Well, first let me introduce myself. My name is Cory Suydam, im 21 years old, and am an Atheist. 

I grew up with my family being pastors and deacons of both Catholic and Christian faiths. My family got me involved with God at a very young age. only a mere year or two ago, I questioned my faith. I read every book i could about science, and watch every documentary i can about science. Everything from biology to physics. I noticed that everything is connected in some way, but not the way i was told my whole life. I took into consideration the Evidence.

I come from a part of America in small corner of Ohio where the vast majority of people are of the Christian faith. Once i became open about my belief in science and reason, problems began to take hold. My family and most of my friends condemned me to their so-called hell. I get hate mail and even threats sometimes from both people who were close to me, and people i don't know. 

Somebody who is very close to me, but also very close to what they call god, is nearing the end of their life, and really wants me to show them i believe in their god. It is the last thing that they want. Which i never will. I have reason. But i have lots of guilt over losing somebody i love knowing they will leave unhappy with me. What do i do with this situation?

I try to explain why i do not believe in a religion, but i am called the ignorant one, and the one without reason. I am told i have no morals, and i still have time to pray etc, etc.... All of those things we all hear.

My question is, is being public with my beliefs and explaining them to other people even worth my time? Should i just lie about what i believe them to escape the abuse? What suggestions do people have for my delema? I know we are all faced with these challenges on a daily basis, but yet Atheists are the ones accused of being the ones forcing our beliefs on them and ruining their way of life.