Are you nervous about telling people?

[lamplighter]

I've always tried to keep it to myself for the most part. If someone asks, however, I will tell them. I have heard that atheists are the most mistrusted group in America and I believe it. I've been harrassed and fired from a job for my lack of beliefs. It was a crappy job anyway.... Life goes on.

Wow, doesn't that qualify as discrimination?

Well I don't go out of my way to volunteer the information, but I won't lie about it either, though I find in my own best interest to never bring up religion or politics in the workplace.

 

[Truls]

Hell yes I'm nervous about it. We live in a predominantly religious world and the ludicrous idea that Atheists don't have morals is widely believed.

If asked I will answer that I am an atheist, but I don't like to be in that situation because while I can stand the company of people I disagreed with (strongly) I can't expect that from others. I can respect a Catholic, a Jew, a Protestant, a Muslim, or a Hindu (sorry if I forgot your religion I'm just covering the main ones) but there are plenty of Catholics, Jews, Protestant, Muslims, and Hindus who would not tolerate me at all.

 

[Zatarra]

Sometimes I'm nervous, but I do it anyway.

 

[frg001]

To be honest, I usually mention it first. In the UK where I am from I find people are more wary of religious folk.
For me there is no stigma, it's the logical viewpoint given the evidence.

 

[leahrachelle]

You probably wouldn't guess it by reading my posts on this forum, but I'm not entirely comfortable with talking about my beliefs with strangers.

That's the only conclusion I've been able to reach after reviewing what happened the other day, when a nurse at a routine check-up inquired if I identified with any "religious or cultural beliefs". I said, "Ummm....no." Why? I'm not exactly sure. She was extremely kind, I liked her a lot. She had said earlier that I was "very blessed", and perhaps that intimidated me. If she's very religious, will she think less of me?

Perhaps what frightened me was the reaction: I can imagine myself saying with a smile, "Oh yes, I identify myself with atheism". Then I see her smile fade--just a bit--and her friendly, easygoing manner gives way to the stumbling words, "Oh....okay." Or perhaps I say "Secular humanism" and she doesn't know what that is; she wonders perhaps if it's some kind of cult, or far-out nonsense. "Oh....um, how do you spell that?"

Any similar experiences? Do you feel comfortable telling someone you're an atheist?

I was nervous to tell my parents because it hurt them insanely. My dad prays for me all the time and he cries sometimes when I tell him to please stop preaching to me about God :/ I don't mean to hurt him, but I also find it offensive that he wants to control me.. Thats hard

 

[Dezzie]

I have been asked my belief many times. I do kind of feel the same way. Some people can be very unaccepting and can make you feel very unwanted. Your belief should never be embarrassing or anything else at all. You should always stay strong within your belief no matter what anyone says. Although it can be hard, you shall be rewarded for keeping true to your Faith. If you are in all honesty, not comfortable sharing it with others, saying no preference is just fine.