Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Apple on July 1, 2011 at 12:16pm

I understand what you are saying about the importance of being "open."  It's the reason that Richard Dawkins started his "Out Campaign."  But, in this instance, I honestly don't think that it matters.  I use a handle name on any forum where I post, and it's not because I'm hiding.  Rather, it's because I come to these sites to exchange ideas.  My personal information is irrelevant.  If someone wants to talk to me about religion, theism, spirituality, etc then I am more than happy too do so.  I do not need to put my personal information on the internet for all to see in order to be open about my understanding of the objective nature of the universe in my day to day life.

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Permalink Reply by Melissa M. on July 1, 2011 at 12:19pm

Agreed.  It was really a trivial error that just happened to lead to this conflict for me.  I have always felt that I should put my money where my mouth is, so to speak, so I think it bothered me more because of that.

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Permalink Reply by msjessev on July 1, 2011 at 12:45pm

is there a way where my T/A posts wont be seen when they search my name? I'm afraid someone at work will see it and it'll be the end of my teaching career at a catholic school lol!

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Permalink Reply by Reggie on July 1, 2011 at 1:05pm

Welcome back!  I don't think you are a chickenshit.  I think that was a practical move.  Ideology is one thing, but paying the bills is another.  It's not like you are working for a church, right?  Right?

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Permalink Reply by Jack Frost on July 1, 2011 at 1:47pm

What we need is a network of business owners that are Atheists that can offer jobs to other Atheist so we dont have to worry about hidding out like some kind of criminal. I am sure that there a many large companys that are owned or run by Atheists that are not able to express this fact in fear of loosing business or current employees. If there was a way for them to know who we are that are in need of employment... im sure there is a way of making something like this work.

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Permalink Reply by Erica Sutton on July 1, 2011 at 8:12pm

hey, welcome back.  Don't feel like chickenshit because a lot of us would have done the same thing.  Like you said, we all need a job and unfortunately we are a minority that is discriminated against.  I don't tell people at work I'm an atheist for fear of it affecting future oppurtunities. 

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Permalink Reply by Boatman on July 1, 2011 at 9:48pm

Don't sweat it.  I had a family member (sister-in-law's husband) moved his family to Georgia for that killer job we all covet.  When the company was sold out from under him and he had to strike out on his own, he couldn't find clients due to his hispanic-sounding surname.

 

So he changed it.

 

Fifteen years later, and he is turning away clients.

 

Sometimes, we do what we do for the sake of those we love.

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Permalink Reply by James on July 1, 2011 at 11:46pm

Welcome back! :)

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Permalink Reply by Atheist Exile on July 2, 2011 at 3:33am

I would have done the same thing, Melissa.  It's the smart thing to do.  Being an atheist is not synonymous with being a masochist.  It's a matter of priorities and for most of us that means our jobs.  I'm an atheist and believe in pushing atheism but there are other realities at play for us common folk.  Atheism is a personal position about God.  It doesn't supersede nature's prime directive: SURVIVE.  And for must of us, mere survival isn't enough.  We also want many things that require money.

You've got nothing to feel guilty about.  You didn't let anybody down.  You did the smart thing.

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Permalink Reply by Melissa M. on July 2, 2011 at 7:24am

Thanks for the welcome back!  I did change my name on the previous account, but I didn't know I could change the URL.  Oh well....I'm BACK NOW!  And you probably can't get rid of me this time.  LOL. 

I'm really happy to be here.  This is a great community that many of us need or just enjoy being a part of. 

See you around T/A.

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Permalink Reply by Reg The Fronkey Farmer on July 2, 2011 at 8:58am

Welcome back. You were right to change your username. Christians can be very judgemental and unforgiving of those outside of the herd – sorry I mean flock. Hope the job hunting goes well.

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Permalink Reply by EricT on July 5, 2011 at 8:53pm

Have you done the search again to be sure that it really doesn't exist even as a link any longer? I deleted my account from a different networking site and a search for the dance team I was a part of would still pull up a link to pictures I had posted with out team's name as the title. Clicking on it wouldn't lead anywhere, but it somehow still showed up in a search. Just double check to be safe if you haven't already!

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