Atheism isn't an easy thing to come to terms with for anyone. We make up less than 3% of the population in the world and face persecution from many religions. However, learning to accept your disbeliefs will ultimately lead to higher self-confidence and a more positive self-image, along with the increased ability to accept others.

1. Determine if you truly are an atheist. To clarify, the dictionary definition of atheist is ‘a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings.' Are you confused about your faith, or lack thereof? Has there been a recent event in your life that made you question it? If you were formerly religious, do you feel as though God let you down in some way? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you may not be an atheist—rather, you may be at a crossroads in your life. You might be making decisions right now, and that’s perfectly normal for one who is confused.

2. Do research on other religions. Perhaps you might not be Christian, but a Muslim, or vice versa. You could be mistaking atheism as a permanent stage, when it is really a temporary transition from one faith to the next. We’re all a little puzzled by the complicated question of belief.

3. If you resolve that you are an atheist, don’t be ashamed of it! Even if you were raised in an environment that actively condemned non-believers, you are your own person, and that includes your beliefs. Don’t concern yourself with the supposed myths that atheists are ‘immoral’ or ‘damned.’ Learn to accept yourself, even if you feel as though you are being judged for it. If people dismiss you upon finding out that you are an atheist, then they truly aren’t worth your time. It’s better to let go of those people in your life, as their intolerance is more than likely exhibited in other areas to other people.

4. Surround yourself with understanding friends. Friends show their true colors when they’re faced with challenges or something new. Find friends who love you as a person and can look past and accept you for your atheism, even if they don’t necessarily agree with it.

5. Learn to love, accept, and live with religious people. They are people—just like you! No one wants to be looked down upon for something so insignificant in the long run. What matters, obviously, is our character. We are people before atheists or Christians, Muslims or Jews, Buddhists or Hindus. It’s good to get different perspectives, too, especially if you’re in the aforementioned transitional stage. Remember that true friends won’t try to convert you to their side and will let you choose for yourself. Hopefully, they’ll respect your decision.

6. Talk to a counselor or therapist if you’re feeling extremely insecure, depressed, or otherwise uncomfortable with your decision. It’s also a good idea to do this if you’re being ridiculed for your atheism. A therapist will not judge you and offer very helpful advice.

Tips

Read books about atheism, the most notable being Richard Dawkins’s ‘The God Delusion.’ It is an empowering book for atheists, promoting the fact that atheists can lead fulfilled lives and should be proud while not overbearing. ‘God Is Not Great’ by Christopher Hitchens and ‘The End Of Faith’ by Sam Harris are also good places to start.

Try to meet other atheists if possible. It can help you to understand that you’re not alone. Listen to their stories of self-acceptance and take heed in them.

Be sure to keep telling yourself that there’s nothing about you to be ashamed of. You’re a free person, and you are free to practice—or not practice—whatever you would like.


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