I don't understand it: Why am I not confietable with the label "Atheist"

[ReptilianPeon]

Background: I've mentioned where it is I work before. We get a lot of applications in the post. And one day there was one sent it from a man called Noah. A colleague mentioned Noah's Ark and I said the story is silly like how could fit all of the billions of types of animal (the story makes no reference to plants, viruses, fungi, bacteria etc and only mentions animals.) into a single boat and the person says something to the effect of "I'll just believe what the Bible says."

It's hard for me to understand how anybody can be in the same office as me and be religious given that we grapple with the problem of evil every single day. So they said they go to Church and they asked me what my religion was and I said I'm nothing. I didn't want to get into a discussion about this with somebody whom I think is a nice person that I want to get along with and I honestly didn't feel comfortable telling them what I sincerely am. Should I be more open with people? I know I probably won't offend anyone by doing so but it's hard and I'm not sure that I like labels because these days everyone wants a label it seems.

[robvalue]

It can be difficult. Maybe "I'm not interested in religion" would suffice. To be honest, people have no right pestering you for more detail than that. That is what I go with, when someone asks an awkward question and a full discussion doesn't seem appropriate.

Unless you're dealing with someone who knows their stuff, announcing you're an atheist is probably more like to confuse matters. But then a case can be made for explaining exactly what this means, where appropriate. People's ignorance shouldn't be a barrier to communication. It depends on the person and situation.

[ReptilianPeon]

It didn't seem like they wanted a full discussion. Besides, it happened in the workplace so it's not like they could spent the time questioning me. I simply don't find religion convincing. I appreciate the post and I will use your wise words in the future.

[robvalue]

You're welcome

I would say if they pressed you further than that, they are being unreasonable and you're well within your rights to say it's a personal matter. If someone says they aren't interested in football, you don't pin then down and grill them about whether they believe goal posts exist, do you?

Maybe as you get to know people better, you could unpack it a little more. But it's a matter of whether it will be productive. Their original question betrays a closed mind: what religion are you? So personally I'd need to see more evidence that the person can actually handle more detail before going any further.

[Cyberman]

You said it right here. You don't find religion convincing. Say that.

[Excited Penguin]

I think you should say you're an atheist. Don't be afraid to say who you are.

[ErGingerbreadMandude]

Don't reveal that you're an atheist,especially if the person you're revealing this to is a devoted Christian. You don't want the hassle, trust me. Just let it be.

[Minimalist]

"I'll just believe what the Bible says."

Some people would rather not think at all.  They should be pitied.

[robvalue]

You could carry around Lord of the Rings, and repeat that same sentiment.

[Red_Wind]

Could just say that you're not religious. Most of the people i have talked to don't even know what an atheist is so i just go with the former:p

Also, reminds me of a fantasy novel i am reading.

"By the way... you did not actually pray to the Holy Father, did you?"

Pascal's interrogation hit her spot on just as two servants brought in their meals. He gave no awareness to their presence again, and she hurriedly returned a nod of gratitude.

"No...?"

Kaede had pretended to pray to show respect, but reciting words that she didn't believe in seemed... wrong.

"How could you not pray to the Holy Father?"

Having spent a dozen years in Central Russia, Kaede did attend several Eastern Orthodox services, but she never really converted and stayed an agnostic-deist like her mother. Plus, she considered her religious flexibility to be a major advantage when studying foreign history and culture, so when it came to the religiously adamant...

"Hey, I already follow the Flying Spaghetti God, so please respect my faith," Kaede retorted. "Besides, you told me the Samarans don't worship him either!"

"And the Samarans are seen as heretics! Do you wish to be singled out by the church inquisition!?"

She shut up immediately, remembering the agonizing deaths people used to give nonbelievers.