Comment by Marc Poulin on October 20, 2011 at 10:14pm

It's nothing to be ashamed of, but you could say you're 'not religious' if you don't like the word Atheist. I personally don't care if my neighbours know I'm Atheist, but religion isn't a big deal up here.

Comment by Kris Feenstra on October 20, 2011 at 10:14pm

Well, if you don't want to out yourself, that's your business and I respect that.  While I think that more and more people need to be open about their atheism, I have no idea what your community is like or what the fallout would be, so it's too far-reaching for me to offer up advice there.

 

But I don't really see what the issue is with offending her.  Personally, I operate assuming people are just making a nice offer to begin with.  I politely decline the invitation.  If they persist, I make a firm, yet still polite, refusal.  If it still doesn't sink in, I give diplomacy one last shot, ask that they kindly respect my position and let the issue drop.  If they can't leave it at that, then fuck 'em.  I'll let into them without restraint, and I once I get started, it's borderline impossible to get a word in edgewise.  

 

Sometimes you just have to accept that people are going to be offended.

Comment by Gene McPhail on October 20, 2011 at 11:34pm

These revivals can be powerful experience. It is all smoke and mirrors but still go and enjoy the experience (at least once). What if you were in Rome and someone asked if u wanted to see the Sistine Chapel. Would you skip it because you are an atheist? Same goes for Angkor Wat. 

Everyone is entitled to talk to their own imaginary friends as long as they do not use what they heard to force their crazy opinions on everyone else.

Comment by Doug Reardon on October 21, 2011 at 12:02am

Personally, I would find it more entertaining to have a hemorrhoid-ectomy performed with a weed whacker.

Comment by IEatDinosaurMeat on October 21, 2011 at 2:19am

Like going to an abandoned building for the sole purpose of watching heroine addicts shoot up.

Comment by Robert Karp on October 21, 2011 at 9:26am

Vince without knowing more about you or your situation, I would say come out of the closet and by doing so you are cutting off these situations before they occur.  Although difficult, this community is a great place to prepare for coming out and we would be happy to answer questions you may have in regards to reactions you may receive. You should be proud of your non-belief! You are a person of reason and thought and that is something no one should shy away from. I would also encourage you to visit the Out Campaign which is run by the Richard Dawkins Foundation.  We are here to support you!

Comment by Ed on October 21, 2011 at 10:04am

Visiting a revival provides false and insincere support of an activity that actually needs to die from lack of participation.

Be proud of your atheism! The devils of the religious world want you to be silent and withdrawn in your secure little closet. Step out and bask in the light of reason and logic!

Comment by Nate on October 21, 2011 at 10:41am

Aaaahhh youth revivals, removing religious doubt with zealous charismatic speakers and peer pressure to instill a renewed vigor for the lord.  I remember them all too well. 

 

I would not go merely because it would sicken me to no end.  Also you would be in an environment that promotes relinquishing all free thought and logic to a two thousand year old imaginary friend.  Bleh.

 

Comment by Rick on October 21, 2011 at 10:42am

Do you offer your opinion to everyone that hands you a piece of paper saying “support this cause” or “come to this event”?

 

Do you feel the need to speak up every time someone says something you don’t agree with?  

 

Unless you like to fight every little battle that comes your way, I’d say pick and choose. I personally wouldn’t have said anything. But, I’m not one to call “foul” when someone says ‘bless you’ of invites me to church or makes any other meaningless, mundane religious gesture.

 

On another note, you have no obligation to go just because you were “invited.” No doubt they invite a lot of people that don’t show up. This is not something to get all bent out of shape about.

Comment by Tex on October 21, 2011 at 6:44pm

Whenever any of my neighbors bring up religion the first thing out of my mouth is that I'm not a beleiver and I let them take it from there. I figure if they don't have a problem sharing their belief I feel I shouldn't have a problem professing my lack of it. Strangely enough they have yet to question me and I haven't met another non-beleiver...but I'll keep searching.

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