Should I Tell People I’m Not Religious Anymore? A Flowchart
It’s a different process for everyone
(You can see a summary of this article in one graphic.)
People who leave religion often endure severe reactions from friends and family.
Parents can be deeply invested in their children’s faith. Partners and close friends can be shocked by a change of belief. In some countries, “apostasy” is a criminal offense with severe penalties.
The decision of when, and whether, to come out as an ex-believer is different for everyone.
If the pros vastly outweigh the cons, or vice versa, it can be an easy decision. Some people have always shared their thoughts publicly because it feels safe for them; others would face devastating consequences if they told the truth.
Most of us are somewhere in the middle — there’s a desire to be open with the people who matter to us, but it competes with the need for safety and acceptance.
I created this flowchart to help give some structure to the process of weighing out the various considerations. Keep in mind that these are only my personal opinions, and other people might give you different advice.
I’m making two assumptions: 1) you actively prefer to make your change of beliefs…
