Roughly 60% of people in the US are Christian. In my home state of North Carolina, that number jumps to 77%. It’s no wonder that I see so many yard signs, flags, bumper stickers and decorations with declarations about Jesus, prayer, churches and Christian beliefs.
So I am not surprised when people routinely discuss their Christian beliefs with me during everyday causal conversations. People frequently mention praying for a specific outcome. Or when we’re discussing some uncertainty they’ll profess faith that it is all part of God’s plan. As I mentioned in a prior post, they’ll invite me to events at their church.
I am always polite during these conversations, even though I am an atheist. I never make fun of their beliefs nor do I tell them what I really think about Jesus, Christian mythology and prayer.
I don’t even mention I’m an atheist. Generally, I continue the conversation while pleasantly disregarding their comment. Or, if I am directly questioned, I say something like, “I was raised Catholic but I’m not very religious anymore…”
After all, I don’t want to offend anyone.
The other day, I was talking to a friend who I see often when I’m walking my dogs. During our chat, he mentioned a mutual acquaintance who had lost his job and subsequently found a better one. He gave full credit to this being part of God’s plan, trust in Jesus and the guy being a good Christian man who prays with others.
Later on, I was thinking about our conversation. Obviously, I don’t believe in God’s plan, trusting Jesus and the power of prayer. In fact, I consider these beliefs to be mythological superstitions that were created by men in ancient times for a variety of purposes – both good and bad. I certainly don’t belief they are the reason for good fortune nor do I believe their absence is the reason for bad luck. I don’t believe God finds you a good job – because I don’t believe God exists.
But I did not say that to my friend because I didn’t want to offend him.
Then I thought about it some more.
My friend had no compunction about talking to me about his Christian beliefs. He didn’t hesitate for a second before bring them up.
Why is that?
I can only guess the reasons:
- He thinks I am Christian and believe as he does. (a reasonable assumption given the 77% mentioned above)
- He doesn’t care if he offends me. (I don’t think this is the case).
- He means no offense whatsoever.
I suspect it’s a combination of #1 and #3.
It occurred to me that my friend might not think discussing religion is offensive. Then it occurred to me that might be true for many of my friends who discuss their Christianity with me.
They aren’t proselytizing to me. In fact, they probably barely care at all about what I believe. We’re just two people having a conversation.
My epiphany (pun intended) is that I think I will start mentioning that I’m an atheist sometimes. I have a feeling it might surprise my friends, but it wouldn’t be a bad thing for them to realize that an atheist can also be a nice guy they talk to everyday – just like I realize that some who believe in Christianity can be nice people too.
