If you are dependent upon Mom for financial support, proceed with caution. And you live in the buybull belt, so mom might be pressured her peers to make an example of how to treat unbelievers. When you're a fully supporting person you can do what you want.

Since you have already discussed some of your thoughts about the Bible with your mom, maybe next time you have one of those discussions bring up atheism and ask what your mom thinks about it. If that leads to you telling her that you are an atheist then so be it; if not, you can say atheism has been something you have been considering for awhile.

One, do you need to? Is there a reason to formally tell her? Two, you can let her know your views as conversation arises. If she asks you to go to church you can say not today or church no longer feels right to me.

Just do it. It's usually ends up that your anxiety over it is worse than what
actually happens, just like everything else we worry about.

She'll accept it or she won't.

Have you actually declared yourself to be an atheist or are you still at the doubting stage, but not quite at the full rejection stage yet? Abandoning your religion is not quite the same thing as having a belief that there is no god. If you are still at the doubting stage you are really an agnostic. Only you can decide what you feel your beliefs are....on the evidence presented, using critical thought. It is good that your mother is open to discussing your doubts and she may never see your point of view, but if she loves you as I know she must, then she will allow you to be youself in what you identify as. You must first decide for yourself what that is,

'Mum I don't believe in god because he has to be a boy.' I was 5 and it was my only ever conversation with my Mum about it. She said 'fairy nuff' and carried on polishing. British people just don't worry about these things.

Sorry..I can't relate.

As soon as I realized I'm agnostic, I put an announcement on Facebook, then blocked and deleted all people who were admitted Trump followers or who posted on religious subjects, including close relatives. I also emailed my siblings, informing them also.

I hadn't attended church in decades because of their insane logic, and had also told my parents and everyone I knew why I didn't.

Your research suggests humans have been inventing religions since the dawn of man, and these remaining couple are no different. That position shouldn't be controversial given the factual nature. No need to shit on people's religion if it provides them comfort, but no reason to back away from this position either. That's how I came out with my family and it was pretty well received. Good luck.

I would emphasize that you really don't have to. You have a right to privacy for a reason. People can be cruel. If it's right, the opportunity will present itself and you'll know what to say. But I would suggest not pushing it if you aren't really feeling confident about it. That is probably your gut telling you it's not the right time.

I think if you already talk about the negative parts of the bible your mum might already have a clue as to your true believes. Why not just tell her?

i've never been in that closet. it sounds as if your mom will be accepting and understanding, so based on what you've said, i'd just say, "mom, i am an atheist." you can proceed from there based on how she responds.

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Just tell her. The simplest was is usually the best.

Mom, I'm an atheist.

Just be honest. I and my brother an sister were lucky, our Dad choose to raise us without religion and my kids were also raised without nay as well !

When I visit my sister, we always talk life and families. Her husband, who became an evangelical minister when he retired from business, and I aren't allowed to discuss religion. She tells her husband if he says something to stifle and she has heard it all before. I'm sure, in private, she prays for me, but chooses family over religion.

Just be honest and concise. Don't apologize or feel ashamed. Just own it.

It's not easy. Don't overexplain or try to justify. Don't get drawn into an argument. This is YOUR current POV and having someone try to harangue you into believing something you have come to no longer believe is a waste of their time, and yours. Tell them you hope they won't see you differently, but if they do, that's on them because you are still the same person you were before you expressed your lack of belief.

It's a band aid, rip it off. After that you get to deal with how your family takes it, that's another discussion entirely.

I agree with the other posts. I just say I'm not religious and usually they don't ask why, cause it's all about them. I think people that are more curious like ourselves always want to know more, and that's a good thing. As far as talking to your parents that's hard. I couldn't to mine and then they passed away. I really wish they could have known me, but it's ok.

It is always dicy with parents. My mom was okay with me not believing but having a black significant other was not okay. Who knew she was such a racist and bigot.?
We have to be true to ourselves and lying never works, seems the less of a believer one is the less lying happens. Just my 2 cents for what's worth. Good luck with however you decide to handle it.

It never works when you hide the truth, either with silence or by lying. Everyone eventually finds out, always. Always. I feel it's better to control the narrative rather than to let it slip out without your direction. Be courageous, it's the right thing to do. Good luck, brother.

Go with your pride and dignity. it is quite easy

You could find some fun atheist t-shirts and start wearing them. I bought a pendant that has "Atheist" inscribed on it, and I wear it almost all the time.

I would say, start with being considerate to the belief system they still have. Try to compliment the things they get right, like a sense of community, love for others and an overall goodwill, and then lead into what doesn't work for you. Talk with science and unrebutable facts, but presented in a question format to make those the issues of why you no longer believe and not an emotional choice which will minimize their view of concerns for their only sense of a moral compass.