Ha ha that is pretty funny but I don't think my dad would find it funny.

@Charlie713 I guess he takes his delusions pretty seriously then.

@Surfpirate its his truth. I don't judge him for believing something I don't.

I know my parents respect me. I am not worried about that. I don't want my dad going to his grave thinking he has lost his son forever.

@Charlie713 Well...I always told my parents exactly how I felt. If I upset them it was not my problem but theirs. See, before I respected others I have to respect myself.

BTW, to be Atheist was never a problem since my entire family -including them- was Atheist as well.

@DUCHESSA I have always been open with my parents as well about most things. Religion made me feel guilty about things I never should have. I don't blame my parents for that and I don't feel bad not being truthful if it saves feelings. I'm ok with that.

@Charlie713 I guess the "domination component" of religion continues to impose on you.

@DUCHESSA not really. It has not so much to do with religion but respecting my parents. I get how they think having been indictrinated themselves. Why would I torment someone I love when I can just leave it as it is. Nothing would be gained by it. To each their own. This is the path I am choosing and I am completly ok with it.

@Charlie713 Then why you started a thread in which, obviously, you are asking for advise?

"" I am going back to visit my father soon and think I have decided not to tell him I am atheist.""

Some people will never cease to amaze me.

@DUCHESSA you are correct. I posted here asking. Asking here helped me make my decision. You have a problem with that? I got great advice and made my decision. It wasnt what you suggested so you are upset about it????

@Charlie713

1. I am not upset but amused at how people present their cases.

2. I am glad you made your decision...

3. You got defensive because my suggestion didn't parallel your "already made mind".

4. You were not asking for suggestions but for justification.

As I said: People won't ever cease to amaze me. Byeeeeeeeeee

@DUCHESSA ha ha. Not defensive at all. I don't know why it matters to you so much as to what I decided. My mind was not made up when I posted the question. I was really leaning towards telling him. After discussing on here I realized nothing would be gained by telling him. Its really that simple. Again thank you for your opinion.

@charlie713 dear, it doesn't matter at all to me what you decide... But if you ask for suggestions / justifications you must be big enough person to gracefully receive them in the same way they were presented to you... To receive them with your heart.

@charlie713 and now, since i don't care to repeat myself unnecessarily, i say gooddd bye.

@DUCHESSA I thanked you already for your input. Just sayin............