This is very true. I have a friend that is in a very high ranking position in a church. I am quite certain that due to my honesty as an atheist, I am the only person that the person has confessed not to believe what they must teach.
Clergyproject.org was recommended.

There is a lot of information from the Freedom From Religion Foundation on quotes from (the - there are many) bible.

[skepticsannotatedbible.com]

I agree, plus that fear on the back of their mind that denying it all will lock them out of redemption if it all ends up to be true! Lol

I’d say everyone doubts the religious line, if they’re at least of average intelligence. What appears to separate Atheist’s (I can’t speak as an Agnostic), is integrity. Don’t know that they’re any more intelligent, though very likely more educated. But, their honesty precludes deception, both of themselves and others.

The religious are weak.. That’s why they constantly seek others willing to pretend as they do, to attend their functions, to lead or be led… They range from dumb to charismatic! But none add up to an Atheist ~

Or freethinker-could be an umbrella term.

I think that goes both ways. I must admit theres many people who say they believe but do nothing more than saying it.

I think you may be right. We atheists do not wear our atheism on our sleeves, nor is it the central focus of our lifes -- as religion is for the true believers.

For me, it seems that people that are atheist just seem to keep quiet about it, myself included (although I've been more vocal about it recently). I wish we lived in a country where everyone respected each-others differing beliefs, but that is not the case unfortunately.

In some places that is probably true. For anyoen who lives in teh "bible belt" of the U.S. it probably would be easier. In Portland, Oregon, where they have the lowest church attendance of any major city in the U.S. (or at least they are the most willing to admit to not attending church), admitting a lack of faith woudl probably have no consequences.

Getting along with your family and friends does make life easier. Certainly known several religious friends/aquaintances who admitted the supernatural aspects of their faith are silly.

I was indoctrinated as a child. Then I learned when I was 10 that it was all not real. I had to follow my family's religion until last December. I came out as an atheist then. My family never made me go to church. I had to pray at dinner though. I didn't go out having sex as a teenager. I stayed in school. I read a lot of adult non-fiction in middle school/high school. I never read the bible. It puts me to sleep. There are a lot of atheists/agnostics out there.

There is truth in your statement. For most of my life, I identified as a non-practicing Christian. I didn't believe in religion I thought of them as businesses with a power structure that was corrupted. I found the Bible confusing and at odds with my moral and value upbringing. Although I believed there was an intelligence in the creation of the universe, I didn't believe there was communication between humans and that intelligence.

I attributed the morals and values my mother taught me to be Christian beliefs when the truth is, I had rejected the idea of religion. It wasn't until I found this site that I realized I am between Agnostic and Atheist. I still believe there may be some intelligence beyond our universe and that keeps me from being truly Atheist.

I would be interesting to see if there are others who have had or know someone who has had a similar experience.

I suspect you're right. Kind of like emerging from the closet , not everyone can take the backlash from family, friends and co-workers.

But unlike being a differing sexual orientation, a non-believer can hide their thoughts completely from others , and may do so to keep the peace. Never easy suppressing who you are.

I have no doubt. I also think there are a lot of people who identify with a religion based on geography or culture without giving it any real thought.

I think you may be right. The risks of either being pressured to find religion or ostracized for your belief is too real. Especially where I am from, in Utah.

plus, many of us have been taught that there are two things that should not be discussed - religion and politics (three things if you count the Great Pumpkin). It's easier to avoid dangerous discussions if people just auto-assume that you agree with them.

It is also safer.