Q&A for How to Become an Atheist

Many atheists partake in traditional Christian winter festivities. Some sing Christmas songs for cultural reasons, some social, and some just enjoy the music. Christmas trees are less of a testament to a deity than to the secular world, every atheist I know proudly displays a Christmas tree. At the end of the day, if you enjoy singing Christmas songs and decorating trees, don't stop! Life is short, enjoy it.

If they are very religious and you depend on them for your basic needs, it's inadvisable to share your atheism with them. It's hard to gauge the open mindedness of one's family when rock solid beliefs are at stake. If you are not dependent on them and feel that your relationship with them is strong enough to survive such a disagreement, or if being out as an atheist is worth the alienation they may subject you to, then go for it. At the end of the day, you must be true to yourself and if you believe this life is the only one you'll get, don't spend it fawning to those whose beliefs cause you grief.

There is nothing to feel bad about. Think of it this way - atheism is not a loss of faith but a graduation from faith. Those who declare themselves atheist have learned, through logic and reason, that a deity cannot exist in our world. Atheism is simply the assertion of logic and understanding over speculation and myth. Don't feel bad about it - embrace it! It's who you are.

Sure. Some religious people would say it isn't, but they're obviously biased by their own religious beliefs to think that. It's up to each person to figure out their own beliefs and morals. As long as you're not hurting anybody, no one can definitively tell you that what you do, think, or believe is wrong.

Tell her that Christian holidays are just modified and repackaged Pagan holidays, and that you are only making your own modifications by excluding the religious components, much as the Christians excluded the Pagan components when they modified the holidays in the first place.

You can plan it yourself ahead of time and have whatever sort of funeral you'd like, but generally you'd get pretty much your standard funeral, though perhaps without the religious readings and/or imagery.

The same way you would raise any other child. Just don't push on them any religion - nor, ideally, atheism either. If they ask you about your beliefs, you can discuss them honestly, but tell them it's up to them to decide what to believe. And teach them to respect other people's different beliefs and perspectives. See How to Raise a Child for a general overview.

Atheism is the absence of a religion and, by definition, cannot coincide with a religion.

Yes. Many Atheists celebrate Christmas. Remember, you do not have to give up your culture to become a different religion.

What you are describing is an agnostic- someone who claims neither belief or disbelief, as they are unsure. An atheist, by definition, means that you do not believe in the possibility of God's existence.

Just plan your wedding like other people plan their wedding. Everything is the same, minus the church/religious component. See How to Plan Your Wedding .

Atheism is, in the broadest sense, the absence of belief in the existence of deities. Less broadly, atheism is the rejection of belief that any deities exist. In an even narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities. If someone says they believe in Satan, they are not an atheist.

It depends on your family. If your family is very strongly religious or closed minded, you may want to calmly tell them at an appropriate time, and if they don't support your right to have a lack of religion, calmly tell them otherwise. Always be calm. If your family is more loosely religious, open minded, or accepting, you should still tell them calmly at an appropriate time. Remember too that you are an independent person who doesn't have to follow the beliefs of others around you.

Religious belief is not going to seep into you or anything. This does not seem to be an actual problem.

Always try to be polite and honest. You have a right to define your own belief system, but your parents have a right to have theirs respected. Try avoiding strong words such as "hate" when you are describing your difficult emotions. Instead, try focusing on what is making you feel so negative about the particular religion. The main issue here sounds like it is less concerned with religion and more with the relationship with your parents, so make sure to put that point across.

Some people find that religion helps them overcome their problems, others do not find that to be the case at all. At the very least, most religious people would tell you that the sense of community and fellowship they have at church is helpful.

LaVeyan Satanists are atheistic and don't actually worship Satan as an actual being; however, LaVeyan Satanists unite in a common belief/philosophy, which isn't necessary of atheists.

Read the very books the various religions read. The Bible, Torah, Koran, Srivad Baghavatam, etc. Read them from a scientific viewpoint, as if you've just encountered them. After that, read from the Four Horsemen, Dawkins, Hitchens, Dennett, Harris. Watch their "4 horsemen" discussion. Read Plato, Hawking, Lisa Randall, and most especially just about anything from Douglas Hofstadter. A little Frank Herbert tossed in will round it out very well. While this is a lot of reading, even if you come out still agnostic or religious, you will be far wiser and understanding of other belief systems.

Attempt to explain to her that simply because you are an atheist does not mean that you disrespect that she may be a theist. You do not have to agree with her that a deity or deities exist, but at least have her understand your viewpoint without forcing it on her. If she still won't accept it, it doesn't alter the fact that you're an atheist.

At least make sure that they respect that your beliefs are different from theirs. Make sure to tell them that though you may disagree with their belief system, you respect their opinion. Ans the most important piece of advice is to stay calm; their approval is not something you need to believe or not believe as feels appropriate to your values.

Atheism is defined as the lack of belief in god. Atheists cannot hate a god(s) but they can hate the notion of a god(s). If you believe in a god(s) but you dislike him/them, you are not an atheist. Theists (people who believe in a deity/deities) who hate god can be referred to as "misotheists".

You are still an atheist. Many atheists celebrate Christmas for cultural reasons.

As far as praying is concerned, just bow your head and fake it. Since prayer doesn't work, you have nothing to lose. As far as proving to them there is no god, ask them, "Where's the evidence? When's the last time you seen god?" That will take care of the physical part. Afterwards you can dissolve their faith with reason. Mention that there is no all-powerful good god. Otherwise there would be no imperfection because 1) a good god would be useless if he were not all-powerful and 2) an all-powerful god would not deserve worship if he were not good.

You have to define what those things are (both here in this forum and for yourself). Here is the question you must ask: Do I believe in Allah? If the answer is a definite "no" or "I'm not sure, but I am inclined not to believe", then you are an atheist. That is to say, in either instance, you lack a belief in god. That is the only consideration. If your misgivings about Islam are only related to incongruities with your social or political values, or particular practices, then this is irrelevant to the question of faith or a lack thereof.

Yes - there is no specific religious reason to commemorate birthdays, so many atheists celebrate their birthdays, and some even celebrate the birthdays of famous scientists such as Sir Isaac Newton, who was born on 25 December, 1642.

There are a lot of things you could do to better your community and yourself in lieu of going to church. Consider what issues are important to you, and try to find something you feel passionate about, so you can continue it easily for a long time, and to allay any fears your parents may have about your morality. A lot of atheists have strong commitments to social justice causes such as climate activism, environmental care activities, donating blood (if you're old enough), volunteering in a food bank, volunteering in a library, etc.

It may be disrespectful to Christians' beliefs if you were to receive the Eucharist despite being an atheist.

Not knowing if a god exists or not is called being agnostic. Agnosticism comes on a spectrum, and you can get agnostics who are more atheistic, and some who are more religious, as well as many people in between. It's hard to make yourself believe or not believe in something, but if you want to become an atheist, read arguments made by different atheists and their counterparts.