I've recently gotten tired of keeping my mouth shut, while people are making religious comments (very noticeable on FB, though I'm a member of many atheist groups there). So I've begun 'outing' myself recently. My comments on the topic are largely 'invisible,' it seems. I suppose a lot of people don't know what to say. I have had some support. If anyone gives me trouble, I'll just block them.
I'm not actively arguing with people expressing their beliefs, in most cases. Although, for instance, if I see a msg about the Pledge of Allegiance and its supposedly Christian history, I'll post a link on a separate message to some factual data that debunks it.
Fortunately, my 'real life' friends are cool. I weeded-out the extremists several years ago, and plan to keep it that way.
My brother and sister aren't an issue; he's an atheist, and she's mild Christian but highly tolerant.
I've decided, for now at least, *not* to tell my elderly, religious but well-meaning aunt. I don't want the poor thing worrying about my 'eternal soul,' and of course she's not going to change from her belief system.
Less clear is some cousins that I see a few times a year. They're nearing 70 years old themselves, and seem in heavy denial of reality (i.e. they're devout Christians). The woman would probably handle it, but her husband, I think, would be likely to barrage me with 'inspirational materials' in hopes of converting me. It wouldn't change my mind, but would be highly annoying. Frankly, I'm inclined to deal with them as with my aunt, though it's rather distasteful.
Feedback? Thanks in advance!
I'm not actively arguing with people expressing their beliefs, in most cases. Although, for instance, if I see a msg about the Pledge of Allegiance and its supposedly Christian history, I'll post a link on a separate message to some factual data that debunks it.
Fortunately, my 'real life' friends are cool. I weeded-out the extremists several years ago, and plan to keep it that way.
My brother and sister aren't an issue; he's an atheist, and she's mild Christian but highly tolerant.
I've decided, for now at least, *not* to tell my elderly, religious but well-meaning aunt. I don't want the poor thing worrying about my 'eternal soul,' and of course she's not going to change from her belief system.
Less clear is some cousins that I see a few times a year. They're nearing 70 years old themselves, and seem in heavy denial of reality (i.e. they're devout Christians). The woman would probably handle it, but her husband, I think, would be likely to barrage me with 'inspirational materials' in hopes of converting me. It wouldn't change my mind, but would be highly annoying. Frankly, I'm inclined to deal with them as with my aunt, though it's rather distasteful.
Feedback? Thanks in advance!
