How can I tell my parents I’m Atheist?
Hi, I’m 15F and I live in an extremely Mormon household, my entire family and almost all of my intermediate family are devote members. We attend church every Sunday, youth activities and seminary. I don’t think I have ever had a testimony or truly believed in god. I was around 13 when I started to question the things I was being taught, I read about Joseph Smith and his history of polygamy. I learnt about the racist teachings and beliefs that the church hides from its members. I learnt how the church hoards billions of dollars as its struggling members donate 10% every month thinking it will win them gods love. And in general about if I really believed there was a god at all. In the past year or so, I discovered that I was atheist. It’s really hard for me to attend church and seminary knowing that I don’t believe in any of this and I have to sit there and pretend that I do. I have a few family members that have cut the church from their life completely and I plan to do the same and remove my name from the records completely when I am able. I understand that I will eventually have to tell my parents and family, but I am scared they will treat me differently or ostracise me. It feels so much easier to pretend to be someone I’m not, but I’m sure how much longer I can do. I’ve tried to subtlety tell my parents before and they looked at each other with literal dread. Does anyone have a similar experience or could help spread some advice as I would really really appreciate it.