Is it Possible to Stay an Atheist in a Religious Family? (Essay Sample)

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Is it Possible to Stay an Atheist in a Religious Family?
Religion is influential, but cannot easily isolate a united family. Beliefs about God can profoundly affect people’s emotions, actions, and associations with others. Such reactions can occur in a family setting and leave some members isolated momentarily. Religious parents compel their children to believe in God at a young age, but some become atheists later. At first, the individuals struggle to confidently declare their positions fearing that their actions may affect the family. Due to strong familial connections and the values of love and coexistence that most religions teach, it is possible for an atheist to stay in a religious family.
Atheists can stay in a religious family since the fabric is stronger than any beliefs. While religion influences people in many ways, a family setup is usually left intact. Admittedly, people who reveal their atheistic beliefs may encounter rejection at first, but parents and other members respect their positions later. According to McAfee, religious families eventually accept members who confess their atheism after realizing that forcing them to continue believing in a deity hurts their feelings and relationship (52). In other words, the family connections are so strong that religious members change their perceptions to accommodate an unbeliever. As a result of such a tolerant environment, an atheist continues to be part of the family despite the differences.
Furthermore, the teachings of love and coexistence, which most religions are based on, compel family members to accept an atheist. Religion has falsely been blamed for perpetuating intolerance and animosity through its teachings. While some groups have misused religious principles for their own propaganda, most of the texts do not advocate violence, hatred, or any other vice. On the contrary, nearly all religions preach peace and coexistence. For example, the Bible urges Christians to live in harmony with each other, while the Quran forbids the victimization of individuals who may not be Muslims (Ramsbotham et al. 28-62). Similarly, Buddhism does not support any act of religious intolerance. A family that upholds such values fosters an enabling atmosphere for an atheist to live normally.
In fact, the religious principles facilitate a cordial relationship for both a believing and a non-believing member. For a family that is overly pious, accepting a contrary position takes time. However, most members are admonished by their religious texts to love and pray for individuals who do not profess the faith. When a believing member responds to the scriptures accordingly, the unbelieving person is easily accommodated. The above assertion is informed by the study of 80 atheists in the United States who confessed that they continued to receive support and acceptance from their family members even after revealing their atheistic positions (Zimmerman et al. 1). Given the credibility of the study, it is apparent that an atheist