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How do you tell religious people that you're an atheist?

I live in America and am surrounded by Christians.
Whenever I talk about myself to religous people, I want to say ,"I am an atheist". Do you say that? Is there a better way?

Bingogwak 6 Sep 10
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806 comments (576 - 600)

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2

I don't. I stress that I'm an agnostic. It works for me.

1

The way Society is today I tend to avoid the subject. When pressed on the subject, I say that I was brought up Jewish but have my own personal belief systems and I prefer to keep them just that, personal.

2

In real life you only discuss religion and politics if such a discussion is invited, and you're still free to opt out. In a quarter century outside of theism the topic has only arisen twice. Once one of my surviving older brothers asked if I no longer believed in god. I responded that I do not. He said that's too bad, and never brought it up again. The second time is when I was introduced to a new circle of guy friends where there was already an "outed" atheist, they sensed the same mindset in me and asked if I was atheist and said yes. I was accepted into the group anyway.

So in everyday life I don't meet theists or atheists, I meet neighbors, acquaintances, colleagues, and the like.

Online is a different story. People come to places like this specifically AS atheists, agnostics or whatever, often for the specific purpose of discussing and debating these matters. Special case.

2

When I want to go soft on them I say
"I am not religious"

Otherwise I just say I'm agnostic.

2

I have a similar thing over being gay and transgender. I want it to be 'out there.' I don't especally need it to be a regular topic of conversation, I just don't want to feel like I'm hiding it.

My solution is wristbands. I wear them pretty much 24/7/365. One for Pride, and one for Sparkle (basically a UK transgender pride.)

There is an atheist symbol. There are various jewellery items available that display it. My recommendation would be to get one of those and wear it the way a Christian might wear a crucifix.

[amazon.co.uk]

3

Tell them youre a Jedi and the Metaclorians fired all of the gods.

2

When people start talking about their religion, I simply say "I don't believe in God" and walk away. I don't like debating with religious people, especially in groups because there's power in numbers, so I walk away.

3

In plain English

2

I usually don't find it necessary to bring it up.

2

When I tell anyone I am an atheist they argue with me. Try to convert me to their views. It's not going to happen. I have been thru too many religions on my search. Been baptised 3 times, in three different religions. It is impossible to believe their dogma.

2

I usually don't, it isn't any of their business.

2

Honestly, I think it depends on the setting, if it’s a stranger or a loved one, & if you’re in a situation where you could lose your job or something like that. If everything is in the right circumstance, sure! But if you could risk an important relationship or a job opportunity, I’d say no. But if you’re comfortable saying it, I would try to make it not sound like an attack. But don’t sound ashamed either. Make it sound like you’re talking about the weather. Their reaction is less likely to be over the top if you do it that way. & if they don’t like it, well. That sucks for them. You deserve to be happy, your lack of conviction of whether a god exists shouldn’t be a precursor to that.

3

It depends on the situation. Think about it as a combat sitituation and be strategic. There are times when it could hurt your job, your family or your kids in school. etc. This is the world we live in.

2

I don't.

2

I don't say anything as it's none of their business, just as I don't ask them.
I do however harass street preachers..

2

You don't have to. It'll come out eventually and it'll be relatively easy.

Adi98 Level 4 Mar 13, 2018
2

You don't have to. It'll come out eventually and it'll be relatively easy.

Adi98 Level 4 Mar 13, 2018
2

I usually tell them that if I walked into their church, I would burst into flames. Of course, they are more likely to believe such rubbish than I am. Since I have not burst into flames in a church, I have deduced that there is no God or or I am not worthy of his attention. 99% of the time my beliefs or lack thereof don't constitute a problem with anyone, because they see that I life a good, moral life and treat people well.

3

I say, "I'm an atheist" and no one cares because I am English

2

I don't. I tell them I'm agnostic. But it's usually if they are coming on too thick. And if they try to protolyze me... well, that just depends on what kind of mood I’m in. Sometimes I’ll go for it, other times I’m a bit more subdued.

2

I just say “I’m an Atheist” how they deal with it is not my problem. I am from a religious family, and my father was a Bishop, yet I didn’t have issues letting them know. I am sure it bothers them that my kids aren’t baptized though.

2

I don't. If they are family/friends then they already know. If they aren't, it isn't their business.

2

I do not cast pearls before swine.

2

It works: most people I say that to just say 'oh right ' But then the U.K is pretty godless, if they start to try to convert me or say they'll pray for me then I just get off. Lifes too short.

2

I rarely offer up my beliefs first. If I am specifically asked, I tell people I'm not religious.

K8TE Level 5 Mar 21, 2018
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