I am older than most of you, and I was raised to respect these matters as private. Because of that, I never raise the issue first. As a life-long atheist, however, I've noticed over the decades that the "warrior" religious types -- meaning the ones who feel it is their "God-given" mandate to "save" as many of we heathens as they can -- have become much more aggressive in a) ascertaining the belief systems of the strangers they encounter; and b) doing their utmost to convert us.
I have never shied away from having that discussion if asked, usually prefaced with a statement that my record for de-conversion is good and they should take that into account before choosing to have the chat. I have never denied my atheism to anyone. If engaged, I will discuss it with enthusiasm -- even ferocity. But just as I expect religious people to keep off the topic, I do the same -- until they open their big mouths, that is.
I have never shied away from having that discussion if asked, usually prefaced with a statement that my record for de-conversion is good and they should take that into account before choosing to have the chat. I have never denied my atheism to anyone. If engaged, I will discuss it with enthusiasm -- even ferocity. But just as I expect religious people to keep off the topic, I do the same -- until they open their big mouths, that is.
