I’ve never been the church type or believer of any kind, however, given my attitude about life, I’d just tell them that I freed myself from the chains of religion. When they scoff and begin acting superior, I’d assure through my actions that they wouldn’t talk to me again.

I run into people I grew up with and they have friended me on FB. They are practicing Jews and Catholics. I also have religious cousins. They know I've been a non-believer since my teens.

My aunt goes to church. I went with her a few times so she could stop asking me to go. Now all of the people there ask about me.

I have been out as a atheist since I was 12 so I don’t really have to deal with that particular situation. But living here in the south I get ask what church I go a lot by my customers at work. I just tell them I’m not religious then I end up getting invited to their church. I’m just as polite as I can be and change the subject.

I can see your point all things considered but I find it hard to lie myself about something like that which has caused so much death and pain worldwide and still is. this religion just like your terrible gun laws has got to stop and someone has got to make a stand to get the ball rolling.

I sometimes meet members of the Hindu temple I went to as a kid. I'm first generation American, and the trend is that as kids get older, they fall off from attending the temple. I hang on to that, as all people my age have stopped going so frequently or at all. I don't announce anything else to them as it seems to always be "hi, how are you doing" small talk anyhow.

Those people tend to be nosey.

I usually share my current views on how I feel religion is a crutch for the weak, to start. But if you're just looking to avoid a conversation, simply tell them you'd prefer not to discuss that topic. Hopefully they will be polite enough to not probe.

Just look them in the eye and say the following:

"Yes, I have made great spiritual growth. And I'd like to talk with you about Scientology..."

They will make up an excuse, and quickly leave.

Works every time.

I'd probably say something to them about non-belief, assuming I have the time to talk, because it might help someone else who has doubts to know that they aren't alone and that people they know personally have gone through the same process and emerged unscathed. I'm not saying that's what you should do, though, only that I think that would be my approach.

I would agree. It's not like you're ashamed of how you view the world now, it's you don't want to deal with the undesirable judgment of others. I get that.