Telling your parents that you no longer share their religious beliefs might have unexpected consequences. Wait until you:
are at least 18 years old;
have arranged alternate housing;
can afford food, rent, and clothing; and
are capable of financing your education.
Make a chart that compares possible outcomes. For example:
Table 1. Openly Atheist
|
Tell Parents |
Pro / Con |
Keep Quiet |
Pro / Con |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pro: 4 / Con: 8 |
Pro: 8 / Con: 4 |
||
|
No Church |
Pro |
Church boredom |
Con |
|
No prayer |
Pro |
Family prayer |
Con |
|
Good feelings |
Pro |
Bad feelings |
Con |
|
Autonomy |
Pro |
Dependence |
Con |
|
Disowned |
Con |
Food |
Pro |
|
Evicted |
Con |
Shelter |
Pro |
|
Violence / Bullying |
Con |
Safety |
Pro |
|
Revoked Internet |
Con |
Internet use |
Pro |
|
Grounded |
Con |
Freedom |
Pro |
|
No money |
Con |
Education |
Pro |
|
Lose friends |
Con |
Keep friends |
Pro |
|
Maltreatment |
Con |
Fairness |
Pro |
Your chart will likely be quite different. While you depend on your parents financially, it is probably best to keep your views secret.
