Struggling with family. Ex Christian.

[OmnipotentBeing]

Hi all.

I was brought up with a strict Christian family, my parents really believe in god. My brother is a super serious believer.
I am an agnostic / atheist.

I'm really struggling with my family, it's so frustrating to me that they believe in something that is so obviously nonsense to me. I've NEVER believed it, even through I tried growing up.

I'm sure they find frustrations with me not believing the same as them.

How can I draw that line and not let it affect our relationship?

Thanks for any replies 😊

Just ignore it. If you don't believe then that's fine.

It's really hard when you and your family have such different views. I'd concentrate on your similarities though. Focus on the ideas you share and take it from there.

I have the same problem OP.

We just try not to talk about religion.

There's a lot to be said for 'smile and nod' when they bring up religion. My parents and I have vastly different ideas about politics. We just don't talk politics. I know what they think; they know what I think, and it doesn't get mentioned really.

It may be nonsense to you but my guess is it gives their lives meaning and comfort. As Christians we look for the fruits of the spirit. Does their faith lead them to act with love, kindness, compassion etc? If not ask questions but otherwise love them back.

Just love them, OmnipotentBeing, be vague and then change the subject if they start faith talk. Nothing wrong with them talking about something that is happening at their church or some people from there, that's neutral, pushing their faith on to you is not.

I'm sure you'll work out a compromise, you obviously care for them or wouldn't be asking.

I grew up in a family like this. It's been quite a journey but I now have my own relationship with God which is not entirely the same as my parents'.

Along the way I had a lot of therapy and I particularly worked with the idea of addiction. I felt my parents used their religion like an addiction, with the same effects eg they were not present because they were obsessed with their religion. Which made them essentially unavailable to me. Which was mighty confusing.... It's a mistake to confuse God with how people view him/her/it. Not the same at all.

Anyway, in the end (to my surprise!) I ended up with a very deep and sincere, heartfelt relationship with God - which to this day is exceptionally enriching. I generally clash with the majority of church sorts, though (which could be just as much my problem as theirs tbh...) because I have such a low tolerance for mindless religion. Because of my childhood, the parents who were there but not available. Just like an addiction.

It's so easy, and tempting, to use religion to sooth, and avoid, the reality of life on life's terms. I can really understand how people go for that and also genuinely think they've cracked it. It's sad, really. Because God is so gorgeous and you don't really get that if you're crossing the t's and dotting the i's of religion. I don't think God is religious tbh.

You can't convert them but you don't need to be intimidated by the family belief system. Easy to say, of course when you've been brought up with and in it

Long, sorry

Change the subject?!
I have the opposite problem to you OP. I am a Christian in a family of atheists.
People eh!