There are a couple organization dedicated to helping LDS members navigate leaving the church and coping with associated family and social consequences.
http://www.exmormon.org/
http://www.postmormon.org/exp_e/index.php/home
The insular nature of the LDS church and its coercive infiltration in all aspects of members' lives, particularly the expectation that the church is to be valued more than the family or its individuals, makes the threat of total alienation very real. The stories at the above sites are very telling and will at a minimum let you know that you're not the first or alone. You will likely be able to make contact with people that have very similar experiences.
As far as searching for fellow atheists....
Except for my time at AF.org I never intentionally seek out fellow atheists. I get on with meeting new people anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes the conversation is short, but other times new acquaintances are made after stumbling upon shared interests and/or experiences. Religion rarely comes up unless the relationship develops further and by then each of us has been exposed to plenty of other qualities with which to evaluate one another. On occasion the relationship will change depending on the other's view of my atheism, but that's their problem. There are plenty of other people in the world. This is the same for any number of personal characteristics, not just religion.
I can only assume of course, but think that in addition to the insular nature of the church that your current occupation as a missionary drives some of your apprehension. Kicking someone in the skull with your religion (or lack thereof) upon introduction is a huge turnoff. People will immediately treat you as the church's mouthpiece and never get a chance to evaluate the real you. In my experience, religion is way down on the pecking order of things to be discussed when engaging strangers.
I also recommend activities that align with interests: music (or other arts), sporting events/activities, hobbies. New interactions are always easier with a known shared interest.
Last but not least, stick around here. Perhaps it's not the same as live interaction, but there are plenty of personalities and passions to bounce your ideas and even frustrations on.
Welcome.
http://www.exmormon.org/
http://www.postmormon.org/exp_e/index.php/home
The insular nature of the LDS church and its coercive infiltration in all aspects of members' lives, particularly the expectation that the church is to be valued more than the family or its individuals, makes the threat of total alienation very real. The stories at the above sites are very telling and will at a minimum let you know that you're not the first or alone. You will likely be able to make contact with people that have very similar experiences.
As far as searching for fellow atheists....
Except for my time at AF.org I never intentionally seek out fellow atheists. I get on with meeting new people anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes the conversation is short, but other times new acquaintances are made after stumbling upon shared interests and/or experiences. Religion rarely comes up unless the relationship develops further and by then each of us has been exposed to plenty of other qualities with which to evaluate one another. On occasion the relationship will change depending on the other's view of my atheism, but that's their problem. There are plenty of other people in the world. This is the same for any number of personal characteristics, not just religion.
I can only assume of course, but think that in addition to the insular nature of the church that your current occupation as a missionary drives some of your apprehension. Kicking someone in the skull with your religion (or lack thereof) upon introduction is a huge turnoff. People will immediately treat you as the church's mouthpiece and never get a chance to evaluate the real you. In my experience, religion is way down on the pecking order of things to be discussed when engaging strangers.
I also recommend activities that align with interests: music (or other arts), sporting events/activities, hobbies. New interactions are always easier with a known shared interest.
Last but not least, stick around here. Perhaps it's not the same as live interaction, but there are plenty of personalities and passions to bounce your ideas and even frustrations on.
Welcome.
