Im an atheist, how should I break it to my Christian family and friends?

Just tell them gravity made you (do it).

Keep it to yourself for a while. No one HAS to know the truth at this time. If it will cause shock, hurt and upset , I personally, think it is best to wait a while.

Try to gently distance yourself gradually from the church activities. i said gently and gradually. Don't just suddenly refuse to go. Of course, you can change to a more open non-fundamentalist church where the preaching every sunday is not gay bashing and trying to somehow overcome evolution or running down the president.

Anyway, there will come a time when you move out and you can get on with your life. But for the time being I would lay low if I were you. It is for your own sake I say this when it comes to the big picture. No one in your family is required to know what goes on in your mind. That is yours and yours alone. Silence is golden.

I suspect they've figured it out - all by themselves. In kindergarten or 1st grade - come on now. A small child asking 'where did God come from'. The teacher Should have said - Genesis 1:1 - in the beginning God created'. or that God has always existed - probably was surprised that you asked that question in the first place. Why would your friends be believing in Creation and you be learning about evolution. Your friends are in the same church and classes? This situation Almost sounds like a question of 'how do I break it to my friends / family that I'm gay - I've questioned it since I was a small child - nonsense'.

Don't tell them yet. Let them live in ignorance for a while longer. Some of them won't care, but some might be offended, or sad, or betrayed (and some will eventually annoyingly try to change your mind). Religion is a topic that usually doesn't come up that often in everyday situations, so there's no need to stir up a scene until necessary. Wait until there is something religious that you are expected to do with them, like going to church, and then simply apologize and say that you have different beliefs and will not be participating.

And good luck

I waited until after I moved out of my house to tell my family, as for my friends - I lost touch with most of them when I graduated and made new ones.

If you feel you have to tell people that you are an atheist, then be prepared to deal with rejection. Some of them might be cool, but you risk losing other friends, and you also risk having parents constantly nagging you. There is no easy way, to gain acceptance from fundamental believers. Sorry, just my own experience.

Just tell them the truth, you don't want to have a religion dominate your life that you don't even know is true!

Many people are in a similar situation as you, don't let your family dictate your beliefs. If they don't accept your opinion then that's their problem.

Anyway, isn't the bible all about forgiveness and acceptance?

Good luck and remember your life is yours to live, don't waste it trying to keep other people happy!

That is a difficult question and one that cannot be answered lightly. I sympathize with you. As I do not know your friends or parents, I cannot opine on how they may take the news, but you owe it to yourself to be honest about who you are and why you came to the conclusions that you did. If they are decent people and truly love you for who you are, then they shouldn't care4 that you disagree with them, however, faith can cause decent people to do pretty nasty things sometimes, including judgement and humiliation. Its tough. Just be respectful of them and don't be deliberately confrontational, and defend yourself if they do the attacking. Back up your view point with strong evidence and arguments, rather that inane name calling, no matter how easy it may be to do. Good luck to you.

Do you recall ANYONE in your extended group of family and friends who sought out your permission to believe in what they believe in? Of course not.

So why would they expect you to seek their approval and permission for what you believe?

You are about to become a full adult and have no obligation to anyone to explain things.

If somebody asks you should tell them, but unless they are constantly chatting up their religion, try to refrain from using your atheism as a "weapon" and they should come to accept your "differences." Especially if they want to keep the peace with you.

Whatever happens, don't let anyone bully you about your choices or your life.

Maybe you don't have to tell them. When the topic of religion comes up you can stay mute. But it is possible that they already have an indication of your beliefs through their own observations. The bottom line is, if they love as a Christian should they will neither condemn or judge you.

I'm really sorry you're an atheist. How about you say to your friends and family that you can't believe in God and need their help. Maybe they can help you understand. They won't hate you for telling the truth even though they will be upset. But if you tell them then they can continue being your friends and give you the help you need. That's what friends and family are for.

I hope you find God, as He is seeking you. :)

I called mine over the phone. Some things are easier once you move out. If you live with your parents, you might get into a lot of fights and confrontations. If you have serious problems with them, then you might want to call CPS or move out.