Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mo Trauen on March 9, 2012 at 11:36pm

I don't usually call myself an atheist because most believers have incorrect ideas about what the term means.  I try to avoid the subject or else just say "I am not religious" or "I don't believe in the supernatural" or some such.  If I feel it is necessary AND I know I will be given time to explain, only then will I say that I am an atheist.  If you are dealing with someone who won't give you time to explain, then it is usually better to be a bit aggressive and put the onus on the believer and say something like "I don't feel the need for an invisible friend (or a need to pretend that I know how the universe came to be, for that matter)".  Variations of this include "I think it is silly for adults to believe in fairy tales" or "I don't believe in magic".

Just remember that there are believers who are very hostile toward atheists.  Protect yourself by being circumspect.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Judith van der Roos on March 10, 2012 at 2:51am

When what asked i just reply that i do not believe in fairy tales. If they do not like my answer I politely suggest that they stop asking silly questions. If they persist and try saying that asking my religion is not a silly question I respond by telling them that i consider being asked what particular branch of a death cult I might belong to be a very silly question indeed and that I would much rather spend my time having a meaningful conversation with my two year old. By this time they are usually running for cover
Judith vd R.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by SteveInCO on March 10, 2012 at 5:33am

Wow you take no prisoners and give no quarter (or cent or dime, for that matter).

I love it.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by diggerbanks on March 10, 2012 at 5:24am

It's funny, I am from UK where it is the other way round. The christian is the minority. Most christians here are either over 70 or foreign.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Michael on March 10, 2012 at 7:25am

I am an atheist.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ceci on March 10, 2012 at 9:50am

i simply tell people "i don't believe in god" when i'm asked to say something about religion.
if they reply with something like "why?", i usually answer with a smile "do you believe in santa claus? no? why?" :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tatyana Harris on March 10, 2012 at 1:21pm

I just say Im not a religious person and leave it at that. I got a lot of growing to do im not ballsy enough to just out right say i am an atheist. Which is ridiculous I know but most days I dont want to hear people's opinions let alone if they are going to be judgmental towards me. But people will judge, this I know.. it's just life. But I also now we need to let it be heard so it wont be so "taboo"  or else people will always scrunch their faces up about it. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by joel on March 10, 2012 at 3:03pm

Generally, when I hear a religious assertion, I reply with a firm: 'I don't believe in that’. Seems to do the trick.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sean Baker on March 11, 2012 at 5:57am

I generally say "I dont believe in magic".

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Barbara Jean Price on March 11, 2012 at 10:04am

I just say it.  In this town most people are quick to say they believe in God or that there is something out there that they think exists.  Last two replies when I said I'm an atheist.  One, you are christian anyway because you are a good person.  Two, I can accept that. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Holden Freeman Esq. on March 12, 2012 at 3:22pm

I don't even say the word atheist.  I simply tell them that I don't bother with 'belief' when there is certainty to be found in so many other aspects of life.  Admittedly, most of the time this isn't the most tactical way to go about the conversation but I'm tired of dancing around my honest feelings for the sake of their ego.  If the person is genuinely interested and not just prodding the topic so they could spew their doctrine, then I try and use softer language but still maintain the same position.  I also often quote Sam Harris and say that I don't have to label myself atheist to their god the same way they don't have to claim atheism to Zues or Horus. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tom Sarbeck on March 12, 2012 at 3:52pm

Well said, Holden; you reminded me that I often say I'm not a believer.

About your "...dancing around my honest feelings for the sake of their ego." I'm often tactless enough to say "...for the sake of their too-frail ego."

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• Next ›
• Page