yeah, but the OP was asking for ways to answer the question without putting the christians in his life off. saying you have a more "practical outlook" or that you "don't believe in any of the absurd gods" is likely going to evoke a defensive reaction.
expressing that you hold a different opinion than the majority regarding something as serious (to many people) as religion without putting them off is something that takes a lot of charisma and skill. personally, i have no idea how to go about it being the awkward person that i am. i think that letting someone know that you don't reject or think less of them for their beliefs is a good way to disarm someone. lead by example, maybe
expressing that you hold a different opinion than the majority regarding something as serious (to many people) as religion without putting them off is something that takes a lot of charisma and skill. personally, i have no idea how to go about it being the awkward person that i am. i think that letting someone know that you don't reject or think less of them for their beliefs is a good way to disarm someone. lead by example, maybe
could i get a drink and an ashtray?