A common atheism question, I guess...?

I think that if it comes up, politely state that you respect their beliefs, but do not follow them. How the other people react is their problem.

Hello,

I am a Seventh Day Adventist Christian. I think you should let the people who know you know, that you do not consider yourself a Christian. The Commandments say not to bear false witness. And also, if you are not a Christian, and people know you are not, then anything you say and do will not be blamed on God, Who is entirely innocent.

Anyway, if you are an athiest because all of the ``Christianity'' that you have been exposed to so far, is illogical, internally contradictory, and hypocritical etc etc, then I would ask that at the very least, you first put a bit of time into seeing how the Seventh Day Adventists see the Bible and why.

all the best :-)

PS: when the national sunday law issue comes up in the future, remember the Sabbath day (=Saturday, not sunday) to keep IT holy :-)

Why is giving an opinion elitist? Its only elitist if you act like you are better than them. You can express your point of view with out being pompous. Its ok to challenge peoples thinking. If they get offended then they are just insecure. Don't be afraid to speak your mind. You have the right.

I have never announced my atheism to anybody (I'm 36) Its irrelevent what others think about my beliefs, just like I don't care if others do believe. As long as people don't force their ideas on me, I am happy. People who shout the loudest about believing or not believing, are usually those that struggle with their concepts the most. If people confront me with their religious preaching (usually at the front door) I simply tell them I'm not interested, and have a nice day.

Your spiritual values are nobody else's business, but your own.

High school Christians can be quite nasty to atheistic classmates. There's really no reason to make an announcement.

Eh...it was generally a mistake for me in high school telling everyone. But then, I knew the Bible better than them and that made it fun.

If they feel it's appropriate to be telling you constantly what they believe, then tell them. Just do your research and debate appropriately, it doesn't need to get into a "what I believe is best" battle

There's a middle ground. You could always just say that your beliefs are private, and that you prefer not to talk about their religious beliefs.

If somebody asks you, tell them. If somebody starts talking to you about god, call them on their bullshit.

It's not elitist to be an atheist, that's just ridic.

I try never to "take it out and wave it around"... and I never "try to shove it down anyone's throat"... that behavior is just immature. If they ask however, I am up for discussion until the wee hours.