Comment by Becca on December 1, 2011 at 12:42am

Yes, I think coming out can and does build credibility. I encourage all atheists (unless under serious threat) to come out. The more of us who do the more the general population will be exposed to us and be forced to realize that we aren't all that bad. Personally I've never hidden the fact that I'm an atheist but I don't wear it on my sleeve either. Atheism is a relatively small part of who I am. I try to show those around me that yeah I'm atheist but more importantly I'm a good person who lives a 'normal' life and that I'm not all that different from you.

Comment by Dylan Martin on December 1, 2011 at 4:34am

I don't know if it help with creditability, but I've got a hat with the Atheist symbol on it ... as you can see in my picture. I had to get it made at this print shop.

As well as a T-shirt with the word "Athiest" on it, so what I'm saying is that I'm not afraid to let people know that I'm Atheist.

Comment by Diane on December 1, 2011 at 6:12am

I am openly atheist.  It bothers me that it is even something about which I have to be "open" vs. "closeted."  And the Christians act like they've got the market cornered on persecution! 

I don't go out of my way to express my atheism, but when it naturally comes up in conversation I am true to myself.  I have had people express surprise at my atheism because they know me, and I don't fit their preconceived notions of "atheist."  I guess they would expect me to be running around hissing at people and sacrificing puppies or something.

The only time I don't out myself is when I think it would somehow hurt or disturb a patient with whom I am working. (I am an occupational therapist at a skilled nursing facility.)  The last thing a sick and distraught elderly person needs is me being true to myself at his or her expense. This extends to their families too.  What I believe is immaterial when they are in distress and/or grieving.  I realize people's faith is very important to them at times like that.

I find myself saying things like, "I'm not a Christian, so I don't observe Ash Wednesday.  Tell me about what it means to you."  Surprisingly, a lot of people say, "Well, you believe in God, don't you?"  I have a surprising number of patients say they must have been sent to me to help me find my way.  I just laugh and tell them to get in line.  Mind you, these are not strangers with whom I am having this conversation.  We have already bonded by this time.  It's difficult to not bond with them after spending hours helping them get dressed, eat, get in and out of bed, etc.  

The bottom line is that I love to present people with a dilemma.  They know me to be a loving and compassionate person, and have to reconcile this with me being an "atheist" when they find out.  It gives them food for thought.  I consider it to be my contribution to this movement. 

Comment by Skepticlese on December 1, 2011 at 9:47am

Thanks for all the great comments. I agree we shouldn't wear the moniker "atheist" on our sleeves. We are each so much more than a label and it's not like we run around all day carrying a copy of "The God Delusion" with a bunch of dog ears in it, quoting particularly poignant passages. Nevertheless, it's a shame we even have to have the discussion.

Comment by Ann G. Enloe on December 8, 2011 at 3:10pm

I think that coming out can build credibility, however I am also a bit hypocritical at the same time.  I only come out as an atheist--if the topic comes up--to people I consider "open-minded" (and some of those are indeed Christians).  However, I find it hard to come out to longtime, devout Christian friends and relatives.  

This group, though, is helping me gain the confidence to be open about it, when appropriate (I live in the southeastern US- so, you know...) Thanks for the food for thought, everyone.  

Comment by Rocky Oliver (LotusGeek) on December 8, 2011 at 3:12pm

I've lived "out of the closet" for most of my life - and all of my adult life. I also believe that "actions speak louder than words", and that I try to live my life in such a way that it reflects well on me and on atheists in general. I am also not a confrontational person - I try to respect others and their beliefs, and I simply expect the same. As others have said, I don't walk around flaunting my atheism, but I don't shy away from talking about it either. Once most people who are religious find out I'm an atheist, it disarms them a bit. I am happy to discuss religion and I invite people to ask me questions about atheism - since quite often I'm the first atheist they've ever met (that they know of). I am very involved in the community and with my kids' activities, and so people see that I'm a good family man, father, and a husband in a marriage of over 26 years. My kids are well adjusted, respectful, and smart - and are also nonreligious. Overall the way I live my life causes the religious folks around me to take a step back and readjust their stereotypes and preconceived notions about atheists. So, in this way I hope to change people's minds about what they think of atheists, and learn that we're just as moral, respectful, family-oriented, and happy as anyone else.

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