Disclosing atheism

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just say I’m not religious

True, but it's the easy way out -- sort of like a gay guy saying he's not the marrying kind (in the old days -- now people bring up their same sex spouse like it's no big deal.)

And it does nothing to help change the perception of atheists as nasty, bad people.

This is the first time she’s meeting these neighbors. She can save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws.

Highlighting the discriminatory posts. It's unbelievable there are still people in the world who think like this.

Do you have the courage to voice your opinions about Blacks, Hispanics, Asians? LGBTQ+?

Because I'm sure you have some choice words to say about them too!

I’m the PP you quoted and I’m atheist! And I drink White Claw!

I'm not the poster who quoted you. Personally, I thought the highlighted section save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws. was just a personal opinion that I disagreed with.

Good to know that you are an atheist -- to me, it indicates that we do not all think alike. Believers, take note. Not all atheists think alike! The one quoted above would recommend being a little drunk before mentioning their atheism.

Question: Does that go for the religious neighbor too -- should they have been a little drunk before mentioning their religion and asking OP about theirs?

None of us, other than the OP, know exactly the tone of the conversation nor exactly what was said. Based on what the OP wrote, it sounds like the neighbors were looking for a new church and maybe wondering if OP had any recommendations. It doesn’t sound like they were engaging OP in a theological debate. One of the nice things about atheism is that you don’t have to proselytize so I’m not sure why you are so worried about the response OP or any other atheist gives to this question.

There's actually a third group who know how the conversation went. Those of us that read the first post. Which clearly you did not.

"they asked me about my faith, where I go to church etc. I breezily said, oh, I'm an atheist, and tried to keep the conversation moving but they seemed taken aback - as if I had said something really impolite. "

OP wasn't "proselytizing" and you clearly misrepresent the encounter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just say I’m not religious

True, but it's the easy way out -- sort of like a gay guy saying he's not the marrying kind (in the old days -- now people bring up their same sex spouse like it's no big deal.)

And it does nothing to help change the perception of atheists as nasty, bad people.

This is the first time she’s meeting these neighbors. She can save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws.

Highlighting the discriminatory posts. It's unbelievable there are still people in the world who think like this.

Do you have the courage to voice your opinions about Blacks, Hispanics, Asians? LGBTQ+?

Because I'm sure you have some choice words to say about them too!

I’m the PP you quoted and I’m atheist! And I drink White Claw!

I'm not the poster who quoted you. Personally, I thought the highlighted section save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws. was just a personal opinion that I disagreed with.

Good to know that you are an atheist -- to me, it indicates that we do not all think alike. Believers, take note. Not all atheists think alike! The one quoted above would recommend being a little drunk before mentioning their atheism.

Question: Does that go for the religious neighbor too -- should they have been a little drunk before mentioning their religion and asking OP about theirs?

None of us, other than the OP, know exactly the tone of the conversation nor exactly what was said. Based on what the OP wrote, it sounds like the neighbors were looking for a new church and maybe wondering if OP had any recommendations. It doesn’t sound like they were engaging OP in a theological debate. One of the nice things about atheism is that you don’t have to proselytize so I’m not sure why you are so worried about the response OP or any other atheist gives to this question.

There's actually a third group who know how the conversation went. Those of us that read the first post. Which clearly you did not.

"they asked me about my faith, where I go to church etc. I breezily said, oh, I'm an atheist, and tried to keep the conversation moving but they seemed taken aback - as if I had said something really impolite. "

OP wasn't "proselytizing" and you clearly misrepresent the encounter.

That is not a transcript of the conversation. We don’t know exactly what was said. But ok.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just say I’m not religious

True, but it's the easy way out -- sort of like a gay guy saying he's not the marrying kind (in the old days -- now people bring up their same sex spouse like it's no big deal.)

And it does nothing to help change the perception of atheists as nasty, bad people.

This is the first time she’s meeting these neighbors. She can save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws.

Highlighting the discriminatory posts. It's unbelievable there are still people in the world who think like this.

Do you have the courage to voice your opinions about Blacks, Hispanics, Asians? LGBTQ+?

Because I'm sure you have some choice words to say about them too!

I’m the PP you quoted and I’m atheist! And I drink White Claw!

I'm not the poster who quoted you. Personally, I thought the highlighted section save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws. was just a personal opinion that I disagreed with.

Good to know that you are an atheist -- to me, it indicates that we do not all think alike. Believers, take note. Not all atheists think alike! The one quoted above would recommend being a little drunk before mentioning their atheism.

Question: Does that go for the religious neighbor too -- should they have been a little drunk before mentioning their religion and asking OP about theirs?

None of us, other than the OP, know exactly the tone of the conversation nor exactly what was said. Based on what the OP wrote, it sounds like the neighbors were looking for a new church and maybe wondering if OP had any recommendations. It doesn’t sound like they were engaging OP in a theological debate. One of the nice things about atheism is that you don’t have to proselytize so I’m not sure why you are so worried about the response OP or any other atheist gives to this question.

There's actually a third group who know how the conversation went. Those of us that read the first post. Which clearly you did not.

"they asked me about my faith, where I go to church etc. I breezily said, oh, I'm an atheist, and tried to keep the conversation moving but they seemed taken aback - as if I had said something really impolite. "

OP wasn't "proselytizing" and you clearly misrepresent the encounter.

That is not a transcript of the conversation. We don’t know exactly what was said. But ok.

So the OP lied? And somehow you know that?

[Anonymous]

There was something OP specifically did that led them to believe she was a church-goer:

"...a member of the new family was talking with me about how much they are going to miss their old church and I was empathizing how hard it can be to leave a community and make a new one in your new home when they asked me about my faith, where I go to church etc. I breezily said, oh, I'm an atheist..."

They thought OP was talking about finding a new faith community, because that's what they were talking about. They weren't expecting OP to say she was an atheist because they assumed, based on the context of what they said and OP's response, that she was a church-goer. That's why it was awkward. Not because they hate atheists or have never met atheists, but because they were genuinely surprised by OP's response. They were talking about church, OP was talking about her bowling league or whatever, but they thought she meant church.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just say I’m not religious

True, but it's the easy way out -- sort of like a gay guy saying he's not the marrying kind (in the old days -- now people bring up their same sex spouse like it's no big deal.)

And it does nothing to help change the perception of atheists as nasty, bad people.

This is the first time she’s meeting these neighbors. She can save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws.

Highlighting the discriminatory posts. It's unbelievable there are still people in the world who think like this.

Do you have the courage to voice your opinions about Blacks, Hispanics, Asians? LGBTQ+?

Because I'm sure you have some choice words to say about them too!

I’m the PP you quoted and I’m atheist! And I drink White Claw!

I'm not the poster who quoted you. Personally, I thought the highlighted section save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws. was just a personal opinion that I disagreed with.

Good to know that you are an atheist -- to me, it indicates that we do not all think alike. Believers, take note. Not all atheists think alike! The one quoted above would recommend being a little drunk before mentioning their atheism.

Question: Does that go for the religious neighbor too -- should they have been a little drunk before mentioning their religion and asking OP about theirs?

None of us, other than the OP, know exactly the tone of the conversation nor exactly what was said. Based on what the OP wrote, it sounds like the neighbors were looking for a new church and maybe wondering if OP had any recommendations. It doesn’t sound like they were engaging OP in a theological debate. One of the nice things about atheism is that you don’t have to proselytize so I’m not sure why you are so worried about the response OP or any other atheist gives to this question.

There's actually a third group who know how the conversation went. Those of us that read the first post. Which clearly you did not.

"they asked me about my faith, where I go to church etc. I breezily said, oh, I'm an atheist, and tried to keep the conversation moving but they seemed taken aback - as if I had said something really impolite. "

OP wasn't "proselytizing" and you clearly misrepresent the encounter.

That is not a transcript of the conversation. We don’t know exactly what was said. But ok.

So the OP lied? And somehow you know that?

I am not saying the OP lied. I’m just saying we don’t know the exact words used.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just say I’m not religious

True, but it's the easy way out -- sort of like a gay guy saying he's not the marrying kind (in the old days -- now people bring up their same sex spouse like it's no big deal.)

And it does nothing to help change the perception of atheists as nasty, bad people.

This is the first time she’s meeting these neighbors. She can save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws.

Highlighting the discriminatory posts. It's unbelievable there are still people in the world who think like this.

Do you have the courage to voice your opinions about Blacks, Hispanics, Asians? LGBTQ+?

Because I'm sure you have some choice words to say about them too!

I’m the PP you quoted and I’m atheist! And I drink White Claw!

I'm not the poster who quoted you. Personally, I thought the highlighted section save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws. was just a personal opinion that I disagreed with.

Good to know that you are an atheist -- to me, it indicates that we do not all think alike. Believers, take note. Not all atheists think alike! The one quoted above would recommend being a little drunk before mentioning their atheism.

Question: Does that go for the religious neighbor too -- should they have been a little drunk before mentioning their religion and asking OP about theirs?

None of us, other than the OP, know exactly the tone of the conversation nor exactly what was said. Based on what the OP wrote, it sounds like the neighbors were looking for a new church and maybe wondering if OP had any recommendations. It doesn’t sound like they were engaging OP in a theological debate. One of the nice things about atheism is that you don’t have to proselytize so I’m not sure why you are so worried about the response OP or any other atheist gives to this question.

There's actually a third group who know how the conversation went. Those of us that read the first post. Which clearly you did not.

"they asked me about my faith, where I go to church etc. I breezily said, oh, I'm an atheist, and tried to keep the conversation moving but they seemed taken aback - as if I had said something really impolite. "

OP wasn't "proselytizing" and you clearly misrepresent the encounter.

That is not a transcript of the conversation. We don’t know exactly what was said. But ok.

So the OP lied? And somehow you know that?

I am not saying the OP lied. I’m just saying we don’t know the exact words used.

But the OP was there, the words were said to her, and she wrote them down for us to read.

So you either accept those or not. Which is it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just say I’m not religious

True, but it's the easy way out -- sort of like a gay guy saying he's not the marrying kind (in the old days -- now people bring up their same sex spouse like it's no big deal.)

And it does nothing to help change the perception of atheists as nasty, bad people.

This is the first time she’s meeting these neighbors. She can save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws.

Highlighting the discriminatory posts. It's unbelievable there are still people in the world who think like this.

Do you have the courage to voice your opinions about Blacks, Hispanics, Asians? LGBTQ+?

Because I'm sure you have some choice words to say about them too!

I’m the PP you quoted and I’m atheist! And I drink White Claw!

I'm not the poster who quoted you. Personally, I thought the highlighted section save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws. was just a personal opinion that I disagreed with.

Good to know that you are an atheist -- to me, it indicates that we do not all think alike. Believers, take note. Not all atheists think alike! The one quoted above would recommend being a little drunk before mentioning their atheism.

Question: Does that go for the religious neighbor too -- should they have been a little drunk before mentioning their religion and asking OP about theirs?

None of us, other than the OP, know exactly the tone of the conversation nor exactly what was said. Based on what the OP wrote, it sounds like the neighbors were looking for a new church and maybe wondering if OP had any recommendations. It doesn’t sound like they were engaging OP in a theological debate. One of the nice things about atheism is that you don’t have to proselytize so I’m not sure why you are so worried about the response OP or any other atheist gives to this question.

There's actually a third group who know how the conversation went. Those of us that read the first post. Which clearly you did not.

"they asked me about my faith, where I go to church etc. I breezily said, oh, I'm an atheist, and tried to keep the conversation moving but they seemed taken aback - as if I had said something really impolite. "

OP wasn't "proselytizing" and you clearly misrepresent the encounter.

That is not a transcript of the conversation. We don’t know exactly what was said. But ok.

So the OP lied? And somehow you know that?

I am not saying the OP lied. I’m just saying we don’t know the exact words used.

But the OP was there, the words were said to her, and she wrote them down for us to read.

So you either accept those or not. Which is it?

No I do not accept the first post in this thread to be an exact transcript of the conversation that took place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just say I’m not religious

True, but it's the easy way out -- sort of like a gay guy saying he's not the marrying kind (in the old days -- now people bring up their same sex spouse like it's no big deal.)

And it does nothing to help change the perception of atheists as nasty, bad people.

This is the first time she’s meeting these neighbors. She can save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws.

Highlighting the discriminatory posts. It's unbelievable there are still people in the world who think like this.

Do you have the courage to voice your opinions about Blacks, Hispanics, Asians? LGBTQ+?

Because I'm sure you have some choice words to say about them too!

I’m the PP you quoted and I’m atheist! And I drink White Claw!

I'm not the poster who quoted you. Personally, I thought the highlighted section save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws. was just a personal opinion that I disagreed with.

Good to know that you are an atheist -- to me, it indicates that we do not all think alike. Believers, take note. Not all atheists think alike! The one quoted above would recommend being a little drunk before mentioning their atheism.

Question: Does that go for the religious neighbor too -- should they have been a little drunk before mentioning their religion and asking OP about theirs?

None of us, other than the OP, know exactly the tone of the conversation nor exactly what was said. Based on what the OP wrote, it sounds like the neighbors were looking for a new church and maybe wondering if OP had any recommendations. It doesn’t sound like they were engaging OP in a theological debate. One of the nice things about atheism is that you don’t have to proselytize so I’m not sure why you are so worried about the response OP or any other atheist gives to this question.

There's actually a third group who know how the conversation went. Those of us that read the first post. Which clearly you did not.

"they asked me about my faith, where I go to church etc. I breezily said, oh, I'm an atheist, and tried to keep the conversation moving but they seemed taken aback - as if I had said something really impolite. "

OP wasn't "proselytizing" and you clearly misrepresent the encounter.

That is not a transcript of the conversation. We don’t know exactly what was said. But ok.

So the OP lied? And somehow you know that?

I am not saying the OP lied. I’m just saying we don’t know the exact words used.

But the OP was there, the words were said to her, and she wrote them down for us to read.

So you either accept those or not. Which is it?

No I do not accept the first post in this thread to be an exact transcript of the conversation that took place.

On what basis? Are you accusing the OP of making it up? Are you insinuating she mis-remembers it?

Simply put: how the hell do you know?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just say I’m not religious

True, but it's the easy way out -- sort of like a gay guy saying he's not the marrying kind (in the old days -- now people bring up their same sex spouse like it's no big deal.)

And it does nothing to help change the perception of atheists as nasty, bad people.

This is the first time she’s meeting these neighbors. She can save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws.

Highlighting the discriminatory posts. It's unbelievable there are still people in the world who think like this.

Do you have the courage to voice your opinions about Blacks, Hispanics, Asians? LGBTQ+?

Because I'm sure you have some choice words to say about them too!

I’m the PP you quoted and I’m atheist! And I drink White Claw!

I'm not the poster who quoted you. Personally, I thought the highlighted section save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws. was just a personal opinion that I disagreed with.

Good to know that you are an atheist -- to me, it indicates that we do not all think alike. Believers, take note. Not all atheists think alike! The one quoted above would recommend being a little drunk before mentioning their atheism.

Question: Does that go for the religious neighbor too -- should they have been a little drunk before mentioning their religion and asking OP about theirs?

None of us, other than the OP, know exactly the tone of the conversation nor exactly what was said. Based on what the OP wrote, it sounds like the neighbors were looking for a new church and maybe wondering if OP had any recommendations. It doesn’t sound like they were engaging OP in a theological debate. One of the nice things about atheism is that you don’t have to proselytize so I’m not sure why you are so worried about the response OP or any other atheist gives to this question.

There's actually a third group who know how the conversation went. Those of us that read the first post. Which clearly you did not.

"they asked me about my faith, where I go to church etc. I breezily said, oh, I'm an atheist, and tried to keep the conversation moving but they seemed taken aback - as if I had said something really impolite. "

OP wasn't "proselytizing" and you clearly misrepresent the encounter.

That is not a transcript of the conversation. We don’t know exactly what was said. But ok.

So the OP lied? And somehow you know that?

I am not saying the OP lied. I’m just saying we don’t know the exact words used.

But the OP was there, the words were said to her, and she wrote them down for us to read.

So you either accept those or not. Which is it?

No I do not accept the first post in this thread to be an exact transcript of the conversation that took place.

But do you accept them?? pp did NOT ask you to agree that it was an exact transcript.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just say I’m not religious

True, but it's the easy way out -- sort of like a gay guy saying he's not the marrying kind (in the old days -- now people bring up their same sex spouse like it's no big deal.)

And it does nothing to help change the perception of atheists as nasty, bad people.

This is the first time she’s meeting these neighbors. She can save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws.

Highlighting the discriminatory posts. It's unbelievable there are still people in the world who think like this.

Do you have the courage to voice your opinions about Blacks, Hispanics, Asians? LGBTQ+?

Because I'm sure you have some choice words to say about them too!

I’m the PP you quoted and I’m atheist! And I drink White Claw!

I'm not the poster who quoted you. Personally, I thought the highlighted section save the atheism chat for the block party after a few White Claws. was just a personal opinion that I disagreed with.

Good to know that you are an atheist -- to me, it indicates that we do not all think alike. Believers, take note. Not all atheists think alike! The one quoted above would recommend being a little drunk before mentioning their atheism.

Question: Does that go for the religious neighbor too -- should they have been a little drunk before mentioning their religion and asking OP about theirs?

None of us, other than the OP, know exactly the tone of the conversation nor exactly what was said. Based on what the OP wrote, it sounds like the neighbors were looking for a new church and maybe wondering if OP had any recommendations. It doesn’t sound like they were engaging OP in a theological debate. One of the nice things about atheism is that you don’t have to proselytize so I’m not sure why you are so worried about the response OP or any other atheist gives to this question.

There's actually a third group who know how the conversation went. Those of us that read the first post. Which clearly you did not.

"they asked me about my faith, where I go to church etc. I breezily said, oh, I'm an atheist, and tried to keep the conversation moving but they seemed taken aback - as if I had said something really impolite. "

OP wasn't "proselytizing" and you clearly misrepresent the encounter.

That is not a transcript of the conversation. We don’t know exactly what was said. But ok.

So the OP lied? And somehow you know that?

I am not saying the OP lied. I’m just saying we don’t know the exact words used.

But the OP was there, the words were said to her, and she wrote them down for us to read.

So you either accept those or not. Which is it?

No I do not accept the first post in this thread to be an exact transcript of the conversation that took place.

On what basis? Are you accusing the OP of making it up? Are you insinuating she mis-remembers it?

Simply put: how the hell do you know?

I suppose I don’t, but the OP presented the post as a summation of a conversation, only using direct quotes once.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just say I’m not religious

True, but it's the easy way out -- sort of like a gay guy saying he's not the marrying kind (in the old days -- now people bring up their same sex spouse like it's no big deal.)

And it does nothing to help change the perception of atheists as nasty, bad people.

You know what would help with that? If hundreds of DCUM readers didn't click into the Religion forum every day to see atheists trashing faith and showing bigotry towards certain faiths. I mean, if you want to change the perception of atheists.

Such irony.

“We wouldn’t hate the atheists so much if they would just keep it to themselves and not state their beliefs “

This kind of bad faith comment is exactly why I cringe at people who announce themselves to be atheists. I assume it’s about to be contentious. And I’m usually right.

In contrast, DH comes from a Muslim family and I never have any sort of unpleasantness with them, even though I’m not Muslim.

You just keep proving the point, post after post.

You know what would help with that? If hundreds of DCUM readers didn't click into the Religion forum every day to see atheists trashing faith and showing bigotry towards certain faiths. I mean, if you want to change the perception of atheists.

PP says we hate atheists because they post what they think. End period. Nothing in bad faith about it. That's what it is.

People of faith don’t want to engage with atheists because they trash people of faith. Not because they personally lack faith.

I find it ironic that you are accusing a whole group of people of trashing people.

+1 I am an atheist who doesn't bash people of faith or say they are wrong. I state what I believe and at the same time respect someone's different beliefs. Just because some atheists on here seem to up for a fight doesn't mean they represent the average atheist...

And yet, many of you trash all Christians, Jews or Catholics based on the actions of sum. Yet none of you “I don’t bash” atheists ever steps up to correct your fellow atheists. It’s hard not to conclude that they’re doing work for you.

you are the one currently doing the trashing...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There was something OP specifically did that led them to believe she was a church-goer:

"...a member of the new family was talking with me about how much they are going to miss their old church and I was empathizing how hard it can be to leave a community and make a new one in your new home when they asked me about my faith, where I go to church etc. I breezily said, oh, I'm an atheist..."

They thought OP was talking about finding a new faith community, because that's what they were talking about. They weren't expecting OP to say she was an atheist because they assumed, based on the context of what they said and OP's response, that she was a church-goer. That's why it was awkward. Not because they hate atheists or have never met atheists, but because they were genuinely surprised by OP's response. They were talking about church, OP was talking about her bowling league or whatever, but they thought she meant church.

I'd say currently, as it stands, no-one expects anyone to say they are an atheist in a casual conversation about anything, especially about finding a church. It would have been OK if OP had said something like "I'm Jewish" or "I don't go to church" or maybe even "I'm agnostic". But to casually mention that you are an atheist is currently not expected, not cool, not part of regular conversation.

I think more atheists should do it. To make it more normal and acceptable, like casual mention of a same sex spouse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just say I’m not religious

True, but it's the easy way out -- sort of like a gay guy saying he's not the marrying kind (in the old days -- now people bring up their same sex spouse like it's no big deal.)

And it does nothing to help change the perception of atheists as nasty, bad people.

You know what would help with that? If hundreds of DCUM readers didn't click into the Religion forum every day to see atheists trashing faith and showing bigotry towards certain faiths. I mean, if you want to change the perception of atheists.

Such irony.

“We wouldn’t hate the atheists so much if they would just keep it to themselves and not state their beliefs “

This kind of bad faith comment is exactly why I cringe at people who announce themselves to be atheists. I assume it’s about to be contentious. And I’m usually right.

In contrast, DH comes from a Muslim family and I never have any sort of unpleasantness with them, even though I’m not Muslim.

You just keep proving the point, post after post.

You know what would help with that? If hundreds of DCUM readers didn't click into the Religion forum every day to see atheists trashing faith and showing bigotry towards certain faiths. I mean, if you want to change the perception of atheists.

PP says we hate atheists because they post what they think. End period. Nothing in bad faith about it. That's what it is.

DP. You’re demonstrating the very problem. Nobody said people dislike atheists because you “post what you think.” You’re simply lying here. The post you quote says people dislike atheists because they *trash* faith and certain types of faith, and you see it here on a daily basis.

Is saying belief in your god and belief Odin is a god is the same thing "trashing" your faith?

Nobody ever answers questions like this, they just throw out their accusations, when the truth is ANY reasonable discourse about evidence for the supernatural and comparisons to other supernatural beliefs is met with outrage. You can't bear to have your beliefs questioned, I guess, even in an open discussion forum.

I think a lot of people just aren't used to it. we've learned to be accepting of other religions, but not to be accepting of people who do not believe in a religion.

Certainly most people have not learned to have their supernatural beliefs compared to beliefs they do not hold, like Odin.

It seems to come as a shock and an insult -- like "How dare you compare my real God that lots of people believe in to that old-fashioned God that no one believes in anymore!"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My family invited another family over for dinner who had just moved into the house next door and invited a few other families from the friends the neighborhood to welcome them and introduce them to folks. At one point, a member of the new family was talking with me about how much they are going to miss their old church and I was empathizing how hard it can be to leave a community and make a new one in your new home when they asked me about my faith, where I go to church etc. I breezily said, oh, I'm an atheist, and tried to keep the conversation moving but they seemed taken aback - as if I had said something really impolite. What say you, DCUM? Is it impolite, "too much", "aggressive", or what have you to identify as an atheist if pressed? My spouse thinks I should have said that I'm "not particularly religious" to avoid offending our new neighbors.

OP I wouldn’t sweat it. I am religious but would not take offense at anyone saying they are atheist. Especially in DMV/ urban areas.

It was weird your new neighbor assumed you go to church - unless you live in the South/ Bible Belt.

It was also unkind of them to make their gracious hosts feel uncomfortable. It was really nice of you to invite over your new neighbors for dinner.

You did nothing wrong. It is good to be honest way. Maybe your husband was right but you shouldn’t have to tread in egg shells about your beliefs if they don’t hurt anyone.

Peace .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My family invited another family over for dinner who had just moved into the house next door and invited a few other families from the friends the neighborhood to welcome them and introduce them to folks. At one point, a member of the new family was talking with me about how much they are going to miss their old church and I was empathizing how hard it can be to leave a community and make a new one in your new home when they asked me about my faith, where I go to church etc. I breezily said, oh, I'm an atheist, and tried to keep the conversation moving but they seemed taken aback - as if I had said something really impolite. What say you, DCUM? Is it impolite, "too much", "aggressive", or what have you to identify as an atheist if pressed? My spouse thinks I should have said that I'm "not particularly religious" to avoid offending our new neighbors.

OP I wouldn’t sweat it. I am religious but would not take offense at anyone saying they are atheist. Especially in DMV/ urban areas.

It was weird your new neighbor assumed you go to church - unless you live in the South/ Bible Belt.

It was also unkind of them to make their gracious hosts feel uncomfortable. It was really nice of you to invite over your new neighbors for dinner.

You did nothing wrong. It is good to be honest way. Maybe your husband was right but you shouldn’t have to tread in egg shells about your beliefs if they don’t hurt anyone.

Peace .

Thank you. I'm not OP, but really appreciate a believer saying this. Would love it if you spread this attitude to your fellow believers.