A recent yearlong study to investigate the psychological well-being of — rural-residing and woman-identified atheists reveals various issues experienced because of their non-belief.

We’ve come a long way in the last thirty years, but we still have farther to go. We can’t say we live in a truly secular society if people can’t be open about their faith or lack. Too many communities feel entitled to punishing anyone who doesn’t conform to their expectations.

  • catshit_dogfart@lemmy.mlEnglish
    3·
    2 years ago

    I’ll admit I’m in that category.

    When really pressed I’ll just say something like “I don’t go to any church” or “I don’t believe in those things”. Only in trusted company will I say the words “I am an atheist”.

    It’s easier that way, and people don’t need to know anyway. To me, atheism means complete separation from religion, and caring about it enough to tell everybody is akin to practicing a religion. I think one should consider what they gain from using the word atheist, and what harm it might cause, and make a decision based on that. If you really don’t care about religion, then there’s little need to talk about it.

  • Hhffggshn@lemmy.clickEnglish
    3·
    2 years ago

    I became an atheist when I was about 9 years old. I didn’t tell anyone in my family until I was over 50 years old. I still keep it quiet in mixed company. I am damned lucky I was able to find a partner who was raised an atheist.

  • kent_eh@lemmy.caEnglish
    2·
    2 years ago

    Study shows many American atheists hide their non-belief

    Of course we do.

    There are far too many self-entitled religious people who have assumed far too much authority over our lives.

  • silverbax@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    2 years ago

    Of course we do. Part of it is not wanting to be a target, and part of it is not caring what other people believe and they are free to believe what they want. All I hate is that they try to mold the government based on their fairy tales and try to force the rest of us to live according to their make believe feelings.