Are you open about being an atheist or are you in the closet?

I am semi in the closet. I do have to admit that I am not comfortable discussing my views with just anyone. I am the type that wants everyone to like me (such a fault I have!) and I am nervous someone will think I am a bad person. Even when I find someone who is passionate about science, I still try not to venture down that avenue. So lucky to have you guys!

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Permalink Reply by Atheist Andrea on July 31, 2011 at 12:11pm
I hope your daughter now understands evolution. How about the Big Bang? I cannot wait to have my own science teachings to my two kids when they get older. I, too, try to respect other's beliefs until they push my buttons or ask what my opinion is.
Permalink Reply by Joe Swam on July 31, 2011 at 3:58am

"I sound my barbaric YAWP!! over the rooftops of the world" - Walt Whitman

But it wasn't always that way. When I announced to my parents in elementary school I didn't believe in god, they told me it was called atheism. They supported me (it broke my mothers heart at first though), but I learned early on that you paid a price by not following the herd. I kept my mouth shut about it. Then 9/11 happened, and I started getting a little more vocal about it (but even then, I only told some friends and co workers).  Finally, I heard Penn Jillette's radio show. He and Goudeau openly talked about being atheists on the air, and people would call in and say they were atheists also. I was 31 or 32 at the time. This was the first time I had ever heard other people call themselves an atheist (I didn't surf the web much back then). I stop short of introducing myself, "Joe Swam..atheist"...but it's close. With all that being said...I completely understand why some people don't "come out". 

Permalink Reply by Atheist Andrea on July 31, 2011 at 12:09pm
Wish I had your balls, er, I mean, guts. :)
Permalink Reply by Jarred Lee Woods on July 31, 2011 at 4:14am
I'd have to admit that when I first "saw the light" I was angry. Mostly due my feelings of being lied to for so long. I've more recently come to the realization that those appointed to guide me spiritually weren't aware they were lying. Even still. . .I find it amazing that such beliefs can be held and taught by supposedly intelligent people. But I digress. . . .I am an open Atheist. Very open in fact, lol. . .I'll talk about my beliefs any time and any where. I'm never afraid to offend someone when it comes to religion, but I don't try to do so intentionally. Heck. . .most people get offended if the subject even comes up. And don't even dare ask then to explain their belief in God, (big can of worms, lol)
Permalink Reply by Keith Collyer on July 31, 2011 at 5:06am
So glad to live in a country (the UK) where this simply isn't an issue. Isn't it bizarre that a country with an established church is more open to different religions and lack of them than one that puts an anti-establishment clause into its constitution? Though putting "One Nation under God" in its pledge of allegiance and "In God We Trust" on its currency might tell us something. Maybe it has something to do with self-knowledge as opposed to self-aggrandizement?
Permalink Reply by Greg LeGore on July 31, 2011 at 8:21am
'In God we Trust' was a late addition - put in during the cold war to show those 'godless communists' who was better but in many cases such arguments are used for domestic political gain against one's less strident opponents.
Permalink Reply by Atheist Andrea on July 31, 2011 at 12:07pm
An "A-ha!" moment. I couldn't find why 'In God we Trust' was put in, so thank you, Greg.
Permalink Reply by Atheist Andrea on July 31, 2011 at 12:08pm
This is what I've heard, Keith. You have confirmed that the U.S is becoming more and more behind the times and sure likely to lag more in all aspects of what makes a country great.
Permalink Reply by Daniel on July 31, 2011 at 7:03am
I'm open about it but I don't introduce myself as "Daniel the atheist" and never bothered "coming out". It's not a big deal nor should it be made into one if at all possible.

It is only a big deal if people make it a big deal, if the information is presented in a passive / relaxed manner then the reaction (if any) will be anchored down as well.
Permalink Reply by Joe Swam on July 31, 2011 at 10:22am
We're all agnostics. No one is claiming to KNOW there is no god (I should say not many are claiming this...I'm sure some are). But "agnostic" doesn't answer the theological question of whether you believe in god. It answers whether or not we can know there is a god. The question you have to ask yourself is whether you believe in something that you don't know is true. If you don't know, you don't believe. If you don't believe, you're an atheist. There may be better evidence that comes in tomorrow that convinces us otherwise. Atheist just means that we see no evidence that supports the existence of a god. But I completely understand not feeling comfortable telling others. I only believed for a few years as a child before I decided I was an atheist, so I can't appreciate how hard it must be to make a 180 degree turn after so many years. Best of luck to you.
Permalink Reply by Atheist Andrea on July 31, 2011 at 12:06pm

I think saying "agnostic" is an in between term people often use when they might be a little ashamed of their findings. Their intellect has moved to a new level of consciousness, but psychologically, they might not be ready to label themselves something that has a negative connotation to it such as an "atheist".  

Susan, you are showing us the beginning stages of perception and I am so happy for you. It will take time, but don't ignore your true thoughts. It can be a shock to the system so remember that society has held you back from seeing the beautiful universe as it is. Many zealots feel that you aren't a deep person unless you believe in a creator. Quite the opposite! I don't waste thoughts on a racist, homophobic, sexist, man-made creature called God. I find beauty in knowing that the Big Bang happened all on its own and that evolution just takes it's course to wherever it will go next. 

Permalink Reply by Asa Watcher on May 1, 2012 at 1:52pm

Joe Swam seems sure:

"We're all agnostics. No one is claiming to KNOW there is no god (I should say not many are claiming this...I'm sure some are). But "agnostic" doesn't answer the theological question of whether you believe in god. It answers whether or not we can know there is a god.

Atheist just means that we see no evidence that supports the existence of a god."

This is an atheist site.  I’m tired of agnostic apologists.

God is an object of faith.  No more, no less.

Do you have faith in the existence of god?

No?

Then you are an atheist.

“Knowing” or “not knowing”  is totally irrelevant to faith.

But you do know whether or not you have faith in the existence of god. 

If you know you don’t have faith in the existence of god, then you are an atheist.

Go argue the myth of agnosticism in a different forum.

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