Atheists are one of the least trusted groups of people according to some polls. We're even below other theists!
Anyway, how 'out' are you to your family? At work? Do you feel the need to listen politely as a co-worker says they will pray for you, but then feel you can't say what you really believe? Do you feel that a religious superior might discriminate against you if they knew your atheism?
For myself, I am not very close to my family, so the issue is not pressing. My wife is 'out' to her family (and they don't like it), but she is also not all that close with them.
At work, many of my co-workers are religious and happy to offer 'thoughts and prayers', but I often feel that I cannot say that I don't believe anything along that line, even though I have tenure.
What issues have you had at work or in your family when you told others you don't believe in a deity?
Anyway, how 'out' are you to your family? At work? Do you feel the need to listen politely as a co-worker says they will pray for you, but then feel you can't say what you really believe? Do you feel that a religious superior might discriminate against you if they knew your atheism?
For myself, I am not very close to my family, so the issue is not pressing. My wife is 'out' to her family (and they don't like it), but she is also not all that close with them.
At work, many of my co-workers are religious and happy to offer 'thoughts and prayers', but I often feel that I cannot say that I don't believe anything along that line, even though I have tenure.
What issues have you had at work or in your family when you told others you don't believe in a deity?