SLD

I think things are better than most would admit. Statistically speaking, the fastest growing religion in America is, surprise, surprise, non-religion. The non-religious have virtually doubled in the last decade, and overall there's been a general decline in church attendance in the last decade, and fundamentalists are on the decline. I live in the so-called Bible Belt and no one gives me too hard a time - even the fundies that I know. I was talking today with a freethinker who had been around here for over 40 years, and he commented on how bad things were back then compared to now.

For the most part, I don't think people care what I believe. I haven't been proselytized in a long time. Heck, a helluva long time now that I think about it.

Now there are concerns that I have, particularly with this administration's attempts to tear down the wall of separation of church and state. And everyday we hear some bozo talk about how this country was founded as a Christian country. It can get kind of scary at times, but I think what we are seeing is a reaction to the inevitable decline of Christianity. As they get desparate, they are trying to use what powers they have to stop it.

SLD

Shake

I had a co-worker, surprisingly when I was stationed in SC, who did just that! I saw him cutting out some small 'L's one day out of magnetic tape and asked him what he was doing. I chuckled out loud!

Of course, it is surprising that since I live less than an hour from the birthplace of the Mormon Church, I don't see a lot of them around here. Here is a link to a big pageant that they put on every year here.

MzNeko

I think it really does depend on just where in the U.S. you happen to be in. Here in the Los Angeles area, it's no big deal. I get more positive responses to my irreverent bumper-stickers than negative. (even the negative ones tickle me, though... ) I've gotten a lot of horn-honks followed by a thumbs-up and laughter. The worst I've ever gotten was dirty looks and once an angry note - and the note was while I was on vacation in Las Vegas. I don't particularly worry about being treated badly for being a non-religious person.

But I understand that in other parts of the country, it's a very big deal indeed.

dirkduck

Here in Colorado (Springs), I see a couple "Jesus Fish"'s on cars every day, only seen one evolve fish though.

Hedwig

At my last temp job I saw a couple of Darwin fish on cars parked in the lot...but then I worked in the same building that the microbiology dept. Over all, I've only had my car keyed once over my stickers here in Oklahoma. I consider that to be pretty good, all things considered.

Straight Hate

Good news in Canada - the recent census results that religion has declined since 1991. Another good bit of news is that Canada now has 20 000 Jedi Knights to protect us from the Evil Empire.

Charlie

Here in Florida, some of us are slowly coming out of the closet with our non-belief. It's still somewhat scary for me personally as I have two businesses that I'm afraid may suffer if I come completely out! But I've about had it with my children coming home with religious books from their publically funded school library, my neighbors trying to get us to go to their church with them, and don't get me started with our government down here!

Charlie

SLD

I know what you mean, Charlie. Despite my optimism, I don't let on publicly about my lack of religious belief. I have my own law practice, and I don't want people to avoid me because I might be viewed as "that atheist lawyer". I don't answer religious questions from clients - and so far I've not had a problem. But then again, I've only been asked about it twice. The first time I sidestepped the issue and the second time I came right out and told the client that I was not a minister and I would not discuss my personal beliefs as it is not an issue in my practice and that I do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of their beliefs. They were satisfied.

SLD

braces_for_impact

I live in Indianapolis, which I consider the most "Dixie" city in the north of the union. I have an evolve fish on my car (actually it's the evolution fish humping the Jesus fish) and at times I have caught Christians smiling at my symbol. Then I watch their face turn to a frown and then to anger or horror.

I haven't encountered too many problems with myself being an atheist. Mostly people get to know me before they find out, and they are usually surprised. Then they start asking me questions, and I get to dispell some illusions. Topping the list is that 1)Most people seem to think atheists are extremely rare. 2)Most people think that atheists have no ethics or hold no beliefs at all. 3)Most people expect atheists to be 'rabid' haters of all things religious. And of course there does also seem to be the atheist/intellectual stereotype. I have gotten some stares from time to time when answering questions, like on hospital check-in.

I have been prosyletized to quite a bit. No matter where I live, I usually have someone religious knock on my door a few times a year. I get approached on the street or in public transportation or public places. Religious people usually react more negatively, while non-religious people of course tend to react more positively. My coworkers all seem fine with it, though I had to disspell some common misconceptions with some of them.

All in all it's not too bad. I do hear prejudiced or bigoted comments in public from time to time which make me cringe, both at work and on the street. Certainly on television or radio. I think religion is going down the tubes and the last adherents to these outdated ideas are simply not going down without a fight, at least here in the U.S.

Radcliffe Emerson

I was in a local department store last night, and there was a guy standing in the aisle preaching the bible to a lady, who looked like she was hypnotized.
I couldn't resist rolling my eyes, and shaking my head as I walked past them.
So, yes, it's still a bit of a struggle for us non-believers over here.