Stuck in the land of Jesus

[Eilonnwy]

@Eilonnwy: You have some sound advice in your post. I'm not the kind of person who would go around challenging peoples beliefs anyway. I am honest if someone brings it up however. I intend to let my kids decide on their own of course, but the idea of one of my children becoming a fundy makes my shudder nonetheless.

The extra wrinkle in all of this is that my wife has a semi-public job in this town. It could be quite damaging to her if I walked around with a "Jesus Sucks" kind of t-shirt, as much as I might find that kind of thing amusing.

No problem. I think it's important to remember that not saying anything is not lying. If religion doesn't come up, all the better. I mean if I'm in a room with people and they're discussing the fact they went to church on Sunday, do I have to say that I don't go to church because I'm an atheist? No. I don't need to inform everyone I meet just to be true to myself.

I'm the type of person that advertises my atheism, but I do so with a purpose in mind and in certain situations. I like bringing attention to atheism so people are aware of what atheists really are and to combat negative connotations. However, you're a working married person with children. Your priorities are different from a 25 year old single lady who wants to seek a political commentary as a career.

However, I can understand wanting to talk and discuss atheism, hence I suggested a local group. But even coming to a place like this, despite not being local, can help you have discussions with like minded people. I realized when I started to really get into the atheist and skeptical movement that I may want to discuss it with everyone, but not everyone wants to hear. So joining Boston Atheists and coming here let's me channel those thoughts so I can have a good time with my religious friends and not cause friction. I have plenty of Christian friends, a few Jewish that I love dearly and don't think any less of for being religious, and they don't judge me either. There are a lot of people like that, I'm sure you'll find some.