Which is worse, coming out as gay to a very religious family, or coming out as an atheist to a very religious family?

Well I'm both... I think they took atheism harder. They suspected I was gay since I was at least 12 so they had more time to get used to it. The atheism came as a total shock. Fortunately, they aren't fundies and they aren't assh0les and with some adjustment time, they got over it. We have a good relationship now though we really don't talk about religion. We do talk about being gay.

Wait a minute, because I am not so sure... Well, you could hide your thoughts if you are atheist, it's easier than hiding a boyfriend if you are gay... As long as you keep your mouth shut, it's better to be atheist. And this "very religious family" could try to change your sexual orientation by some ridiculous things like praying, sending you into a camp or other BS...

Somehow I think being gay may have a worse backlash. Depends on the family and religion though.

I would expect that neither could be worse than growing up very religious.

I'd say they both have the potential to go disastrously for the person coming out. Both could result in being shouted at, being rejected / kicked out (gotta love that Christian love there), or attempts to "fix" you. Hard to say which is worse.

All three are wrongs so who cares.

The problem is not with you but with those that are unwilling to accept you..

Or maybe coming out as a Christian in a very atheistic family...