Q&A for How to Deal with Religious People if You Are an Atheist

Take this seriously. Talk to your employer about it. If he/she avoids the question or beats around the bush, something is wrong and you may want to take the next step to address possible discrimination with HR or the EEOC.

Be honest, especially since it is a relative. If he/she started an argument about that, just pull yourself out and say you won't argue about faith choices. At the end of the day, we all look at the same moon.

First, let the person know that his/her words or actions are hurtful, and that your beliefs are very personal and important to you. Second, offer to have a conversation about your beliefs in an attempt to improve mutual understanding. Finally, if the person refuses to stop insulting you or to attempt to understand your perspective better, reassess the friendship.

It's not really a matter of "wanting" to be one. Atheists are atheists because they do not believe in God. Many atheists would probably rather believe because it's comforting to pretend that some benevolent being is looking out for you.

There is suffering in the lives of virtually every person on this planet. Being part of a religion doesn't guarantee a life free from suffering. It is annoying to have personal decisions questioned, but many atheists feel that putting up with ignorant, intolerant attitudes is nothing compared to suffering unanswered prayers, guilt for perceived sins or being denied life-saving medical treatment.

You are under no obligation to discuss your personal beliefs if it makes you uncomfortable to do so. Politely say "I'm sorry, but I'd prefer not to talk about that." Or, if you would like to discuss your beliefs in a constructive manner, offer to talk about them at an appropriate time and place, when you can gather your thoughts.

Do it privately. If you don't want to be confrontational, then you could just bring the music for some other songs that you would like to respectfully suggest for the choir. If the choir director refuses, point out that a choir meant for the entire community should not focus so heavily on one particular religion.

Treat each person's beliefs and practices with respect, just as you expect them to do with yours. Be curious, and ask questions about their different beliefs (at appropriate times and settings), and offer to talk about yours. Or, if you prefer, simply and politely state that your beliefs are a private matter and that you'd prefer not to discuss them.

Yes, you can leave a religion any time you want and pursue different spiritual beliefs. You don't have to belong to any organized religion, you can believe independently in what you choose when it comes to your spirituality.

Try to engage in one-on-one discussions whenever possible. If you feel you are being "ganged up on," politely remove yourself from the situation. If you are being required to attend church by your parents, for instance, calmly discuss your feelings and concerns with them and see if you can come up with an acceptable resolution.

When people say they are not religious, it may mean they have beliefs that sit outside of the religions that currently exist in the world. They may have faith in something, but never go to worship or practice their faith with others. The may pray alone. Chances are, they are atheist, but not making assumptions is good for everyone.

No, the word you're looking for is "proselytizing". It means to "convert or attempt to convert (someone) from one religion, belief, or opinion to another."

Ask how it makes you ignorant to have a different opinion and belief. Explain how it isn't fair for yourself to be considered as ignorant if you are just stating your opinion. It is totally okay for you to disagree with people.

Not believing what another person believes in does not make you 'wrong'. At the end of the day, it is impossible to fully confirm atheism or theism - the only 'wrong' way to act is to force your views on another person and have a closed mind. As long as you keep an open mind and are respectful to other people, your views are perfectly legitimate. There are no 'right' and 'wrong' people when it comes to religion; belief is subjective.

You should apologize to him and offer to set a boundary of respect for both of your beliefs.

It can be difficult to keep your important personal beliefs to yourself, but sometimes that is your best option. If you can do enough to keep your parents happy without having to compromise your beliefs, it may be worth doing that. If, however, you feel as though you need to stand up for what you believe, this may mean that you have to risk the possible punishment.

You may politely state that you prefer not to argue about religion or walk away.

I had a similar problem. Try to deal with it, arguing with teachers will make it harder. Just survive until you leave the school either by graduating or moving. Don't drop out.

You can either be honest and risk losing your relationship with them or brush off the question.

It's perfectly okay to do so, whatever makes you comfortable. If you are being harassed about it at school or work, I suggest you talk to a counselor, boss, or another understanding adult.

Do what she says, but prove to her why you believe what you do, and make her prove to you why her faith is correct.

Because that's what they believe. It wasn't nice of her to insult your belief system, but you shouldn't respond in kind by insulting hers. Just ignore her when she says things like that, or ask her politely to be more respectful.

No one can argue that Christianity isn't real; as an atheist, you shouldn't try to deny that religion exists. Atheist don't believe in God, they don't deny facts. Some atheists even believe there was a man or men that the stories of Jesus are based on, they just don't believe Jesus is a god or that there are gods. Try to be happy that your friends have their faith and are happy, just as you are happy without faith.

Block their number if you are able to. If they do not stop, remind them that none of the Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam) may be forced upon an unwilling person.

Ask them to stop. If they don't, then try to go along with their demands until you're eighteen, when your parents can no longer force you to adhere to their religion.

Nearly every religion promotes proselytizing non-believers. If they do it constantly, politely ask them to stop.

That’s a frequently asked question about God. And, to be honest, nobody (including Christians) really knows the answer to that. But I believe that good things can come through pain. Sometimes God uses hardships to teach people certain things. Only God knows what those lessons are, though.

You don't "convert" to an atheist. An atheist is somebody who does not believe in god(s) and thinks god(s) don't exist.

An atheist is somebody who doesn't believe in a god. Some people hate these people, as they want them to believe in their god.

Your first step should be to tell someone who may be able to help, especially if he is a minor. The best thing to do would be to meet him where he is. Point out that God wouldn't have wanted him to suffer, and that his epilepsy medication may have been God's solution. You may also point out passages in your religious text which are about or can be relating to taking medication. If you can, try getting his religious leader to get through to him and convince him to take his medication. In an emergency, call for an ambulance, but preferably make sure he gets help before things can escalate.