Terms for "Atheist" when you don't feel like having the conversation.

Hypner · 12th April 2011, 06:28 PM

I do enjoy discussing my anti-theism, but there are times when it's inappropriate (or i lack the inclination) and I need a pithy, confusing ethos to derail the pending billionth Abrahamic claptrap. I assume many of you have similar smoke screens; here are some I have used:

"I'm a non-practicing Pantheistic Neo-Pythagorist."
"I was born a snake handler, and I'll die a snake handler."

That's all I've got really. (and i stole the 2nd one from Moe) Do you have any that are confusing, non-committal, and can easily be followed with, "...enough about me, how 'bout that local sports team."

Beanbag · 12th April 2011, 06:59 PM

Born-Again Atheist.

Founding Member of the Atheist Association of Dyslexics -- There Is No Dog.

Part of the steering committee for the Campus Crusade For Cthulu -- It Found Me.

Beanbag

ExMinister · 12th April 2011, 07:16 PM

Naturalist might work.

Sounds a little like nudist, though.

Nudist might work but probably would not lead right to the casual sports conversation.

Mister Earl · 12th April 2011, 07:23 PM

... lawn darts?

Hoppy · 12th April 2011, 07:32 PM

I tell them that I'm a pantheiest; not the nature diety people but I wear woman's underwear on my head when the mood strikes me.

icerat · 12th April 2011, 08:03 PM

humanist. Few religious people know what it means. Heck, when you explain the philosophy they rarely even get that "athiest" is (almost) implicit. As we well know, the ethical basis of humanism is clearly the antithesis of atheist behaviour and can only have come from (a) God!

Dinwar · 12th April 2011, 08:14 PM

G.K. Chesterton mentioned "Methusalin": the religion of living as long as possible.

Beelzebuddy · 12th April 2011, 08:27 PM

I often describe myself as a "godless heathen," a phrase which clearly communicates my general stance on religious matters, implies an unwillingness to argue about it, but is self-deprecating enough that it doesn't offend anyone. Works wonders on door to door missionaries.

icerat · 12th April 2011, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by Dinwar

G.K. Chesterton mentioned "Methusalin": the religion of living as long as possible.

Ahh ... well then you could always avow to be a Singularitarianist or Transhumanist

TubbaBlubba · 12th April 2011, 08:39 PM

A while ago, I was asked if I "believed in God" by a woman who was spreading the true message of Christmas - that of Jesus, of course. I answered that, "I have no need for that hypothesis."

Afterwards, when she explained what she was doing, I pointed out the various pagan origins of Christmas (Yule, Solstice, etc) which would seem to conflict with her "true message". She, of course, claimed ignorance of any such matters.

Madalch · 12th April 2011, 08:43 PM

"I'm not really religious."

Tricky · 12th April 2011, 08:46 PM

I tell them I'm a Frisbytarian. We believe that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and you can't get it down.

Dr. Keith · 12th April 2011, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by Madalch

"I'm not really religious."

This. It is typically sufficient.

If prodded more: "I was raised Episcopalian but went to Catholic school. I can sit through either service and get the hand gestures right." A big smile at the end leaves them guessing.

If prodded much more I start asking them questions, which may include inquiries about their parentage or whether they ever felt that rudeness was underrated. Or, more likely about their beliefs. Christian, you say, which kind? That tends to get them talking until I can go find a drink.

Jeff Corey · 12th April 2011, 08:55 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9UTC...eature=related

CMacDady · 12th April 2011, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by Dr. Keith

Originally Posted by Madalch

"I'm not really religious."

This. It is typically sufficient.

This. If they ask if I believe in God. I ask them right back, 'Which god'?
Most have a hard time defining that...

Dinwar · 12th April 2011, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Ahh ... well then you could always avow to be a Singularitarianist or Transhumanist

Not until I can talk to my children via neutrinos.

Though to be fair, information-related brain disease is something I'd rather avoid.

NoScotsman · 12th April 2011, 09:51 PM

I usually tell people that I don't believe in the supernatural.

This puts the ball back in their court ... In fact it usually stops them cold. After all, how are Christians supposed to respond to this? ...."Hey! My God isn't supernatural!!"

And of course, many Christians think anything supernatural is the devil's instrument...

Word choice is everything

Wowbagger · 12th April 2011, 09:59 PM

Armchair Scientist (assuming you're not a professional scientist)

Quinn · 12th April 2011, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by NoScotsman

I usually tell people that I don't believe in the supernatural.

Ooh, that's good. Really good. Consider it stolen.

Depending on my mood and the other person, I generally alternate between three, all of which have already been mentioned: "godless heathen," "I don't really do the religion thing," or "Which one?" (when asked if I believe in god). Now I have a fourth one to add to the arsenal.

Dr. Lao · 12th April 2011, 10:32 PM

"I gave up on religion"

Rincewind · 12th April 2011, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by Wowbagger

Armchair Scientist (assuming you're not a professional scientist)

Or maybe a professional armchair?

devnull · 12th April 2011, 11:51 PM

I just say "Im an atheist".

Its different in Australia. The theists are the ones people generally back away from.

Reno · 13th April 2011, 05:38 AM

The most annoying response that I often get from door-to-door witnesses when I tell them that I don't believe in gods is: "that's ok - HE believes in you"

I then tell them I will convert to their religion if it involves casual group sex and would they like to come in to my parlour to discuss this matter further. That usually gets rid of them.

Sledge · 13th April 2011, 05:43 AM

I can't imagine a time it would be inappropriate to mention I'm an atheist. This is presumably in response to someone discussing or asking about religion, so I don't really understand the question.

DallasDad · 13th April 2011, 05:53 AM

I often tell those inquiring casually that our family doesn't discuss religion outside the church. Those who persist discover that we don't go to a church. I've yet to encounter someone unable to put the two together and drop the subject.

Aepervius · 13th April 2011, 06:17 AM

Originally Posted by DallasDad

I often tell those inquiring casually that our family doesn't discuss religion outside the church. Those who persist discover that we don't go to a church. I've yet to encounter someone unable to put the two together and drop the subject.

I think I will steal that one

DC · 13th April 2011, 06:24 AM

I am an Atheist, thats the answer i mostly give, but when i feel like provoking a discussion i say "I am a heretic"

PGH · 13th April 2011, 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by NoScotsman

I usually tell people that I don't believe in the supernatural.

This puts the ball back in their court ... In fact it usually stops them cold. After all, how are Christians supposed to respond to this? ...."Hey! My God isn't supernatural!!"

And of course, many Christians think anything supernatural is the devil's instrument...

Word choice is everything

This is much better and more diplomatic than my "I don't believe in fake s___." answer. What can I say, I can be blunt at times.

Originally Posted by devnull

I just say "Im an atheist".

Its different in Australia. The theists are the ones people generally back away from.

Sounds like a little slice of non-existent heaven.

Marquis de Carabas · 13th April 2011, 06:28 AM

"I'm a pedophile."

Most people won't worry too much about your religion after that one. They just assume you're Catholic.

HansMustermann · 13th April 2011, 06:29 AM

I usually go for some form of believing we're in a computer game and hoping that my player doesn't cancel his subscription. Tends to give people one or more than the following ideas:

1. I'm crazy

2. I'm not serious enough for the conversation

3. it's somehow compatible with their God

And if they want more details, I can adlib stuff like, "yes, of course I'll be saved. Everyone is auto-saved every half an hour and backed up to tape on weekends."

HansMustermann · 13th April 2011, 06:30 AM

Originally Posted by Reno

The most annoying response that I often get from door-to-door witnesses when I tell them that I don't believe in gods is: "that's ok - HE believes in you"

"Well, that's ok, then. Send him to pray to me every weekend, and I'll forgive him."

Kev The Green · 13th April 2011, 06:34 AM

Around here* it's pretty much assumed everyone is a Christian unless proven otherwise. Just telling people I was born and raised Southern Baptist is enough to stop the inquiries.

*Here being Springfield, Mo. Home of John Ashcroft and the Assembly of God.

MRC_Hans · 13th April 2011, 06:36 AM

Interesting. In Denmark, it is not considered good taste to ask directly about people's religion, income, or political standpoint, so such questions will normally only come up way into specific discussions, so there will be time to bail out if you don't want to go there.

The exception is, of course, street- and door-to-door missionaries, but I have a different tactics for those:

Against street missionaries, I adopt the same tactics as for Chinese street peddlers: I pretend they don't exist. I don't even look their way.

Against door-to-door missionaries (luckily quite rare where I live presently), I simply say "no thanks", and close the door without even waiting for an answer.

Hans

PGH · 13th April 2011, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by Kev The Green

Around here* it's pretty much assumed everyone is a Christian unless proven otherwise. Just telling people I was born and raised Southern Baptist is enough to stop the inquiries.

*Here being Springfield, Mo. Home of John Ashcroft and the Assembly of God.

In a past life I was a stand-up comedian and played a club in Springfield, Missouri. Now that I know how very religious they are I'll use that as the reason why I got so few laughs that week.

Couldn't have been my fault. Noooo.....

alfaniner · 13th April 2011, 06:53 AM

Non-theist.

JoelKatz · 13th April 2011, 07:01 AM

I would probably just tell them that I'm not superstitious. If they say they aren't either, and I'm feeling confrontational, I ask them if they believe in the power of prayer. Otherwise, I just move on.

But I like the supernatural answer better. I'll be stealing that.

LarianLeQuella · 13th April 2011, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by MRC_Hans

Interesting. In Denmark, it is not considered good taste to ask directly about people's religion, income, or political standpoint,

AmeriKKKuns are quite rude in that department...

Resume · 13th April 2011, 07:05 AM

I just use atheist. Most people have problems with me long before we get to this subject.

Lisa Simpson · 13th April 2011, 07:09 AM

Originally Posted by Madalch

"I'm not really religious."

This is my first line of defense against co-workers.

Originally Posted by icerat

humanist. Few religious people know what it means. Heck, when you explain the philosophy they rarely even get that "athiest" is (almost) implicit. As we well know, the ethical basis of humanism is clearly the antithesis of atheist behaviour and can only have come from (a) God!

This is my second.

Originally Posted by MRC_Hans

Against door-to-door missionaries (luckily quite rare where I live presently), I simply say "no thanks", and close the door without even waiting for an answer.

This is what I do at home.

poblob14 · 13th April 2011, 09:28 AM

I have been known to call myself an anti-solipsist; I believe everyone exists except me.

12th April 2011, 06:28 PM	#1
Hypner Student Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: 179° 56′ 39.4″ +0° 2′ 46.2″ 7,940 ± 420 Posts: 32	Terms for "Atheist" when you don't feel like having the conversation. I do enjoy discussing my anti-theism, but there are times when it's inappropriate (or i lack the inclination) and I need a pithy, confusing ethos to derail the pending billionth Abrahamic claptrap. I assume many of you have similar smoke screens; here are some I have used: "I'm a non-practicing Pantheistic Neo-Pythagorist." "I was born a snake handler, and I'll die a snake handler." That's all I've got really. (and i stole the 2nd one from Moe) Do you have any that are confusing, non-committal, and can easily be followed with, "...enough about me, how 'bout that local sports team."

12th April 2011, 06:59 PM	#2
Beanbag Master Poster Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Dallas/Fort Worth Posts: 2,709	Born-Again Atheist. Founding Member of the Atheist Association of Dyslexics -- There Is No Dog. Part of the steering committee for the Campus Crusade For Cthulu -- It Found Me. Beanbag
	__________________ Nothing divides an indivisible nation quite as well as religion. Know god, no peace. No god, know peace. If Jesus is the answer, it must be a real dumb question.

12th April 2011, 07:16 PM	#3
ExMinister RSL Acolyte Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,749	Naturalist might work. Sounds a little like nudist, though. Nudist might work but probably would not lead right to the casual sports conversation.
ExMinister RSL Acolyte Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,749	__________________ www.stopsylvia.com

12th April 2011, 07:32 PM	#5
Hoppy Scholar Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 107	I tell them that I'm a pantheiest; not the nature diety people but I wear woman's underwear on my head when the mood strikes me.
Hoppy Scholar Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 107

12th April 2011, 08:03 PM	#6
icerat Illuminator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: sweden Posts: 3,128	humanist. Few religious people know what it means. Heck, when you explain the philosophy they rarely even get that "athiest" is (almost) implicit. As we well know, the ethical basis of humanism is clearly the antithesis of atheist behaviour and can only have come from (a) God!
	__________________ Benford's law of controversy - Passion is inversely proportional to the amount of real information available On my Ignore List - Joecool NewtonTrino Porkchopjim Tex2 If someone on my ignore list posts something you'd like me to respond to, please let me know.

12th April 2011, 07:23 PM	#4
Mister Earl Master Poster Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,118	... lawn darts?

12th April 2011, 08:14 PM	#7
Dinwar Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 8,908	G.K. Chesterton mentioned "Methusalin": the religion of living as long as possible.
Dinwar Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 8,908	__________________ GENERATION 8: The first time you see this, copy it into your sig on any forum and add 1 to the generation. Social experiment. Ein krieg ohne feinde.

12th April 2011, 08:27 PM	#8
Beelzebuddy Graduate Poster Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 1,714	I often describe myself as a "godless heathen," a phrase which clearly communicates my general stance on religious matters, implies an unwillingness to argue about it, but is self-deprecating enough that it doesn't offend anyone. Works wonders on door to door missionaries.

12th April 2011, 08:29 PM	#9
icerat Illuminator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: sweden Posts: 3,128	Originally Posted by Dinwar G.K. Chesterton mentioned "Methusalin": the religion of living as long as possible. Ahh ... well then you could always avow to be a Singularitarianist or Transhumanist
	__________________ Benford's law of controversy - Passion is inversely proportional to the amount of real information available On my Ignore List - Joecool NewtonTrino Porkchopjim Tex2 If someone on my ignore list posts something you'd like me to respond to, please let me know. Last edited by icerat; 12th April 2011 at 08:30 PM.

12th April 2011, 08:39 PM	#10
TubbaBlubba Knave of the Dudes Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Communist Kingdom of Sweden Posts: 7,394	A while ago, I was asked if I "believed in God" by a woman who was spreading the true message of Christmas - that of Jesus, of course. I answered that, "I have no need for that hypothesis." Afterwards, when she explained what she was doing, I pointed out the various pagan origins of Christmas (Yule, Solstice, etc) which would seem to conflict with her "true message". She, of course, claimed ignorance of any such matters.
	__________________ Disagreement begets progress.

12th April 2011, 08:43 PM	#11
Madalch The Jester Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The wet coast. Posts: 8,697	"I'm not really religious."
	__________________ As the size of an explosion increases, the number of social situations it is incapable of resolving approaches zero. -Vaarsuvius It's a rum state of affairs when you feel like punching a jar of mayonnaise in the face. -Charlie Brooker

12th April 2011, 08:46 PM	#12
Tricky Briefly immortal Moderator Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: The Group W bench Posts: 42,345	I tell them I'm a Frisbytarian. We believe that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and you can't get it down.

12th April 2011, 08:53 PM	#13
Dr. Keith Not a doctor. Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 3,224	Originally Posted by Madalch "I'm not really religious." This. It is typically sufficient. If prodded more: "I was raised Episcopalian but went to Catholic school. I can sit through either service and get the hand gestures right." A big smile at the end leaves them guessing. If prodded much more I start asking them questions, which may include inquiries about their parentage or whether they ever felt that rudeness was underrated. Or, more likely about their beliefs. Christian, you say, which kind? That tends to get them talking until I can go find a drink.
	__________________ shift key currently inoperative. sorry for the inconvenience. -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Jonah Baldwin: Talk to her, dad. She's a doctor. Sam Baldwin: Of what? Her first name could be Doctor. - Sleepless in Seattle

12th April 2011, 08:55 PM	#14
Jeff Corey New York Skeptic Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 13,794	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9UTC...eature=related

12th April 2011, 08:58 PM	#15
CMacDady Thinker Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 197	Originally Posted by Dr. Keith Originally Posted by Madalch "I'm not really religious." This. It is typically sufficient. This. If they ask if I believe in God. I ask them right back, 'Which god'? Most have a hard time defining that...
CMacDady Thinker Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 197

12th April 2011, 09:20 PM	#16
Dinwar Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 8,908	Quote: Ahh ... well then you could always avow to be a Singularitarianist or Transhumanist Not until I can talk to my children via neutrinos. Though to be fair, information-related brain disease is something I'd rather avoid.
Dinwar Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 8,908	__________________ GENERATION 8: The first time you see this, copy it into your sig on any forum and add 1 to the generation. Social experiment. Ein krieg ohne feinde.

12th April 2011, 09:51 PM	#17
NoScotsman Critical Thinker Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 292	I usually tell people that I don't believe in the supernatural. This puts the ball back in their court ... In fact it usually stops them cold. After all, how are Christians supposed to respond to this? ...."Hey! My God isn't supernatural!!" And of course, many Christians think anything supernatural is the devil's instrument... Word choice is everything

12th April 2011, 09:59 PM	#18
Wowbagger The Infinitely Prolonged Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester County, NY (when not in space) Posts: 13,505	Armchair Scientist (assuming you're not a professional scientist)
	__________________ WARNING: Phrases in this post may sound meaner than they were intended to be. SkeptiCamp NYC: http://www.skepticampnyc.org/ An open conference on science and skepticism, where *you* could be a presenter! By the way, my first name is NOT Bowerick!!!!

12th April 2011, 10:17 PM	#19
Quinn Breathtakingly blasphemous. Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 1,882	Originally Posted by NoScotsman I usually tell people that I don't believe in the supernatural. Ooh, that's good. Really good. Consider it stolen. Depending on my mood and the other person, I generally alternate between three, all of which have already been mentioned: "godless heathen," "I don't really do the religion thing," or "Which one?" (when asked if I believe in god). Now I have a fourth one to add to the arsenal.
	__________________ It's not a matter of living life without mystery or wonder. It's a matter of living life without the approval of people who ignorantly assume that by rejecting the irrational, I experience no mystery or wonder. And frankly, I do just fine without that.

12th April 2011, 10:32 PM	#20
Dr. Lao Critical Thinker Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 404	"I gave up on religion"
Dr. Lao Critical Thinker Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 404	__________________ Being a Conspiracy Theorist is easy, you never have to provide proof, you only demand that others disprove you. And when they do disprove you, you can accuse them of being part of the conspiracy, and make up a new one.

12th April 2011, 11:20 PM	#21
Rincewind Graduate Poster Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1,161	Originally Posted by Wowbagger Armchair Scientist (assuming you're not a professional scientist) Or maybe a professional armchair?

12th April 2011, 11:51 PM	#22
devnull Illuminator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 4,532	I just say "Im an atheist". Its different in Australia. The theists are the ones people generally back away from.
	__________________ no, i don't think i need to read naturalistic literature more accurately, to be convinced its true. - Gibhor

13th April 2011, 05:38 AM	#23
Reno Inquisitor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Scotland, West Coast Posts: 1,232	The most annoying response that I often get from door-to-door witnesses when I tell them that I don't believe in gods is: "that's ok - HE believes in you" I then tell them I will convert to their religion if it involves casual group sex and would they like to come in to my parlour to discuss this matter further. That usually gets rid of them.
	__________________ "Well, if it matters not to you how things are phrased, nor whether they make any logical sense, then here is my answer to your question: Twenty-seven rumbly-tumblies in a tinhorn fandango." - Robert S Lancaster Stop Sylvia Browne

13th April 2011, 05:43 AM	#24
Sledge Grammaton Cleric Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Swingin' on a star Posts: 7,123	I can't imagine a time it would be inappropriate to mention I'm an atheist. This is presumably in response to someone discussing or asking about religion, so I don't really understand the question.
	__________________ "The perfect haiku would have just two syllables: Airwolf" ~ Ernest Cline "Science knows it doesn't know everything, otherwise it would stop" ~ Dara O'Briain.

13th April 2011, 05:53 AM	#25
DallasDad Muse Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 688	I often tell those inquiring casually that our family doesn't discuss religion outside the church. Those who persist discover that we don't go to a church. I've yet to encounter someone unable to put the two together and drop the subject.
DallasDad Muse Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 688

13th April 2011, 06:17 AM	#26
Aepervius Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bierland. I mean , germany. Posts: 7,735	Originally Posted by DallasDad I often tell those inquiring casually that our family doesn't discuss religion outside the church. Those who persist discover that we don't go to a church. I've yet to encounter someone unable to put the two together and drop the subject. I think I will steal that one
	__________________ Omnes Blessant Ultima necat "I want, and this is my last and most dear wish, I want that the last of the king be strangled with the guts of the last priest" (Jean Meslier / 1664-1729 / Testament) A very early french atheist, a catholic priest in life.

13th April 2011, 06:24 AM	#27
DC dedicated aphilatelist Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Switzerland Posts: 21,647	I am an Atheist, thats the answer i mostly give, but when i feel like provoking a discussion i say "I am a heretic"
	__________________ AGW is a fact, including the A, face it

13th April 2011, 06:25 AM	#28
PGH Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,002	Originally Posted by NoScotsman I usually tell people that I don't believe in the supernatural. This puts the ball back in their court ... In fact it usually stops them cold. After all, how are Christians supposed to respond to this? ...."Hey! My God isn't supernatural!!" And of course, many Christians think anything supernatural is the devil's instrument... Word choice is everything This is much better and more diplomatic than my "I don't believe in fake s___." answer. What can I say, I can be blunt at times. Originally Posted by devnull I just say "Im an atheist". Its different in Australia. The theists are the ones people generally back away from. Sounds like a little slice of non-existent heaven.
PGH Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,002

13th April 2011, 06:28 AM	#29
Marquis de Carabas Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: vuori Posts: 27,106	"I'm a pedophile." Most people won't worry too much about your religion after that one. They just assume you're Catholic.
	__________________ Jesus ... wasn't he the bloke who turned fish into wine and made the lepers multiply? -KateHL Violence is more acceptable than incest. I have been told to keep this in mind.

13th April 2011, 06:29 AM	#30
HansMustermann Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 9,825	I usually go for some form of believing we're in a computer game and hoping that my player doesn't cancel his subscription. Tends to give people one or more than the following ideas: 1. I'm crazy 2. I'm not serious enough for the conversation 3. it's somehow compatible with their God And if they want more details, I can adlib stuff like, "yes, of course I'll be saved. Everyone is auto-saved every half an hour and backed up to tape on weekends."

13th April 2011, 06:30 AM	#31
HansMustermann Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 9,825	Originally Posted by Reno The most annoying response that I often get from door-to-door witnesses when I tell them that I don't believe in gods is: "that's ok - HE believes in you" "Well, that's ok, then. Send him to pray to me every weekend, and I'll forgive him."

13th April 2011, 06:34 AM	#32
Kev The Green Critical Thinker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Springfield Posts: 281	Around here* it's pretty much assumed everyone is a Christian unless proven otherwise. Just telling people I was born and raised Southern Baptist is enough to stop the inquiries. *Here being Springfield, Mo. Home of John Ashcroft and the Assembly of God.
	__________________ Kev "Even if you've eliminated all the rational explanations you can think of, the first irrational one you think of isn't necessarily true." "The universe doesn't care what you think."

13th April 2011, 06:36 AM	#33
MRC_Hans Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Whithin earshot of the North Sea Posts: 16,600	Interesting. In Denmark, it is not considered good taste to ask directly about people's religion, income, or political standpoint, so such questions will normally only come up way into specific discussions, so there will be time to bail out if you don't want to go there. The exception is, of course, street- and door-to-door missionaries, but I have a different tactics for those: Against street missionaries, I adopt the same tactics as for Chinese street peddlers: I pretend they don't exist. I don't even look their way. Against door-to-door missionaries (luckily quite rare where I live presently), I simply say "no thanks", and close the door without even waiting for an answer. Hans
	__________________ Don't. Just don't.

13th April 2011, 06:42 AM	#34
PGH Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,002	Originally Posted by Kev The Green Around here* it's pretty much assumed everyone is a Christian unless proven otherwise. Just telling people I was born and raised Southern Baptist is enough to stop the inquiries. *Here being Springfield, Mo. Home of John Ashcroft and the Assembly of God. In a past life I was a stand-up comedian and played a club in Springfield, Missouri. Now that I know how very religious they are I'll use that as the reason why I got so few laughs that week. Couldn't have been my fault. Noooo.....
PGH Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,002

13th April 2011, 06:53 AM	#35
alfaniner Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Sorth Dakonsin Posts: 11,379	Non-theist.
	__________________ Science doesn't lie.