I was wondering about religion in America

[Mystical]

You have some atheist churches there, yes?

I've heard of atheist churches, and I really wish they wouldn't call them churches. It lends some validity to the idea that atheism is a religion.

I! don't like them either

[nogodchick]

I've heard of atheist churches, and I really wish they wouldn't call them churches. It lends some validity to the idea that atheism is a religion.

I! don't like them either

Someone should think of a better word.

[Chad32]

Unfortunately congregation might not work either. Atheist club? Maybe not either. Doesn't seem mature enough.

[Mystical]

I don't really live anywhere, so to speak. My normal year consists of spending a couple months in California, a few Months in Mexico or Latin America, a bit of time in Utah and the Summer in Canada. I was in the South because the girlfriend I had then was from the South/East Coast, so we did a traveling tour out that way. Utah is an awesome place for outdoor activities though. It's a great state. The Mormons are goofy, but I've never had a problem with any bigotry from them towards me as an Atheist.

Then again to be perfectly fair, I'm not someone who really is concerned about advancing myself economically, so I'm not having to deal with workplace bigotry, although I don't see why the subject of religion should come up at all. I can recall a time at a previous job when I was asked by a co-worker if I went to church, and I said 'No, I'm an Atheist.' I don't remember it really being a big deal. If the person had decided to argue with me I probably would of argued back, but we were friends so I can't imagine letting something like that come between us. Really if someone likes you as a person, it won't matter what yours or their belief system is. I think you and I actually have a similar approach to dealing with it. I mean I don't need to wave a big Atheist flag around all the time, but if someone asks or if it comes up I'll definitely tell them. Also it says Atheist on my facebook profile.

Also though some of it could be a matter of personality. I'd say in real life I'm one of the few people who are a good deal more confrontational than I am on these forums. So the idea of closeting any of my beliefs is rather abhorrent to me. I think that personally I'd be far less happy hiding by beliefs to please others.

As always, good conversation.

Yeh, I'd guess we are alike in a lot of ways then You're living a life that I would be if I weren't limited by my health issues. But we're living the same life pretty much. I live it the the last step I have strength for

All I remember, to sum up myself to the OP: is that when I was a believer, that was THE question I had anytime I met people as to whether I'd trust them or not.

"Are you a believer?"

[Chad32]

I don't think I've ever been asked that right off. I'd probably tell them that was quite the personal question.

[Mystical]

I never asked. I judged whether they did or not based on how they acted. That's why thrusts think only good people believe in God.

[Tartarus Sauce]

I'm seeing a very disproportionate picture being painted.

I've lived all my life in the DC area which is one of the most liberal, secular, religiously diverse areas in the nation. Being an atheist is fine there, we blend in with the rest. Same deal with everything north of DC into the Northeast, also a friendly place for atheists. Same deal out on the West Coast states. Rest of the country is hit or miss, with more secularism encountered in urban areas and religion parading around in the rural backwaters. Deep, deep South is boners-for-jesus land.

And college campuses are fucking havens for atheists.

I think that covers it generally speaking.

[Silver]

I was attempting to read a book where the writer apparently had no idea what she was talking about.

It was called Mind of Winter by Laura Kasischke. The main character is supposedly an atheist and her husband is a semi-religious man. Religion seemed to play a part, but the author made it seem as though religion was dying in America. I read the part where it was mentioned, and I was like, Girl, you don't have a clue.

[Chad32]

I believe it is dying out, though I think theists believe it's happening faster than it is. Blowing things out of proportion because of what little power they're losing over time.

[Coffee Jesus]

You have some atheist churches there, yes?

I have read that Unitarian Universalist churches permit atheism. It's not exclusively atheist, but I prefer inclusiveness to exclusiveness.