So. I'm a freshman in high school and have grown up in a non-denominational Christian home. I've gone to church and youth camps my whole life. My parents and my college-aged brother aren't crazy-religious or anything, but I would say that they are strong Christians.
For reasons too complicated to go into, I have lost faith in God and am now a weak atheist/agnostic. However, I'm closeted; I've only told one of my friends that I haven't known for very long. I have mixed feelings about coming out. I want to show the world what I am and not live a lie or present a false image of myself. At the same time, I don't want my peers to look down on me for my lack of faith (I'm insecure enough as it is) and I'm terrified of what my family will think. I'm not too worried about what my close friends will think, though.
What do you think I should do? Should I come out as soon as possible? Should I wait until I leave home to come out? Any advice is greatly appreciated, especially from anyone who has had to go through this before.
For reasons too complicated to go into, I have lost faith in God and am now a weak atheist/agnostic. However, I'm closeted; I've only told one of my friends that I haven't known for very long. I have mixed feelings about coming out. I want to show the world what I am and not live a lie or present a false image of myself. At the same time, I don't want my peers to look down on me for my lack of faith (I'm insecure enough as it is) and I'm terrified of what my family will think. I'm not too worried about what my close friends will think, though.
What do you think I should do? Should I come out as soon as possible? Should I wait until I leave home to come out? Any advice is greatly appreciated, especially from anyone who has had to go through this before.