Stuck in the land of Jesus

[Locnar]

I'm not totally sure what the point of this thread is just yes, but here it goes:

I'm in a bit of culture shock. About a year and a half ago, I moved from a very liberal college town to a very conservative town who loves Jesus A LOT (16,000 people, 27 churches.) My previous circle of friends were overwhelming secular (with a few exceptions), gay friendly, and diverse. This new town.....is NOT. It's rich, white, and evangelical.

Needless to say I'm feeling quite apprehensive. I found a neighbor who likes the same football team as I do, and I was set to invite him over. Then I found out he works in a Christian book store. I backed off. Not sure if this was the right call, but I smelled a disaster.

The absolute worst part involves my children. I raise them secular of course, but they pick up all kinds of things from their friends. (I can't really be mad at a 5 year old for talking about his religion to my son.) Now I have to battle them picking up all kinds of beliefs that I didn't have to worry about in the past.

Don't get me wrong, there are no torch wielding mobs outside my door. It's just that, after living so long in a really progressive city, I'd forgotten what the real world was like.

Anyone else have a similar experience?

[Minimalist]

Sounds perfectly dreadful.

[Dotard]

Don't get me wrong, there are no torch wielding mobs outside my door.

Yet.

[KichigaiNeko]

Yup .... know how you feel. Had the same experience and it has taken 5 years and alot of gentle persuasion with my youngest to avoid the 'religiously blind'

Cheer up ...and keep to your most cherished beliefs. And yes you are in for one helluva time as you try to give your llittluns the education you want.

[SleepingDemon]

I live in a small town in Arkansas, it's essentially the same. You will find churches and bible book stores on every street. People find out you are an athiest and expect some sort of virgin sacrifice going on in your basement. People are crazy man.

[D.S.M.]

Insanity is never good, yet...

[bozo]

Locnar, I think you were living in the " real " world, just that you aren't now!
My commiserations.

[Eilonnwy]

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.

[Xyster]

Meh go put on a Born Again Atheist t-shirt on and walk around wall mart.. when you get a dirty look smile and nod

[Autumnlicious]

You talk to God, you're religious. God talks to you, you're psychotic.