Are you a "closet" Atheist?

[Spooky]

I don't go around advertising it, usually, but I definitely don't hide it.

And I doubt anybody here would promote any advertising.

Can anybody share any anecdotes of "coming out" or similar moments of honesty?

[polar bear]

having raised 3 children (adults now) as christians, I am torn weather to tell them or not. My wife knows and that is about it.

[abaris]

Can anybody share any anecdotes of "coming out" or similar moments of honesty?

Nope, to tell the truth, where I live, it just doesn't come up. Nobody bothers, nobody preaches and hardly anyone tries to discriminate. Well, of course, there are always some conservatards.

Creatards we simply don't know. I'm sure there are some hidden somewhere, but they don't have any publicity.

So, in short, I think the whole coming out business is confined to the USA when it comes to ex christian atheism.

having raised 3 children (adults now) as christians, I am torn weather to tell them or not. My wife knows and that is about it.

When you feel it's the right time, I think it would be the right thing to do. Don't do it, if you feel they would love you any less.

[Kitty Galore]

I have been fortunate that anyone close to me knows, but they are similar, or don't care. Aquaintances and co workers...meh. I don't tell, and I don't encourage them. So it's a short conversation usually. I haven't had a religious person just come right out and ask me.

[rexbeccarox]

I grew up in Tennessee. One of the first questions 90% of the population asks upon meeting someone is, "what church do you go to?" I actually relish the fall of their phony pleasant expressions when I reply, "I don't go to church."

[Elskidor]

I grew up in Tennessee. One of the first questions 90% of the population asks upon meeting someone is, "what church do you go to?" I actually relish the fall of their phony pleasant expressions when I reply, "I don't go to church."

Oh, I know it. It's extremely annoying that people just assume you are going to a church. When I moved to TN when I was 12, one of the things they mentioned as a selling point of the town was they were home with well over 100 churches.

[Jenny A]

My immediate family is atheist. My parents and other family know. My husband's family sort of know. But my husband has not told them about himself, so I am politically quiet. Outside of family my good friends know. Others know if I really need to tell them to maintain honesty. But I don't find it necessary to say, but I'm atheist to everyone who mentions god. I do tell proselytizers at the door if I'm in the mood and have the time for the ensuing conversation. Sometimes it just scares them away.

[robvalue]

It's never been an issue for me, luckily. I don't bring it up unless it's relevant, but am happy to be honest if asked.

[Strider]

I'm still in the closet, so to speak, but I definitely don't lie about what I believe in (or don't). If I'm ever asked what church I go to, I reply that I don't go to one and leave it at that. I'm not really open with my non-belief though. Around here, there are very real social and professional repercussions. It sucks, but it is a sad fact of life here in Mississippi.

[Elskidor]

They may try to burn you alive down there in Mississippi. Might be for the best to hide from those folk.