I'm a Closet Atheist

[Cecelia]

I still get carded too, thankfully. People say I look younger than I am, though I think they say that to be nice.

Yeah, it can be destructive if you let it. But anytime my father-in-law talks about god, it just reminds me why I don't believe. The logic just isn't there. At least he can't force us to join a church. I shudder at the thought of losing part of my weekend to lose 10% of my paltry salary and listen to some guy talk about a book that doesn't make sense historically. Last time I went to church for services was probably... 15 years ago. (I did have to attend my brother's wedding in a church, though we had our wedding on a hill) Worse yet, I'd hate to see my children indoctrinated by religion. It can be a very harmful force, and that in itself is a good argument against the Abrahamic God. Surely his religion would not be harmful if he were a omniscient loving god.

[AFTT47]

Religious people tend to view Atheists as immoral.

Ironic, considering they worship a figure out of a book guilty of the worst atrocities imaginable.

That stereotyping will last as long as atheists demure, tuck tail between their legs and hide in the closet. Those of us who are open atheists and get in the face of those religious folk who pull that shit don't usually have problems with it.

Blacks didn't win their civil rights by being meek and neither did homosexuals. Same with us. Don't let people unfairly stereotype you. Correct them.

[ignoramus]

Welcome Cecelia.
It really would have made our day if you had told us that you are a religious teacher! hehehe
I can imagine some people converting quietly but also comfortable with their job and position in society...
And therefore treat class strictly as "work" ...

[pocaracas]

Welcome cece!
Join the ranks of many of the american atheists!

Or move to Europe! Here, no one bats an eye for your belief, or lack of it.

[Silver]

At your fucking age where you already have a family of your own and you are secure in your life, FUCK your family.

Just tell them. What are they going to do, be immature and refuse to see their grandchildren?

[Pyrrho]

...

But I still get carded ...

In many places, they card everyone. I believe that the law requires it in some places, and in some other instances, it is likely a matter of store policy that the cashier ask in all cases. No one would believe I am under 21, but I am carded all of the time. (No one would believe I am under 21 because I am old enough to have children much older than that.)

[Whateverist]

I'm a high school History teacher, which is one of the reasons I'm in the closet about my Atheism.  I'm worried if the wrong people find out, I could be fired. 

That's sad.

Welcome.

I know it's not much of a help, but if they would fire you, they would break the law in doing so. At least in most countries I know of.

Of course a private school might be a different matter.  I taught in a public school with a lot of gay faculty, administration and parents.  Hell, one of our history teachers started the Gay Straight alliance at our school.  I regularly thank her for helping to bridge the gap between our peoples.  

But while admire her activism on that issue I myself have always kept my atheism under wraps where my students are concerned.  I've always felt that students shouldn't have to deal with my religious status in order to learn mathematics.  In fact I've only spoken about it to staff when it becomes relevant.  One of my better friends at school is Jewish.  Once nearing xmas she confided to me how alienating all the public display of that holiday was to her as a Jew.  I had to be equally honest and tell her how off putting it all was to me as godless person.

[Pyrrho]

That's sad.

Welcome.

I know it's not much of a help, but if they would fire you, they would break the law in doing so. At least in most countries I know of.

Of course a private school might be a different matter.  I taught in a public school with a lot of gay faculty, administration and parents.  Hell, one of our history teachers started the Gay Straight alliance at our school.  I regularly thank her for helping to bridge the gap between our peoples.  

But while admire her activism on that issue I myself have always kept my atheism under wraps where my students are concerned.  I've always felt that students shouldn't have to deal with my religious status in order to learn mathematics.  In fact I've only spoken about it to staff when it becomes relevant.  One of my better friends at school is Jewish.  Once nearing xmas she confided to me how alienating all the public display of that holiday was to her as a Jew.  I had to be equally honest and tell her how off putting it all was to me as godless person.

It would affect how your students would react to you, and likely make you less effective as a teacher of mathematics.  Many religious students would probably regard you as a tool of the devil, and be distracted from the subject of mathematics by that, and not regard you as a proper authority for your field.

[robvalue]

Ah yes, another way for religion to screw up education.

[ignoramus]

Hi, my name is Cecelia and I'm a closet atheist

It sounds funny hearing it like that!
I'm a closet a-unicornist myself ...shooo! please don't tell!