Here's my thoughts... Personally, I would come out. Why hide? Hiding is part of the problem that atheists worldwide face, we won't be accepted (or in some cases we will be imprisoned or even killed) so we dodge questions about faith and try to skirt the subject. The only way to overcome the stigma is to come out about it. Kinda like all the gays coming out, eventually there will be too many to just dismiss and we'll be accepted into mainstream society. I've been condemned to hell many times. I'm still here and happy to say that there is no hell for me to be condemned to. When I came out to my mom she thought it was just a phase I was going through. I think she's finally given up on the whole "just a phase" thing after 17 years.
I also know many Jewish-Atheists. It's an interesting subgroup... Some Jews I know openly deny the existence of god, but still self-identify as Jewish. Meaning they keep kosher, cover their heads, etc. This is not a manifestation of duty to god, but rather a nod to their Jewish heritage. For them it's about holding onto the culture they come from, not a belief in god. It's all about how you want to live.
Best of luck to you.
I also know many Jewish-Atheists. It's an interesting subgroup... Some Jews I know openly deny the existence of god, but still self-identify as Jewish. Meaning they keep kosher, cover their heads, etc. This is not a manifestation of duty to god, but rather a nod to their Jewish heritage. For them it's about holding onto the culture they come from, not a belief in god. It's all about how you want to live.
Best of luck to you.
