Hi everyone,

I'm new here, and I guess I am also fairly new to Atheism in that I have been actively interested in my own non-belief for only the last year or so. Before that, I guess I just didn't know what I believed, or didn't think it that important.

Now I have fairly strong views against organised religion, and have a keen interest in finding out more about living my life as a good and honest Atheist and getting involved in discussion and debate.

One sticking point for me, however, has been my worry of upsetting my family, in particular my Father, who is Catholic.

When it comes to the average Joe on the street, I tend not to be worried about causing offence just by not believing (In my view I should then be just as entitled to be offended by their belief!), but I feel there is something different when it comes to my family, especially my dad, as I love him so dearly. I know he is hurt that I have rejected the religion I was brought up with to not question, and while I will never pretend to believe something I think is untrue again, I don't want to hurt him further with my keen interest in Atheism and Humanism. He's my papa.. I don't want to upset him!

I'm a grown woman, live on my own and I am very independent.. but my beliefs (or lack of!) creep into everyday situations much as they would for any religious person. This means that even though I try not to mention anything to do with religion around my father, or family.. I can't control the conversation completely and there have been situations where I have either played down my thoughts on a subject (and subsequently felt stupid for doing so) or just not replied all together (and came off as incredibly rude!)

Have any of you had the same dilemma? If so, how did you manage to actively seek out information and share your views without causing upset to your loved ones?

Thanks in advance! Kate x