How do I tell my mormon Grandparents that I now consider myself an atheist? I technically am still mormon but for reasons I have not written my letter stating that I want to be off of their records.

A young woman on Ask had a similar problem. She found that the Mormons hang on to their own tenaciously and it was very hard to get them to listen to her.

Your grandparents may not like your decision to follow your own reasoning but if they have gathered experience with their years they should certainly respect your decision. Just tell them.

I wouldn't worry about being "technically" a Mormon. You either are, or you aren't. You can't have it both ways. But take courage from knowing this: Of all the Christian sects and spin-offs, Mormonism is among the silliest.

You can't volunteer off their records.

AFAIK ... The only way to get them to "erase" you from their records, is to be officially banished/excommunicated from the Church.

But I wouldn't worry about it.  Their records are so messed up, nobody but them takes them seriously.  It's well-known they "pad" their numbers.  Even "converting" people to Mormons who died before Joseph Smith was even born.  LOL

I don't know what effect this will have on your family and association with them, but it appears it may not have negative effects unless your family just chooses to not associate with you. I know the Jehovah's Witnesses excommunicate people and to many it is devastating. Friends have ZERO contact with the DF'd one and I have known of times the active member will even cross the street to avoid the person. Family has limited contact, and the DF'd person is not a part of any family functions.

I've known a few ex-Mormons and they didn't seem to have issues with family or friends, they however just disappeared from the church, and didn't write a letter.

You can't control how they react.

Just tell them.

Say that at the moment you don't think Mormonism has a sufficiently complete understanding of our human origin and the nature and purpose of our existence and you need to do some additional investigation.

Then ask them if you have any questions whether or not you can come to them for advice.

That should neutralize them somewhat.

Atheist just means a person without a belief in God/s. What do you stand for? It may help to share that with them also.

I'm not sure what your relationship is with your Grandparents, I loved mine, I didn't agree with all their views, but they had some great words of wisdom and showed me a great deal of love. If that is the case with you choose your timing and words carefully, much of what we say is in the presentation.

religion has killed more people

on the planet than anything on the planet. (fact)

My thoughts are with you.

This too shall pass.