Don’t get me wrong I’m dick about it. But in the south it can cost you your job. The point of the post is that there is strength in numbers and there has to be more than this web site to help give our friends encouragement so they don’t feel alone or chastised. I do want everyone to know the south is horrible when it comes to atheists. They are not allowed to hold government office in Arkansas!

I would also say it has to do with the lack of symbols an atheists utilizes in their belief. Christians have the cross, which is constantly incorporated into pictures, art, decorations, jewelry, etc... It makes it far more visible than the beliefs of a non-believer.

That being said, work is not a place for religion. That should be done on one’s freetime.

Most people sitll equate "religion" with being "good" so that's why the religious fly their flag and don't get grief for it. Most religious also find the fact that atheists merely exist frightening. We are direct evidence that their claims aren't as true as they might hope. I think the more atheists/agnostics are "out" the better, but I do respect that some people just can't that risk.

Because most religions preach hate and/or murder of atheists and agnostics. They also get all bitchy when you tell them you don't believe their magic space wizard doesn't exist. It's hypocritical at best, deadly at worst.

I intensely dislike the idea of announcing/drawing attention to ANY beliefs in the workplace!
WTH is Human Resources when this happens ? It creates a hostile work environment!

What type of organization do you work for? This type of question comes up often on this site and I am always confused by it. What type of an organization allows people to announce their religious beliefs? That's totally unprofessional, and borders on religious discrimination, which is illegal. I don't feel I have to hide my beliefs, but neither do I need to announce them to everyone I work with. I live in Michigan and this stuff doesn't happen, at least not in the firms I have worked in

I don't hide it at all.

My mom was actually bullied out of her job as a SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DOMESTIC BATTERY ADVOCATE because she is atheist. Her coworkers harassed her about it, going so far to bring her souvenirs from the creationist museum and leaving bibles in her drawer.

sheep are hurding animals

Joshua, I got tired of being shunned but even more tired of being in denial. Now I ease others into my thoughts be pointing out commonalities in how we live and by referring to myself only as 'not religious'. Remember Obama in his (some speech or another) included the believers and those who do not believe. non-believers are a growing minority. Hang in there.

I don't hide my beliefs at work. I did at first. But as I got to know the others at work and they got to know me, my beliefs began to be known. Everyone accepts them and me.

Yes it's wrong. I look forward to a world where this isn't the way.

We are only 2 to 3 percent of the entire population. It's never good to be a small minority.

They fear us (We worship Satan, eat babies, and a few other things I can't remember). Because we don't actually do those things.

They fear us because they don't understand that we don't have magical beliefs.
It threatens their beliefs if someone doesn't believe.

I'm sure someone will have more.

Muslims are shunned in many places in America and India. Jews are shunned in most Muslim countries as are Christians. And in a very few places on earth, all religious people are shunned.