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Atheist says others’ offers of prayer feel pushed during mother’s illness

Raised Catholic but now an atheist, the reader says offers of prayer feel intrusive amid a recent illness in the family.

Published May 28, 2026, 6:53 AM EDT | LehighValleyLive

Dear Eric: I’m writing this to get your opinion about something that has been bothering me for a while but has been exacerbated by the recent illness of my mother.

Although I was brought up Catholic, in my adult life I am a practicing atheist. I’m not one to ever bring that up unless in a safe environment to do so, or if I know I am among folks who lean the same way.