Uncertainty Regarding Special Interest

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One of my special interests is dinosaurs and the ancient history of the earth, so naturally I spend a lot of time talking about it with my family, but I didn't realise until last night it might be problematic. My step-dad is a Christian, and I found out last night -- when I was describing how mitochondria first entered single-celled organisms, allowing them to utilise oxygen that was previously poisonous to them -- that he's a believer in the "young earth" theory that says that the earth is only 6,000 years old, and a creationist. Now, he doesn't seem bothered by my rants, but I'm wondering what would be the socially right thing to do; do I not talk about it because it might bother him? I know how much I hate it when people spew what I deem to be religious nonsense, and I don't want to be "that guy". Do I ask him about it? How do I do that without offending him? This problem never even occurred to me before, and I have no idea what to do with it.

You can't change the mind of a small-minded person. They're steadfast in their backwards ways which, by the way, they can't help. Just ignore him and move past it.

I think this is going to have to be one of those 'agree to disagree' things. If you both can respect one another's opinions, then perhaps you can be open to have some conversation on the subject, but I also think it would be the safe play to avoid talking about it altogether if it's too sensitive a topic. Like you say, you don't want to be "that guy".

If the history of the Earth and life does come up in some shape or form, you may in fact have some leeway in talking about the scientific aspects that do not depend on the notion of creation or the age of the Earth. Most things we know about genetics, for example, is pretty much across-the-board accepted and something that doesn't fly in the face of a Creationist's views.

Dinosaurs are probably a no-no, though. You can try out talking about it just for fun to 'test the water' so to speak, and see how receptive he'll be of different ideas, but if you do, be careful in how you bring it across.

I think you probably had better avoid it for now. You can try and see what his thoughts about various things are and then eventually if you find him not too narrow-sighted, you could talk about it.

But I think there are many other people who would love to hear those stories about the beginning of the earth, the beginning of life etc. You can just talk to other people about it.

I myself bought a small paperback book late last year about the history of life from ~3.8 billion years ago to present time. I just started to read it. It is very ineresting.

also you could use your different opinions as a talking subject, there is nothing wrong with a debate, he may enjoy it, i have debated with Christians before. its fun. dont listen to others i dont think you should stop talking about it, maybe not all the time but you should not stop because if he is offended he is not worth it, its just opinions, he should appreciate different views .

and perhaps you could ask him his view and he could tell you about the creation theory to be fair and let him tell you his opinion.

If I was you, and he's an approachable kind of guy, I'd probably just ask him in an upfront but respectful manner whether talking about that subject bothers him. If it does, just try to respect his wishes, if it doesn't there's no problem!

Yes, pick a good moment and be nice and ask him if it bothers him. Maybe use a lead-in, like "There's something I've been wanting to ask you." If he responds well to that, then just ask if it bothers him when you discuss dinosaurs.

I hope you'll come back and tell us what happened.