Atheists, what do you do in this situation?

Now you know why I carry a book everywhere.

I have a very religious family, and our discussions often turn to religion.

Fortunately, they are also very accepting and open minded and respect my views on religion.

Plus, I have a brother who is also an atheist, so sometimes we look at each other and give a sly smile, but most of the time I sit and listen and only contribute if I have something positive to add to the discussion.

if you don't feel like arguing about it, then don't. I think as long as they don't try to convert you or tell you you're wrong than they aren't hurting you so if you don't feel like getting in a heated argument there is nothing wrong with just chilling.

I understand. I'm super atheist and many relatives I have are pretty religious, and my elders just get frustrated with me. I don't like arguing with people I love because it creates tension in the family (and let's face it most families are weird enough as it is without more tension)

It's maddening - the same thing happens to me during family get togethers.

During Christmas I had to sit and listen to my sister-in-law's sister talk about how since everyone knows the Book of Job - even if they haven't read it, then it makes it relevant. I wanted to say - well, what about Harry Potter - is he relevant as well? What about Santa?

Depends on exactly what the conversation is about, who is involved in it, and if expressing my point of view will not just cause people to gang up on me.

That's why I love when JWs and Mormons visit. They tend to be game for any topic of conversation about their religions.

Any family get togethers where I show up at, they make sure to avoid the topic because I will butt in and correct everyone's bad logic, and then make fun of them for believing in an invisible sky daddy. I don't handle them with kid gloves at all. :)

The result?

I am not invited to too many family parties, which makes me quite happy. I can't think anything more boring than spending time with family.

So my advice, if you want your family to not invite you to stupid boring parties, butt right into their conversation and then eviscerate their awful logic. It works for me, it'll work for you.

No one can tell you what to do in this situation, if you are looking for advice for your own behavior. Everybody has different familial situations and desires. If you are an atheist, and you don't care what they think, or believe they are tolerant of atheists, just tell them that's what you are. If you need to be accepted and that you have to pretend to be a believer to do so, then swallow hard and do that.

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Depends on my mood at the time...If I am in an antagonizing mood I will jump right in and tick everyone off in a hurry, other times I just keep my mouth shut.

In my case, I love getting into the conversations of my family reunion.

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When it comes to conversations about religion, I don't participate. Especially if the people having the conversation are religious people.

Either listen to music or text.