I agree, I'm always upfront with others, even my clients. It's led to interesting discussions. Although one client did stop the massage halfway through and just want to talk to me about faith. It was very strange, but by the end she understood why I didn't believe, the events in my life that led me there.

That's a good attitude/perspective. Welcome to the asylum.

I avoid religious topics here, this area is more conservative that I would prefer. I also avoid labeling myself, other than non-religious.
I do have some close friends that I enjoy debating with..

Hello and welcome neighbor ?

Hello and welcome! I agree totally. I remember reading a list just a couple of years ago of the top 10 scary qualities of bad people...atheism was #1. I have been ostracized by some seriously evengelical family members. They also support Trump and guns...so there's that. Morals and good character don't require religion and it's important we show ourselves.

Hello and welcome!
I too will debate religion with the religious but now I mostly do it on their request. I used to make it a more regular pasttime and a point when people were recruiting but then felt I was being an ass making them think when they clearly do not want to. To each their own so I decided to live and let live. None of my business what everyone else chooses to believe or why

I figured I can let it be and keep religion as a personal choice. It does no harm if it is only personal like politics or sexual preferences.

Proselytizing annoys me, whether it comes from religion or atheism. I will debate a bit in a proper forum, but it never changes anyone's mind. At best, it reassures those outside the debate that atheists think things through. At worst, it looks like an atheist is trying to take away a religious person's comforting lie.

Welcome, great attitude to have.. hope you enjoy the site

I actually do the same now that I think about it. If someone is religious and wants to discuss I'll tell them I'm an atheist and I won't debate someone unless they want too. Once I figure out how to be "pretty awesome" I'll contribute there as well. Also, hello!

I personally love to debate, and I'm pretty defensive about my religious and political views. Some people just aren't worth the energy though.

Hai!

I agree (we're pretty awesome! LOL!), and welcome to the community (also pretty awesome!). I don't go out of my way to get into debates over religion, but I do own several Atheist T-shirts now and have worn most of them around town. So far, it hasn't generated any controversy. In fact, a server at a sports bar I like complimented me on it (it says "FICTION" with the letters being comprised of various religious and mythological symbols). I don't think she got the point. LOL!

I don’t want to hear about someone’s beliefs, so I’ll avoid the conversation unless I’m feeling especially aggressive or dominant.

Hi

What perceive about atheists is the same that people perceive about the vegan at the dinner party “trust me, they’ll let you know.” I totally agree with the idea of not being the one to bring it up but as a fellow Floridian, here is some crazy religiousness in this state and we atheists can not and should not be quiet when religion is brought up.

I like your attitude.

I think religion is pushed on people from so many angles it's important to debate beliefs with those who believe. In society we debate everything except god. Thats the subject that even questioning it is seen as religious hatred.

There is one issue which I like to point out why not be grateful to the life you had

Read the book "street epistemology" the quick witted argument will be easy. But answers are not. Watch "robot dance" on YouTube. She has developed a great method to deal with the arguments. Good luck and practice

I have a big cross with an "X" through it on my forhead, so it comes up.

J/K

Hello my name is fredo. I was baptized a catholic but never believed. I was somehow gifted with a natural questioning logical mind when i was young. I do the same when it comes to defending my choice of being atheist. They say its ok god still loves you. I learned people who believe in god are easily offended. So i keep my voice on the matter quite. I was recently thinking of writing memo on how being an atheist is a double standard, compared to people who believe in god.

I have never told those I work with. I work in a medical field. Which as we all know we put science to work. Because I have heard religious discussions between staff members. Talk about cognitive dissonance. Still this is Texas so better to remain quiet.

I agree. I try not debate religious ideologies but when I do I'm always critical of the idea and never the individual I'm engaging with. Mostly because you can't cure stupid... That's a joke BTW ?

And welcome

If it comes up I tell them I'm an atheist but I don't care to debate anyone there beliefs are not my problem.