce? I'm not going to say your dad is a scum bag but that is pretty much the ultimate scumbag move.

[–]Schildhuhn 0 points1 point ago

Dude nice step... but i would have done it after im independet of them , f.e. after college or whatever, because thats the time when parents loose their power over you and they start to enjoy every minute with you (atleast thats how i experience it). Thanks to GOD that both of my parents are atheists just like me.

[–]anotherbaldguy 0 points1 point ago

are you being ironic

[–]teratanthropos 0 points1 point ago

WWIII, humans vs. stupidity, it has already started.

[–]hollingm 0 points1 point ago

I'd be the cause for WW3

That's where I'd reply, "I'm a pacifist, just like Jesus. How often do Christians go to war?"

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

I'm sorry, I know he's your dad and everything, but... can I bitch slap him? Something to make him realize that he has a son/daughter that actually thinks independently instead of following the herd. ugh I just get so mad D:< Anyways just be clear on who you are and prove that you are a good person without the need of some bullshit fairytale to motivate you.

[–]Neucom_Incorporated 0 points1 point ago

Oh hey you're fathers putting the blame on you for things that won't be/aren't you fault.

Kinda like.. religion..

Hang in there man(net). You're going to do fine in life, and you have opened a glorious door in you're brain to the rest of you're brain, don't let anyone slam it shut and confine you again.

Also don't bring it up to you're parents, let them be and try not to talk about it. You have a right to you're (non)beliefs, and your privacy.

Welcome to Atheism.. it's looking to be a rough road ahead for the few of us in the real world, but together we can all get through it happily.

[–]AmnestyPlease[S] 0 points1 point ago

Yea I was planning on them bringing it up. Thanks for the support. It helps a lot

[–]spammeaccount 0 points1 point ago

20 minutes? Really?

Thanks for having the courage to not be a collaborator.

[–]Guidrubas 0 points1 point ago

He took it pretty well... not, that was completely uncalled for.

[–]bitz4444 0 points1 point ago

I'm glad you had the courage to do so. Good luck and hopefully everything will turn out fine.

[–]democritusparadise 0 points1 point ago

I'm not sure how old you are, but assuming you're under 20, just don't forget: There is no natural law which says parents are smarter, more ethical or more mature than their children. I think you are a very good candidate for surpassing them both very soon in those categories, if you haven't already. God knows I've met people twice and even thrice my age who were so dumb or childish it made my head spin.

[–]AmnestyPlease[S] 0 points1 point ago

I'm 21, I live away from home but seeing my dad that disappointed didn't make it hurt any less. My parents are stuck in their ways. I have four sisters who are devout Christians so seeing their oldest stray away from their thinking is dangerous because I might, "force my sibling down the same path" as my dad said. It's just going to take some time, and I'm willing to wait.

[–]Blithon 0 points1 point ago

I'm glad you told your story here. Hopefully your parents will calm down and listen to reason. If they don't, then they don't deserve you.

[–]Wombat_H 0 points1 point ago

Sorry for you, bro. I recently told my mom i was atheist, and she flipped her shit. It will get better.

[–]emanresuymsisiht 0 points1 point ago

  1. I'm proud.
  2. There's no way that you could be the cause of a war due to religious beliefs or lack thereof (but you already know that).
  3. If they're divorcing and blaming it on your aforementioned lack of religious beliefs, they've got bigger problems
  4. "This wasn't meant as a sob story, just wanted to get it out." ... Dude, a paragraph is hardly a rant. This post is approximately how long most TL;DR's are. You're fine, don't worry about it.
  5. Chin up, you're awesome, it'll get better (:

[–]AmnestyPlease[S] 0 points1 point ago

I can't thank you enough for the kind words. I'm feeling a lot better with the help of you and everyone else

[–]sirhatsley 0 points1 point ago

Congrats

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]Read_all_the_threads 2 points3 points ago

Unsubscribe? Problem brosef?

[–]PraiseBeToScience 0 points1 point ago

Also Reddit Enhancement Suite

[–]SiouxFalls11 0 points1 point ago

How do I do this? I've checked everywhere. Good for you, you're an atheist. Me too, but I'm sorry you're such a giant pussy you need a whole thread to tell your family that.

[–]Dane18 0 points1 point ago

No need to be a dick about it. Telling your family your an atheist and them bot accepting you isn't very easy to take. And its not like everyone in the real world is so accepting of atheists. Posts like these are the point of r/atheism. Chill the fuck out

[–]SiouxFalls11 0 points1 point ago

What? We live in reality, if they can't handle it, their own fault.

Sorry I was a dick, but I don't see how it's that hard to tell people "I am a normal sane person."

Truly is beyond me. Please, tell me how to unsubscribe for your pussy-fest.

[–]Dane18 0 points1 point ago

Because to other people, atheism isn't normal or sane. It can cause you to be villified by people you love because you don't believe in a magical sky wizard and instead eat babies. Sorry not everyone is as manly and as tough as you

[–]SiouxFalls11 0 points1 point ago

If they vilify you for believing in reality then they don't actually love you.

[–]Read_all_the_threads 0 points1 point ago

U mad?

[–]Read_all_the_threads 1 point2 points ago

Your rage seems legit.

[–]Puppy-eater -1 points0 points ago

Personally, I find it more arrogant to believe in God(s). Believing that a deity specially created you, and/or the universe for you is extraordinarily arrogant. Accepting evolution and that we evolved from primates is far more humble. I feel really bad for your experience. My father's a deist and my mum's an agnostic, so I've never had trouble from them about being atheist.

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