I have had to work in similar conditions and year it isn't fund at all.

Try to be dry and professional, its better that way in case of any future incidents.

I can imagine. Try believing in your own hypothetical that would take hours to explain, then dancing around that. Either or, you'd think your boss would respect you standing up for your views, nonetheless not bring religion into work at all.

Honestly, maybe he's missing out on a good worker if you care that much, still have a hard time yet still stay.

Rural America is very frustrating in its insistence that everybody be Christian. Hang in there, go through the motions as required, and preserve your career. It gets to the point where it's easier to ignore.

I completely understand how frustrating that is, I'm in Texas, an immigrant, and a minority so it happens to me constantly as well. Either direction you go with dealing with the situation feels like a baited trap. If you go down the route of saying the "A word" (atheist) it can end your career, if you entertain the conversation not only will it make you uncomfortable but he will probably soon realize you're an atheist and possibly end your career. The solution that has worked for me however is to start talking about work (updates on a project, making sure their ancillary training is up to date etc) as soon as I catch a hint that they might be trying to bring up morality, politics or religion. As far as the little comments like "my imaginary friend is great" etc I just ignore them, I see it as picking my battles. I sincerely hope this helps you address the situation and ultimately the root of the problem!

You have to have some good stories though...Humor/Crazy Christian stories can be a fun to read. Worst case scenario you write a book and become a millionare

I'm more of a Diest than anything. But I managed 4 farms, and a trucking company for 7 years! You are preaching to the chior...

I saw you were thinking of becoming a vet? Veterinary or Ag, rural US is going to be very religious. Maybe if you become a vet try a more cosmopolitan area. Until then do you think you could just firmly say talking about religion makes you uncomfortable without revealing your lack of belief? I don't envy you this. You do have friends for support where you are living? If not you have online support here!

Wow, so different. I teach ag, hort and conservation. I had a couple of extremely religious students and some very anti religion. I would say 60% of the people I have worked with are atheists. However, that changes with age, more than 1/2 of those over 50 are religious.

those working in ag are superstitious for the most part. They plant by old time ideas. That is why they loss their farm not going with science to fix things

Whether it is a family business or not, whether it is in agriculture or some other industry, your personal philosophical and religious views are none of your boss's business, and they are risking violating anti-discrimination laws by even bringing it up in the first place. There is a reason that in normal professional business it is considered an extremely bad idea to even discuss religion or politics on the job. Your boss needs to learn that their form of business is in no way exempt from those laws. It sounds like they are potentially createing a "hostile work environment" based on what is a federally protected class.

My personal advice would be to make it clear that you don't want to discuss religion, that your beliefs are not his business, and remind him that he is still required to meet federal and state laws and regulations regarding the treatment of his employees. That, of course, makes a large assumption on my part; namely that you would be willing and able to walk away from the job, find work elsewhere, and file a law suit if he decides to insist on religious discussions or fire you for refusing to engage in such discussions. Even simply telling him that you dohn't want to talk about religion could signal to him that you are not religious, and would be a risk. I don't know your specific circumstances, so maybe that isn't an option for you right now. But in my experience, it is best to be true to yourself and your beliefs, and rely on the law as much as possible when it actually provides protections.

I hope that's at least a little helpful. Good luck