Do you really think people talk about their religion that often?

Question

A comment was made that if more people admitted they were atheists they would lose their job, family, friends, etc.

Who really discusses their religion that much, esp with casual friends and coworkers?

I have had some jobs where noone ever knew what my religion was because nobody really cares that much.

Do you people go up to strangers and say hi I am an atheist or buddhist or christian or whatever?

Answer 1

Do people really think about religion other than Christmas and Easter?

When all the merchants on planet earth remind them it is Christmas Tree time and Chocolate Easter Bunny time?

Answer 2

I am an atheist. I do not normally talk about religion to my coworkers. However, I have been pushed into a corner once or twice, when they have asked me point blank if I believed in god.

I have been honest and told them no, I don't believe in any god. This is usually followed by some lecture on:

1) How can I not believe
2) Why do I hate god
3) Why I am not afraid of hell
etc.

I do not volunteer that I am an atheist. However, when asked, I do not lie.

Answer 3

I know that if someone asks me about my religion at work or tries to convert me I can file harassment charges against them. It's nobodies business if I am an atheist or not.

edit; I know your bible tells you to spread the word about your religion. Well,I don't want to hear it, and the law says I don't have to. Tough luck for you. The work place is about work. I have to be there to make a living and the employer should be more concerned about getting the work done and not about religion.
One the other hand if you are preaching at work I do not have the option of leaving to get away from you. In other places if I don't like what you are saying I can just walk away from you.

Answer 4

I think that our culture has made it unacceptable to discuss religion openly and frequently. We have been taught to not offend people so we don't bring up any controversial topics. I think that this is wrong because I am a Christian and the Bible says that I must share my faith with others. This is extremely difficult to do because society prefers to not talk about such things. However, I do think that we are past the Dark Ages when job, family, friends can be lost because of holding a particular religious view.

Answer 5

the "i'm a closet atheist, because otherwise i'd lose my job" is utter bullsh!t, and comes from a lack of integrity

you might lose a popularity contest, but like you said: you dont have to go around claiming anything.

I strongly suspect that these people are not closet atheists at all, but instead closet subscribers to Pascal's wager

ON THE OTHER HAND- I do see people who walk around spouting "have a blessed day", "god is great" , "I am blessed", etc...but I dont take these people seriously, and neither should anyone else- mentally and emotionally these people are children.

Answer 6

Depends where you are. Some companies are run by religious extremists, and are very keen to know that their employees are similarly deluded. Atheists - or even those of other religions - get a hard time.

CD

Answer 7

I believe people should spread the word of God even in their job (I'm christian) and if I loose my job because of my religion so be it. God will provide. But it all comes down to what people are really willing to do for God.

Answer 8

It depends which country, which state etc.

In the UK, religion isn't a big issue. In Saudi, it's an issue, etc.

Answer 9

Hello? Presidential campaign, anyone? No politician can hope to be elected dogcatcher if s/he admits to not believing in gawd.

Answer 10

Maybe in some of our backwater communities, but that's not true for most of the country.