What are some reactions when you tell people, or they suspect, that you are an atheist?

I never spit it right out to any one I know personally, in real life. Especially not family members. Too many would burn me at the stake and I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life.

I was raised a Mild Christian. I was born again in the 80’s. I was a very active member in my church. I taught in the 2 year old room. (I just baby sat. It was more fun than listening to sermons!)

My children were raised in the church. God was always a quiet part of my life. I believed he got me through some really rough times, and I gave him the credit.

Then in 2007 Rarebear got his satanic hooks on me and all was lost, although it took quite a while. The fact that he was so logical, so patient, never called me names, or even implied that I was a fool, really convinced me. His logic was unassailable.
I finally realized that there was one answer that answered answered every single question about the illogical being we call God.
It really wasn’t easy. Believing that there was someone watching over me was really comforting. Prayer was comforting, so sometimes I still pray. But logic had to prevail. It has prevailed all of my life, sometimes to the dismay of my Christian friends.

Well, today my oldest daughter, who is 32, and I were having a discussion that turned to religion. I just know she has become an atheist in the last few years, but I never said anything. (Same with my son. We never spoke of it outright but I’m pretty sure he has finally figured out that * gasp * Mom, of all people, doesn’t believe any more!!)

When I was at her house the other day, 4 year old Savannah came up with a kid’s book about Jonah and the whale she got from somewhere. So I started reading it to her. Actually, I was telling her the story and carefully asking questions that meant, “Does this sound logical? Do you think he could breath in there? What would he eat? Do you think this is a true story?”
My daughter “caught” us, and without listening to the tone of the conversation immediately shut us down and threw the book away.

I brought that up today. Savannah had picked up a Bible in the doctor’s waiting room (new Doc, she’s not going back) and Corrie made her put it down.
I told her I would have explained different parts of it to her, while asking her the questions I suggested above. I said that to me, that’s a teaching moment, the chance to reinforce critical thinking skills.

So she went off a little. She was really starting to get mad, but I stopped her cold when I quietly said, “Corrie. I’m an atheist.” I heard an audible gasp and a long moment of silence.

Then we talked. She asked how long, and I said, “Well, 10 years now.” She was flat gob smacked! But accepting.

Maybe now she’ll view many of my actions in a different light.