How would you respond-- "are you an atheist?" from a student

[Anonymous]

ALso, your friend may have been thoughtless, but she's only out of line in a repressive world where mentioning a friend's lack of religion can be dangerous to the friend's reputation and livelihood, totally apart from one's competence.

It would be wrong and cruel for her to mention a teacher's VD or illegal drug use -- but atheism, despite what some people might think, is not in that category.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ALso, your friend may have been thoughtless, but she's only out of line in a repressive world where mentioning a friend's lack of religion can be dangerous to the friend's reputation and livelihood, totally apart from one's competence.

It would be wrong and cruel for her to mention a teacher's VD or illegal drug use -- but atheism, despite what some people might think, is not in that category.

Thanks to you and the PP.

Previous PP- just want to talk to my union rep for general advice and if there's anything I should know; we are friendly and I trust him.

Re: above, that revealing ones atheism would only be bad in a repressive world (paraphrasing bc on my phone, sorry) I agree I wish it were not something I was concerned about. But I know many of my students are religious and I am worried about their opinion if me changing or them not trusting me. Or telling their parents and parents getting concerned.

I too wish it could simply be this is how I believe, and this is how you believe, and that's fine (and doesn't even belong in school). But I don't feel it's that simple.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ALso, your friend may have been thoughtless, but she's only out of line in a repressive world where mentioning a friend's lack of religion can be dangerous to the friend's reputation and livelihood, totally apart from one's competence.

It would be wrong and cruel for her to mention a teacher's VD or illegal drug use -- but atheism, despite what some people might think, is not in that category.

Thanks to you and the PP.

Previous PP- just want to talk to my union rep for general advice and if there's anything I should know; we are friendly and I trust him.

Re: above, that revealing ones atheism would only be bad in a repressive world (paraphrasing bc on my phone, sorry) I agree I wish it were not something I was concerned about. But I know many of my students are religious and I am worried about their opinion if me changing or them not trusting me. Or telling their parents and parents getting concerned.

I too wish it could simply be this is how I believe, and this is how you believe, and that's fine (and doesn't even belong in school). But I don't feel it's that simple.

OK - I get it about the union rep -- and ask you to realize then that this makes another school-related person who knows you're an atheist. I know you didn't sign up to be the poster child for atheism at your school, but that's what's happening. Atheists are where gays were a few years ago -- and look how that's changed - and wouldn't have if gays had stayed in the closet.

and you're right, it's not simple - but given the situation you find yourself in, I wish you could feel more confident (I know this doesn't happen overnight) and less apologetic and worried about what other people might think about something that is wrongly stigmatized. It would be different if you hadn't established a good reputation at the school, but it sounds like you have.

Also please consider that you're likely not the only atheist there. You might find support where you least expect it.

[Anonymous]

"None of your business, you little shit."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"None of your business, you little shit."

yeah, right, like that would help relations in the school, irrespective of the issue at hand.