Question to atheists living in southern USA?

I, too, live in a very religious and conservative part of the US. I avoid talking about it to people I don't know well or people I assume are going to be confrontational. Sometimes, it's just not possible to completely avoid. I typically say that I'm not religious and change the subject; for most people, that works. They understand that you don't want to talk about it.

For the others... well, for the others you'll have to decide how you want to handle it. You can argue your position with them, point by point. Having a good amount of information and facts at your disposal helps with that, but you should be prepared to not really get anywhere. The type of people who'll tell you that you're "going to hell" aren't likely to be the type willing to have a civilized discussion. You can also just say that you don't agree with them, that you will not be talked to that way, and then walk away from them. I've done both, depending on how the situation had been going before. The older I get, the more I just walk away.

Be strong, and know that even when they say hurtful things to you that it doesn't really change anything. Try to find a few like-minded or at least sympathetic friends; it's harder for bullies to get you cornered and arguing if you've got people behind you.

I'm an atheist but I live in the Southwest. I like seeing the sun most of the year in Colorado and I wouldn't trade places with anyone East of the Mississippi. I had the honor of meeting Richard Dawkins when he was here in Colorado Springs doing a documentary on religion.

I can sympathise with you, as my in laws live in Florida, and long trips down there, and reading the local papers, can get me bothered about such issues as multiple school boards down there wanting to get ID into their science classes, in spite of the fact that that has already been ruled to be Unconstitutional.

That said, take a look at Christopher Hitchens writings on line about his book tours into the US south in support of his book "god Is Not Great". Even in the deepest parts of the bible belt, he filled lecture halls with folks who wanted to hear his talk.

So, there may well be some atheists where you are, its juts that they are also keeping low, for the same reasons. Perhaps some on line fora where atheists can share views might lead you to a local friend.

Be strong. If you want to get in their face, just tell them you are a pastafarian, or muslim, or hindu, or something.

If you would rather not have an 'in your face' attitude (quite understandable):

1- if they say that you are going to hell, just tell them that you are okay with that. Alternatively, tell them that they are going to hell too (quite possible since there are so many way to get there, like working on sunday, or having extramarital sex, or taking the god's name in vain, or not behaving in a 'proper and modest way', or not being poor (rich people aren't really allowed in christian heaven), or anything that seems in the least bit immoral)

2 - If they tell you that you are not really an atheist, then they are just crossing the line and being disrespectful of your religious (lack of) beliefs. Just tell them that they are nor really christian (they just don't know it yet).

Dude that's so weird. I'm an atheist and I live in southern USA

Trust me, In Arizona we're jam packed with crazy Christians. I go to my school, we learn Evolution, I was the only one there who actually loved learning it. All the Christians/Catholics hated it. But there are a few Atheist people out here, one of my good friends are an Atheist. I'm still friends with Christians, we just always have arguments about it

Refuse to discuss religion. That's how I deal with it. It's considered tacky and rude to try and discuss religion, politics or sex with people that aren't very good friends. Just because the people who talk to you are tastless, doesn't mean you need to follow suit.

For the sake of harmony, I keep my religious opinions to myself.

You're going to have a tough go.

Be strong.

If it upsets them, just say "forgive me". Don't they have to?