“Alone”, if you’re reading this, here’s an advice: Google Chrome and Apple Safari browsers have something called private browsing – basically, no cookies or browser history is saved from when you turn “private mode” on till you turn it off.

For at least 5 years, internet activity monitoring – at the very least keeping a history of sites visited – has been a standard feature on cable and dsl routers. Since the router always sits between the computer and the rest of the internet, that makes “private browsing” mode a delusion.

Without encryption, there is no privacy on the internet. With encryption, your privacy is only as good as your discipline, which is always much worse than you think it is.

I think Richard’s idea of asking your father what he believes is a great one. If you think he could take it, just come right out and ask him “Dad, do you believe in God?” If he starts hedging about “well, we don’t know…” tell him you’re not asking what he knows; you’re asking what he believes.

If you do decide to get your own bible and actually study it, (as opposed to just reading the passages they push at you in church) ask your mom some of the hard questions. Not too many at once, just every once in a while ask something like “why did god put the tree there if he didn’t want Adam and Eve to eat the fruit?” Or try the one my dad asked me a few years ago, “were there termites on the ark?”

And one thing about Atheist Nexus, if you’re in New England, their sign-up system won’t accept your ZIP code as valid. Apparently it has something against ZIP codes that start with zero, which mine does. So if yours does too, just make one up and then change it once it accepts you into the system.

Here’s a bit of advice you might not expect. Ask your mom to get you a study Bible; one of the nice big ones with space in the margins to write notes in. Not just as a decoration or to deflect Mom’s suspicions (though that is a great bonus), but to actually read and study (remember to take notes on your thoughts as you read).

You may ask, “Why would I want to read the Bible if I don’t believe in God?” It’s a good question. The answer is, because you should know and understand where most people are coming from. Most people believe or grew up in a religious home. Most of your life you will have to deal with them and the subject of religion will come up. Just saying, “I don’t believe” or “I’m an atheist” isn’t good enough to them. They will always question why you don’t believe with question like, “Why are you angry at God?” and “Are you just trying to excuse your immoral behavior/desires?” They can’t comprehend actually not believing in God and even make up ideas like, “All babies know God from birth, you have to choose not to believe in God, and you can simply become a Christian by deciding to quit denying God.” You will have to defend your belief and the best way to do that is to know the bible better than they do. Knowledge is Power.

I’ve met very few Christians that have actually read the bible. Most have read from the bible in church as their Minister/Pastor/Preacher has guided them to specific passages to reinforce the beliefs that s/he wants to promote. They have been indoctrinated into their belief. Knowing the bible will let you disarm their attacks, allegations and misconceptions about atheism without offending them quite so much. You’re going to offend them just by being atheist a lot of the time so get used to the idea. It will also help you to reassure them that you are in fact a moral person that can be trusted. Site the Golden Rule often; especially when they question your morality. The biggest hurtle with most religious people is trust. They have been taught and they believe that people are naturally sinful and immoral. That we only act in a moral fashion because God (the Father) will punish us for our Sins. As such, some of them have never learned or been taught how to be moral. They have only been taught how to fear God’s punishment if they sin. Knowing the bible will help you understand those fears and help alleviate them.

Final bit of advice, make more friends. Lots of them. Be nice to everybody and always be cheery. People are always nicer to you when you give them a smile and a friendly hello (that Golden Rule really is Golden). People are always happier to see you and be your friend if you’re happy and cheerful. Even if you really feel tired and cranky, be happy and cheerful. That’s good advice for everybody. It’s very hard to dislike or disapprove of somebody when they’re always nice to you.

Hope it all goes well for you. This is one of the best resources for help.

You’ve restored my faith in humanity [well, at least until I watch the news again, sigh]

Just imagine how courageous you are to take this on, to think for yourself, ask questions and search for the truth – Id be immensely proud if I was a parent of such a youth.

You shouldn’t feel this is a battle you have to win right now – enjoy growing up at your own pace. After all, its not your fault that you happen to be born under the particular religious social surroundings that you find yourself in.

You might find all sorts of avenues where questioning is a huge advantage – science, art, music, literature, math .. and often with those interests come interesting people with open questioning minds who are looking for smart friends to ‘jam’ with.