Since the society itself is predominately religious, it is quite common to find such things influenced by the religious motif and oft not considered by the compiler, who holds the same or similar bias.

This is why it is important for folks like us who do not hold to such unfounded beliefs to point out the flaws in their assumptions because for centuries we have been a minority with no voice and during that time the religion colored the entire society with it's religious assumptions.

As an atheist, I feel much more at peace with myself tyan I did as a believer. I know what I believe and why and am fully comfoetable with it!

Fighting these fools soon gets just tiring but I agree with what you said.

What could be more stressful than trying to please a damanding non-communicative invisible being who threatens you with eternal torment? Being free of such nonsense is stress relieving to be sure.

yes but then you always knew religious people wouldnt stop to consider an alternative that s what religion is a closed mind - I live in Northern Ireland if youre not catholic or protestant you don't even exist

Yes, I’d have to say that besting zealots at their own game is both gratifying and liberating as an equalizer.

The stress I receive from being an atheist is akin to that which Eddie Albert’s character experienced on the ‘60s TV show, “Green Acres”. His character was, of course, completely sane, but it’s the eccentricity and illogic of those whom surrounded him which made him feel as though he was losing his mind.

Yes, I can manage in the world just fine, but how much nicer (...and, less stressful) it would be to simply circumvent potential pitfalls of non-acceptance from those who wield control over certain aspects and avenues of our lives using religion (such as, for example, the supervisor at work who may call to have us all bow our heads in group prayer in the name of his/her own particular faith).

To disingenuously perform like a clapping seal in order to maintain the security of one’s job makes even the most faithful and dedicated employee out to be an unwilling liar. It is probably more difficult to combat this sort of discriminatory behavior in small towns where jobs are infinitely more scarce than in the larger cities.

So the point schedule is the higher the # the less stressful? And change of religious activities is rated as more stressful than divorce? Did I read that right?
Bad test.

Also, good things create cortisol too. It's why some can seem to have it all then check out permanently. Some people process cortisol less efficiently than others.

Relax! Most people are religious, and their religion can be a great source of stress or comfort. You are stressing because of your Atheism. There is no real difference.

These types of things are so frustrating. And apparently, immutable. Congrats on your self-awareness, though!

Love your Easter Bunny comment !!! So true. And so condescending to think that because we have no invisible friend, we have no resources or back up to our lives. Sigh......

I went to an atheist thing here in Dallas, and shockingly at the time they sang religious melodies with anti-Christian lyrics. That turned me into an agnostic, I don’t want to preach anti-religion, I’m good with whatever anyone wants to believe as long as they don’t push it on me. Granted many religions feel the MUST push it.

Most of these tests are discreditied lookii it up online Myers Briggs is the worst I think but they are all pointless and do not take anything real into account like ho wwell you can do the task in hand.

You've identified one of many examples of how difficult it can be to escape the grip of false assumptions about what is so and what is not. Many atheist/agnostic people reject notions about the existence of gods and believe that by doing so, 'the work is over'.

Gods are only one of the ways in which various kinds of elitists cooperate in manipulating and exploiting people with false beliefs. This is why politics is paired with 'religion' as a hot topic to be avoided in polite social company. Both employ belief systems requiring emotional and often financial investments. Both set doctrinal boundaries on those who wish to claim them as part of individual identity. Both kinds of systems require checking critical reasoning and criticism at the door or risk being vilified as 'one of those people' by the corraled minds within.

Another false, in my view, set of doctrines consists of the assumption that males are supposed to be the leaders in families and societies, when women are obviously better prepared for both and often fullfil those vital leadership roles while deprived of recognition for it. This crazy notion of men heading anything and possessing natural authority over women has infused thinking in religion, politics and societies dominated by them in spite of recent improvements in understanding over the last century. If there ARE to be a majorities of one sex in any kind of executive or representation roles, women are better equipped as a group to occupy them.

We have all but done away with the natural familial structure of close, extended and interelated family support. Families seldom live close to one another, are often widely dispersed and erstwhile participation in child and household care by siblings for one another, uncles/aunts and grandparents has practically vanished. Children are now largely left in the care of paid strangers; lacking the important sense fo belonging and benefits of affection from extended families. It is especially harmful leaving young children unable to understand that mom or dad will return for them and when. Toddlers need close contact and fostering of security during early stages of emotional development that strangers aren't in a position to provide.

Rejection of gods is a start but self and societal responsibility to examine values adopted by routine rather than choice is far from complete. If we are determined to improve our own lives and society overall, there is no substitute for xample, the best teacher, and it can only be demonstrated by coinciding beliefs.

Definite bias there. Maybe you should voice opinions to Human Resources. I'd contact FFRF or ACLU if it affects your employment.

Oh for goodness sake America wake up! This one nation under God is ridiculuos. If God exiisted he or she would have given up on you yeras ago. Trillions of dollars spent on the industrial military junta, trillions more lost through tax breaks for 1% of your population but you can't afford free health care for all! As for relgion reducing stress. NO IT DON'T, at least in America, it just makes you feel guilt and that is not good for stress. Next time a tele-evangalist asks you for a donation send him or her a bomb instead!

Simple solutions for simple minds (not yours - the theists). Sometimes I wish I could believe in God. It would make things simpler.

For a "Believer" going through the "accidental" process of religious change (from Moslem to Protestant or Christian to Atheist) it could be much more stressful than "19".

I hope you didn't pay for that "training"!

I don't know if stress without the religious crutch is worse or better. Relying on a deity to feel better seems like it's pseudo relief while actual breathing and exercise is tangible and provides numerous other benefits.

Religion is only non-stressful if you never question it and zombie your way through life. If you spend your life trying to reconcile all the contradictions and trying to figure out why God didn't give you what you prayed for, or if you have enough faith, or if you and your loved ones are going to heaven or hell, it can be very stressful. Believers have nervous breakdowns, you know.

You are right, the test is biased and most likely written by a Christian. I also agree religion does not belong there. I found just sitting in church services and listening to the preaching of what I see as bull shit stressful and then the expectation for me to give up money in an envelope. LAst time I slipped a note in place of money. "Give up worshipping your false God if you want true happiness in life."

I was a little stressed out when I became an atheist. There were a number of times I wanted a cigarette so badly. I couldn't stand it. it's 7 years since I had a cigarette. I got through it by medatation and talking to a helpful person I met on this web site. You will get through it and find a new source of strength to help you.

I find I have less stress and worry as a non-believer than I ever did before. I also, find religious people to be far bigger worriers. Some fear Sin so much that they are constantly doubting their own actions and reaffirming their beliefs and trying to hide from natural urges like sex. They worry constantly about anything and everything, constantly praying or seeking prayers from others.

When in training, especially with regards to the workplace, these days you need to be aware of what the trainers are really looking for. You may think that the questions are inappropriate, but I am really concerned, as you were, about the religious questions. You cannot be discriminated against, at least in the US, because of your religion. However, even though your employer can't ask you questions about marital status, religion, and a number of other things on an employment application, it certainly seems perfectly innocent to involve those very items in a "stress reduction training" class, doesn't it?

I have attended at least a hundred fifty training classes of different types during my career, and have even created a dozen or so training classes myself. This seems fishy to me. How long did they actually spend on stress reduction techiques?

that you are entertained by engaging in conflict with others lies the problem.