I can usually deal with religious people. After all, I used to be one. I just think of it as, they have their religion, and I have mine. Freedom of Religion, and all that. As long as they're not trying to convert me or are conservative evangelist wackos who think that they're the only ones who could possibly be right (see: my theology professor), I'm fine with them. And, actually I can be okay with the conservative evangelist wackos too, sometimes. My theology professor seems like a good guy; I just don't agree with him on theology or (likely) politics.

@Aron That happens to me too. I agreed to attend my brother's church once (to be nice) and my Dad suggested that it would be a reservoir of new friends for me. Instead of explaining the problem I just said "No."

I understand Aron's reluctance. I admit I would not want to spend much time with a group of religious people in a religious setting that is expressly about a religious celebration. Having Easter dinner in a church with a bunch of members is pretty much exactly that.

That might be your problem then Aron, depending on how much / if the church crowd are trying to convert you.

It's perfectly understandable to not want to participate in any rituals or be preached to. It's another to be unable to converse or spend time with someone just because of what they believe, or to put it into your words, to have trouble relating to religious people even when they're *not* talking about their religion. The latter is just bigotry.

FWIW, I attended a church Christmas lunch with my wife's family. Went just fine.

I don't know how you do it. I have trouble trying to relate to anyone religious these days, especially when they are talking about their religion.

Case in point: My mother trying to invite me to her church's easter dinner. "But Aron, it's just dinner!" ... she doesn't even understand why I have a hard time spending time with the church crowd.

Good luck to you!

Yeah, but that's yahweh. His idea of humor is giving the Philistines hemorrhoids for stealing his ark. He's sort of a slapstick god.

You mean the Redundant Department of Redundancy? =P

"as well as some funny humor!"

From the Department of Redundancy Department.

Welcome Helen. Hope you find this site helpful to help you sort through the questions you are having.

I hope so - I hope to be involved in interesting and enlightening conversations, as well as some funny humor!

Hi Helen. Your situation is similar to that of a lot of people here, myself included. My wife, most of my family, and almost all of my friends are Christian. Since I became an atheist I've very intentionally been as non-confrontational as possible about it, because it only upsets people and I have no wish to ruin friendships. I generally just keep my mouth shut and have very few people in real life to discuss these issues with.

I've found online blogs and forums to be a very good alternative. So welcome.

Welcome Helen!

I'm Helen. I consider myself Agnostic. Ironically, I'm in my second year of going to a Christian college named Malone University. Hence my title of my post - I always feel like the elephant in the room. I didn't start at Malone as an Agnostic, but somewhere along the line, doubted the truth of Christianity, due to unanswered questions and the conduct and words of those around me. I love my Christian friends, but I want to talk to some people with similar opinions to mine - sort of why I'm on this site.

This actually isn't my first foray into the arena of Agnosticism - I was one for a year back in high school, but I think I'll save that for a different post in a different area. This is supposed to be an introduction.

I'm 20 and studying Nursing. I enjoy music and computer games and just hanging out. I very much enjoy discussing politics and religion (hence part of why I'm on here!).

~Helen~