Who cares if people think it's negative. They should look at their history of whatever version of sky daddy they believe in.

"Atheist" or "not religious" is just semantics, both mean essentially the same thing to me. But if one term is seen by many people as offensive, I don't see why I should rub their noses in it. Living in smaller towns in the Bible Belt has taught me to tread lightly, people who make take offense are people I will have to deal with at some level, when I renew my licenses, or the grocer or pharmacist, or the auto mechanic. I see no reason to purposely use a term they find offensive when it would be to my detriment to do so.

Fine response.
Wonder if he has a chess set.

I always check the non religious check box. I have no idea what label should be assigned to me. There aren't any plans to join the atheist coffee group nor do I plan to attend any church services. I always respect those who do believe as a Christian and I bow my head during prayer and never turn away from someone offering prayers for me. It always seems to make them feel like prayer saved you from whatever and I have no problems with someone's faith making them happy with the world. In my own personal experience events or situations generally happen either way. If all turns out well then lucky me, if not it was just the odds against me.

If stating what you are in fact is divisive, So be it. I could not care less what blah, blah wackety wak is spoken over, under or near me, living or dead. If it is divisive, who made the line eh?

Very well stated, I agree.

The 'athiest' label in my experience seems to be much more divisive to conserative religious people than to others. Being an athiest to them feels like an insult to their beliefs and makes you seem pompous to them for some reason. I came across the same kind of reactions fairly often when I attended AA meetings.

Every single word we say is a label. Nonreligious is a label. If the athiest label has a context, beyond its meaning of one who does not believe in god, it is because those who do believe have forced that context. Historically, taking back the label and fixing the context works better than letting others redefine the word.

Telling someone you are not religious is a bit disingenuous. It could mean that you have no religious beliefs or it could mean that you have religious beliefs but you don't want to talk about them or make a show of them. I feel it is not totally honest, but if it means you get on better with people who hold strong beliefs, then it is, of course, your choice.

On the few occasions I have been checked into the hospital they ask your religious status. I always say none and don't send me anybody to pray with. Thus far they have followed my wishes. If I go in unable to give instructions my wife will tell them for me. If people ask if they can pray for me I tell the yes and I will think for them.

Exactly-3 years in and out of hospitals for leukemia treatment and heart failure I dealt with chaplains that made themselves feel better by praying.

I agree totally. To me, flaunting one's beliefs is not productive. It is often seen as inflamatory and aggressive.

I tell people I'm not religious as well. The fact is I'm not religious because I'm an atheist.