I, too, have never been a believer. I live in a place where, "Which church do you attend?" is like question #2. I don't hide the fact or lie, but I don't make a show of it, usually. I've had to have some "separation of church & state" convos w/ the school, but otherwise, I try and stay in my lane.

@mindbender You sound super sane to me!!

Your approach really depends on the location and the situation. In some parts of the US, being a nonbeliever is no big deal. In other areas, atheists are hated and feared, and there is discrimination in jobs and even child custody. (In some countries, being a nonbeliever is even punishable by death!)

If your being an atheist is going to cause you problems with your family or coworkers, and there is no good REASON to offer the information unsolicited, then it seems sensible to keep private about it. I like that you are honest when asked, though!

If someone is happy in his faith, and NOT hurting others, I see no reason to challenge it.

Some "good" reasons for "coming out of the (atheist) closet, IMHO, include:

✔ If religion is causing a rift or injury, like if your family is depending on faith healing, or shunning a gay member of the family

✔ If they are attacking nonbelievers and spreading falsehoods (use these as "teachable moments."

Good luck!

Those who are secure in their beliefs don't have to proselytize

People who insist they are right are doing it because they fear they are wrong. If someone asks you about your agnostic or atheist "beliefs", you might tell them if the situation is right. But if you are secure in your opinion, you should feel no great urge to convince others. Let the religious fanatics spout their nonsense. If you can, leave either physically or psychologically. Only a fool will try to convert fools

Most Atheists are atheists in spite of people’s pressure to join them in their religion. It’s difficult for them to understand that atheist don’t need or rely on the magical fantasy of a made believe god. There are many religious people that equate atheism with satanism. Which only shows the ignorance of religious people.

No.

I very minimally self censor. I am a Certified Nurse Midwife and so have experienced my share of women who were extremely ill or dying, or had dying in utero babies or newborns. If they want to pray, I stand quietly beside them, hold their hand and when they say amen, I say it too. That isn't the time for a religious conversation. However, when I have lived in a couple of bible belt states, people just naturally ask what church you go to, I just tell them that I don't go to church. Often, they ask me if I am Jewish. I then tell them no, I am atheist pagan. I don't do that to stir them up into a lather. I do it because I have as much right as they do to profess their faith or lack of it. They are usually a little shocked, sort of curious, and usually ask me more questions. I answer them, without being defensive, annoyed, or upset. It just is. Their opinion of me is whatever it is. It doesn't matter one bit to me. Of course, I never go up to someone and say, Hi, I'm Vicki and I am atheist pagan. What religion are you? That is ridiculous.

there is, and should be, situational self-censorship for everyone about something or other. if you hate your boss you don't walk up to him/her at work and say "i hate you." that's self-censorship. you don't announce the details of your sex life on the bus; it doesn't mean you're ashamed; it means you're situationally appropriate. you can be true to yourself and honest without wearing a placard, right?

g

There is a big difference between self-censorship and self-denial. I was an RN in a previous life, and if I had a devoutly religious person who was dying, it would not be appropriate for me to tell them what a crock I find their religion to be. I can censor myself in a situation where it’s called for without denying my own beliefs. In my extended family, I am the only atheist. They know about me, and I know about them, so over the years, unless they ask for my opinion (not likely), I have found it makes for more pleasant gatherings to avoid the subject. That doesn’t mean my beliefs have changed (in the absence of evidence, also unlikely).

Welcome to the asylum. Enjoy your stay.

Censorship sucks. Period.

Not just for atheists. We all need to self-censor more. The guy who puts his breakfast on facebook should censor that sh*t! Not out of fear of oppression, but out of kindness to those who have to listen to it. Nobody really cares!

I tend to self-censor in trying times - I have no intentions of divorcing someone from whatever comfort they might grasp when they lose a loved one, for instance. In most other situations, I don't go out of my way to tell people where I stand, but I don't bother to hide if pressed. Amongst friends, I can be downright snarky when discussing any flavor of woo, but in 'polite' company I am usually quietly dismissive.

Location is a consideration. A secular country is favorable, but even then there are places that you must keep the mouth closed. The religious are mentally ill and must be treated as such. So, no self censoring is necessary, but awareness of the situation and your place in it is vital. GROG