I think it's very fallacious to assume all the Christians there would dislike you for being an atheist. Granted, I do live in Liberal Boston, but I came out to a very religious person at my work and she treats me no different, we're very friendly.
I would say you can test the waters with these people, some might be dicks, but some Christians may be very kind and welcoming, just avoid the topic of religion and you'll probably be fine. If they ask, be honest but kind. Don't be like, "Well I'm an atheist because believing in God is like having an invisible friend." You'll piss people off fast. But if you just say "I'm non-religious" maybe not use the buzz word Atheist if you feel that you can handle it, you might be okay. If they try to convert you, I would tell them it's a personal matter, that you won't try to convert them if they won't convert you. If they don't listen, they're not worth having as friends.
Furthermore, I would suggest looking online for a local secular humanist/atheist/freethinker group. They're all over the place if you look hard enough. I recommend meetup.com, you might find a local group already having some meetings, that way you can find the people who are like you and you would feel more comfortable making friends with.
Lastly, as far as the children go. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Don't come at it as "I got to counteract this brainwashing" but give them the chance to learn. The worse thing you can do is try to force your child to believe as you do. Tell them what you believe and why. Teach them critical thinking so they have the tools to listen to their peers and summarily dismiss the claims. Let them learn about other religions, because I think a broader understanding of all religions is a great tool to help kids decide what they want to believe. If you don't indoctrinate but rather share you beliefs and teach critical thinking, I think the kids will likely turn out as you hope. If they end up finding religion, that's up to them. I know people want their kids to believe what they do, but they are their own person and should make the decision for themselves.
I hope my advice helps. Granted, I'm no expert, but I've heard the advice about children from other atheists with children.
I would say you can test the waters with these people, some might be dicks, but some Christians may be very kind and welcoming, just avoid the topic of religion and you'll probably be fine. If they ask, be honest but kind. Don't be like, "Well I'm an atheist because believing in God is like having an invisible friend." You'll piss people off fast. But if you just say "I'm non-religious" maybe not use the buzz word Atheist if you feel that you can handle it, you might be okay. If they try to convert you, I would tell them it's a personal matter, that you won't try to convert them if they won't convert you. If they don't listen, they're not worth having as friends.
Furthermore, I would suggest looking online for a local secular humanist/atheist/freethinker group. They're all over the place if you look hard enough. I recommend meetup.com, you might find a local group already having some meetings, that way you can find the people who are like you and you would feel more comfortable making friends with.
Lastly, as far as the children go. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Don't come at it as "I got to counteract this brainwashing" but give them the chance to learn. The worse thing you can do is try to force your child to believe as you do. Tell them what you believe and why. Teach them critical thinking so they have the tools to listen to their peers and summarily dismiss the claims. Let them learn about other religions, because I think a broader understanding of all religions is a great tool to help kids decide what they want to believe. If you don't indoctrinate but rather share you beliefs and teach critical thinking, I think the kids will likely turn out as you hope. If they end up finding religion, that's up to them. I know people want their kids to believe what they do, but they are their own person and should make the decision for themselves.
I hope my advice helps. Granted, I'm no expert, but I've heard the advice about children from other atheists with children.
"The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason." Benjamin Franklin
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::Blogs:: Boston Atheism Examiner - Boston Atheists Blog | :
odcast:: Boston Atheists Report
