How do you tell family and friends?

I was raised by Christian parents who said grace before every dinner. Late in high school I began to question the religion. By college I stopped believing that Jesus was God and embarked on many years of agnosticism. Finally, I've reached the atheist mark. I find it interesting how long it takes to fully shake off all the "values" instilled in us when we're young.

Now, I'm just wondering how to tell people if they ask. Especially American Christians. Especially my family. They tend to believe you're doomed if you don't believe Jesus is the "lord and savior" and will hound and pressure you to go back to church, shake their heads in pity, "pray for you," etc.

Should I even bother telling somebody if they ask the annoying questions: Are you a Christian? Do you go to Church?

Should I just say "yes," "none of your business," "I'm uncomfortable talking about religion" or just plain "No, I'm atheist."

I'm especially concerned about my family when I visit at Christmastime. I haven't been Christian for many years but I go through the motions just out of family tradition. I don't feel a great need to tell unless I'm asked. But if I'm asked, what is a gentle way to break it to them without them panicking over the state of my soul? Tweet