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It comes to the point now that if religion comes up I just shut my mouth and head for the hills. What is it about people and religion that they feel the need to point out the error of your ways once you announce that you're an atheist? I respect their right to believe what they like, despite how irrational and arrogant I may perceive it as being. I don't bother pointing out all the flaws in their beliefs with logic that a first grader could understand. For some reason, religion has been coming up a lot lately whether it be at work, with friends, or whatever. Probably due this Rapture retard that said the world was coming to an end. I keep to myself and my work and personal life separate, but if asked what I believe, I'm sure as a hell going to tell you the truth and I'm not afraid to defend it. You should see some of the reactions I get when people ask about my religious beliefs and I tell them that I'm an atheist. I've found that a lot people don't even know what the hell it really is yet tend to act negatively right from the start. I actually had one person started relating atheism to satanic beliefs and rituals. I mean really, come on? If I don't believe in God, did he really think I believe and followed in the teachings of the devil? Basically the point of this rant is I just want to know how you people deal with all these idiots? I really don't have the energy or the desire to argue the point to someone blindly arrogant, so what's the best answer for when religion becomes a topic of discussion? Lately, I'm moved onto saying I'm not religious and just leaving it at that. Seems to work so far.
Also, interesting side note. One of those born again, bible thumping, Christians was talking about the supposed Rapture that was to be coming up and was asking a few people what they thought about all the nonsense surrounding it. It came out that I was an atheist when he was talking to me. He then said that he would pray for me, in a somewhat condescending tone. To which I responded that he was free to waste his time however he felt was necessary. Apparently that comment lit a fire under his ass because he tried to file and HR complaint against me for that. I just laughed when I was told that.
Hello and welcome to AF. Typically, a new member will post in the "Introductions" section to introduce his or herself (this also tends to reduce the suspicion that a new poster might be a troll or POE).
With that out of the way, I'll say that the best way to respond when religion comes up in a discussion depends on the situation. For example, I have recently begun interviewing for jobs, and very frequently, the interviewer will casually ask "So where do you and your wife go to church?" Knowing that if say "I don't go to church because I am an atheist", I'll have a snowball's chance in hell of being considered for the position, I'll say "Oh, we go to the Baptist church in downtown X. I really enjoy "Doctor" X's sermons (names removed to protect the imbeciles). This gives me instant "fellowship" and increases my odds. I figure since 90 percent of the people here (central Florida) are "Christian", I should play along if I want to land a job.
If the topic comes up at a party, I'll be very vague. No point in being ostracised or spoiling the party.
My experiences are similar to yours - most people don't understand what atheism is, and often have ridiculous views about it that include "Satanism", "lack of morals", "god haters", etc. In fact, most religious types that I encounter pronounce atheist with a long, drawn out capital "A", and practically spit when they say the word.
"If there are gaps they are in our knowledge, not in things themselves." Chapman Cohen
"Shit-apples don't fall far from the shit-tree, Randy." Mr. Lahey
