Is this a bad strategy??

[Dryas]

This is about my relationship with my parents. 

My parents are your traditional, God-fearing stage blue conservatives. I myself have of course outgrown all of that but this means that I have to interact with people that are fundamentally living in different realities.

Thing is, I’m aware that I’ll have to tell them about this at one point or another and I know it’ll cause them a lot of emotional distress and so to deal with that what I’ve done - or at least tried to do - is to emotionally distance myself with them as much as possible. This seemed like a good route to take but it also means that they begin to worry about me, view me as cold and uncaring and all that. I obviously can’t explain to them why from my point of view this is actually something selfless that will/might benefit them in the long run. 
 

As of lately, however, I’m beginning to think whether or not my entire approach is wrong. Maybe this isn’t the best strategy to deal with the inevitable emotional pain that comes when the truth about me is told ?? So I’m looking for advice. Thanks.

[creator20]

I wouldn't emotionally distance myself from my parents solely because they are at a different stage. Perhaps instead of full on telling them that you have completely different views & that you no longer value their religious ideologies, you could tune them in to some of the insights you have & see how well they respond?? If they don't respond well, then you'll just have to bite the bullet & live your life authentically. Have compassion for them & love them where they are at. 

[Dryas]

@creator20 No, I’m not simply doing that because of the difference. 
From the op:

1 hour ago, Dryas said:

Thing is, I’m aware that I’ll have to tell them about this at one point or another and I know it’ll cause them a lot of emotional distress and so to deal with that what I’ve done - or at least tried to do - is to emotionally distance myself with them as much as possible. 

Telling them about it is just a big no. 

[Michal__]

Don't distance yourself from them, maybe try pretending you are stage blue once in a while...

[Dryas]

3 hours ago, DefinitelyNotARobot said:

Why though? Have you ever considered that you aren't being self-less at all? What if that's just an excuse? What if you are creating this emotional distance in order to avoid getting hurt/rejected/shamed yourself? What if it has been about you all along?

It's possible. 

3 hours ago, DefinitelyNotARobot said:

I honestly think that you owe your parents the truth (what exactly do you even mean by that?), or at least some of it.

No, they would make my life miserable if I told them. I know my mother at least would be destroyed if I told her because I've asked how she'd react if I wasn't a believer anymore.