Comment by Joshua on January 22, 2009 at 8:37am

Admittedly, this doesn't happen very often in Metro Detroit. As far as I'm concerned, you should have proselytized right back. :D

Comment by Pam on January 22, 2009 at 10:37am

I'm sure I've done something similar before. The Bible Belt isn't the best place to admit your non-belief to strangers. I don't know about your area. And it's a prickly situation. It's much easier to be openly atheistic behind the safety of your computer, but it's usually not that simple in real life.

Comment by Frink on January 22, 2009 at 10:40am

I've been in similar situations. But these days I'm surly and confrontational with pushy theo-crazies.

Comment by Frank on January 22, 2009 at 11:38am

I work as a cashier through high school at a grocery store and got this stuff all the time. Nobody tried to save me there in the store but people giving me literature and inviting me to church. I always said thank you and I'd see about it. I hadn't realized my atheism till college though. In college I used to go to war with the campus youth group because they could never leave me alone. I apparently have a big religious target on my back that I don't know about. I freely admit my atheism and have some great debates about it with people. Recently I went to a Haste the Day (Christian hardcore band) wearing my cross buster Bad Religion t-shirt. I was disappointed nobody wanted to talk to me about it.

Comment by Jerrid on January 22, 2009 at 6:39pm

I've never been in a situation so crazy at work, but I have had people try to pass me "mini bibles" at work before. I politely tell them to keep it, because it will do me no good, and continue on with business.

The only times I really have to get irate is when they try bombarding me, but this is outside of work, so I have no qualms telling them off. Although, I generally refrain from swearing unless they get brutal. I had to threaten to call the police on the grounds of harassment. That at least gets their attention...

Comment by Jay E on January 22, 2009 at 9:23pm

Whatever happened to that pleasant proselytizing in a controlled environment, that is, on your doorstep every Saturday morning? Rule 1 I feel in the art of argumentation is timing. You sell your case and close the deal when people are 1. somewhat vulnerable and 2. have time to listen. Thumping you in the course of a two minute drive-by cash register transaction won't secure converts. What a bunch of dum dums.

Comment by Atheist Ninja on January 22, 2009 at 9:54pm

Next time ask them if they've accepted the Earl as their lord and saviour.
Church of the Earl

Comment by Suzanne Olson-Hyde on July 31, 2011 at 7:11am

They were just trying to get brownie points towards going to heaven - you were a soul to be saved.

 

I live in Australia, so if they are going to pray for me, or say god bless you, I say 'Don't bother, I am an Atheist. No compunction. People can get more vehement as they get older. It depends on where you are, what are the locals like, any repercussions there. I am so over being nice.

 

If they have the arrogance to confront you, they need to know atheists are on the rise.

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