Atheists: How do you feel?

With my nerve endings.

I think in high school its bigger deal running into an atheist epically in alabama where I live because teenagers haven't been exposed a lot to other cultures and belief systems outside of the bible. It's not so bad when I tell people I am an Atheist though.I get a lot of questions but I like to answer them.

I believe in college it's a whole new ball game of open-minded people.

My best friend is Christian. I am an agnostic atheist. We get along just fine.

My father and mother are also Christians. My sister is Buddhist.

We don't have any issues or fights because of our different religious (or, in my case, irreligious) views.

Most people know that I am an atheist (albeit agnostic) in my daily life; I am not ridiculed for it neither am I admired.

My community is very accepting and passive in the ways of religion/irreligion.

most of the time it's not much of an issue. when it does come up, there is usually a look of surpise, and maybe an expression like the person has noticed some BO coming from me but is too polite to mention it. At worst I've got the occasional "you're going to hell" or other angry reaction, but none of those people are close friends or anything.

My English class ended up finding out I was atheist.

Nothing happened aside from a fellow student asking,"You're atheist?" to make sure.

No alienation there.

I've had people tell me they're frightened of atheists, but I've never felt alienated. Nor do I feel alienated when people "look at me funny." I have a healthy ego. I don't need the approbation of everyone I encounter.

It is getting easier every day. I have had no problems, lately, as an 'out' atheist. Millions of people who did not believe, but pretended to believe, just to get along, are finding that this pretense is no longer necessary.

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Regards,

John Popelish

You can't tell a religious or non-religious person's viewpoint just by looks. When I tell a religious person that I don't believe in the boogyman, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny or gods, they usually look embarrassed of themselves (for believing).

I am Canadian, so most of my friends are atheist. However, even if they weren't, I am not going to feel bad because I don't believe that crazy crap in the bible.

why would i feel alienated? Im an atheist not a leper.

Right now, I'm agnostic, leaning towards atheism... I just don't know, but I feel great, it feels good to finally think for myself and not worry about religion so much.