I think it's both ways. In general, I think in countries where most people are religious, atheists are more vocal. In countries were most people are athiest, religious people are more vocal. I think it's kinda defending yourself against the majority. When everyone thinks different from you, you become defensive.

I heard that in the US atheists are pretty vocal (can't say it's true for sure though, never lived there), so I guess it's because they are a small minority. Edit: I also find that most people saying religious people are this or that on forums are from the US. No offense, that's the impression I got, I may be wrong.

In Europe, atheism is so normal that we don't feel the need to defend it. Almost everyone my age is an atheist, so we don't feel threatened as a group. At the same time, religious people represent a large enough part of the population that we just accept it as normal, too. I would say atheists and religious people respect each other pretty much in Europe, though I have seen religious people going door to door trying to convince people, and not atheists. Religious people see their number dwindling and try to avoid it.

Ultimately, it's all down to personal belief, and we should respect each other no matter what. I am never going to try and convince a religious person that God doesn't exist, and even think that if religion works for that person, then it's a good thing. Religious people I know respect me too, so no problem.

Yeah, I was talking about my grandma, my mum's cool whatever I do and I am.

Man, any lifestyle can be exciting for a while. I was saying that because it would give you independence and that's what you may need. You would be in a totally different environment and meet new people who don't give so much importance to things like your religion, etc. It would only be temporary.

I mean, that's what I did when I didn't know what to do and got tired of my life in Spain. It turns out I learnt English and got a degree in the UK (nearly, I'm finished in 3 weeks), and now I'm going to live to Japan with my gf (who I also met here). So I'm glad I changed to a crappy life for a while. I found out I liked crappy independence over a comfortable life without it, it made me much happier. I understand this may not be for everyone, though.

Anyway, if you can't do that for whatever reason or you don't like the idea (which is cool), you could just travel as you said during the summer. Give yourself one month. Give your parents time to think and to miss you. Reassure them that you'll at least celebrate christian holidays with them and will respect their beliefs. I mean, I celebrate xmas because it's an excuse to meet with my family, even though 80% of them are atheists.

And, ultimately, you are who you are, that's it. Don't let your parents or anyone screw with your life. Will they let you out of their lives forever? In that case, what can you do? It's not your fault. Eventually, I'm sure they will accept you, because they will want to keep their son I imagine.

Don't get ahead of yourself there. Most people in Europe are christians, not atheists. In Western Europe it's true that they get along better then in other parts of the world, including Western Europe (atheists aren't very well liked here in Romania for example). And in the US christians, while beiung the majority, are still very vocal.

I personally think you should just tell the truth. Will they disown you? Will they love you any less? I would'nt think you would want that,if that was the case,I really can't speak to how your parents would react,but I think that's the chance you have to take. You have to stay true to who you are. You can't just keep living a lie. I would think that keeping it bottled up inside,would be a constant burden and bad for your well-being. I'm sure feelings will get hurt,but again you have to do what in your heart feels right. This is all just my personal opinion,but I wish you luck on the matter.

Yeah, I was talking of W. Europe, sorry if I offended you. Anyway, I meant people my age, I know if you include all ages christians would win, even in W. Europe I think. I didn't say atheists are majority, just that it is common to be one. In some countries they are a majority: Scandinavia, France, Czech Republic, for instance. All I can say is we coexist quite well here.

I admit I don't know much of the situation in the US, so I'll trust you on this one.

An openly atheist politician would never be elected in the US (there are actually places in the US where atheists aren't even allowed to run for public office). And don't worry, why would you have offended me? I would only wish people got along better everywhere in the world (including Romania).

Tell them, and if they do something terrible, like loving you less, tell them it is very unchristian of them and see how they handle it then.

I thought you may not like I generalise about Europe when I'm talking of W. Europe,

And I agree with you.

Haha, yes that should be funny, but I've ntoiced Christians are hypocrites in that regard.