It's mind boggling how many people support the tangerine Mussolini.

I've found that discussing religion and politics have to be navigated like walking in a mine field. You really have to read the room first. I've lived in 2 tiny towns in Oklahoma ( Cleveland, Okemah ) and while it is one of the reddest states, there are signs of hope. The American Atheist convention was held in OKC a few months ago ( I attended ) and every year at this time is the annual Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah. Right wing bible thumpers do not attend the Woody Guthrie festival. Also your Tulsa World newspaper is definitely not as conservative as the repulsive state paper here in Arkansas. Having said that, I know that our two states are always trying to outdo one another as to who can be the most extremely conservative and blindly fundamentalist.

With friends like those who needs enemies?

Good riddance.

Yes, it's lonely, but isn't that better than spending time with ignorant morons?

How does it even ever come up? I can't recall ever being asked about religion.

Small minded short sited GOP morons on there best day !!

I'm on the border of TX and OK....it's actually decent. I have a Buddhist statue and a statue of Ganesha on the front porch of my office and people have actually knocked just to talk about Buddhism and tell me about their alternate religion. We also have a thriving pagan and Wiccan population here...well, 100+ people is thriving for this area. Native American religious events are also well received around here....

I know that it's a great upheaval but it just might be time to move

As a person who grew up in an ultra-conservative, religious (and relatively uneducated) southern bible belt culture, I can say that is the reality of such a culture and the reason I could never live in such a culture again. I wish I could be more encouraging.

These people were never real friends, and will be no great loss. I am in a similar position being in a minority of one amongst Christians of all complexions. I have lots of friends although I make no secret that I am a nonbeliever, I try not to engage in discussions about god as it can lead to heated arguments, but have never fallen out permanently with anyone over this issue. The old adage to never discuss religion or politics in polite society is worth bearing in mind, if you feel islolated perhaps there is a group within a reasonable distance you could join, such as a humanist or secular society. We are here to help too so don’t be afraid to vent!

I grew up in a small town, and do like some aspects, some people. Maybe when I retire I can gather up a bunch of like minded people and we can "gentrify" a small town together. The question is, where?

It is unfortunate that such things happen. I am prone being blunt and not coating things. I can't say it will ever get easy and there will likely be always be losses for standing up for what you believe in and what is right but you have a community that does stand behind you and supports you in this even if we arent geographically by your side.

I hear you! I've lived in some rural areas, and it takes time to find similar minds to hang with. Are you within driving distance of a university town, like Norman? Communities around them have Meetups, lectures, and other events geared to the more liberal or progressive people that live there. Makes it worth an hour-plus (or even more) drive for me. I like to find the local weekly alternative newspaper they always have, and check out their website.

That's not right for friends to abandon you simply based on your beliefs. It's their loss. If they can't get past a difference like that, who needs them around. It's perfectly fine to disagree, but to end a friendship over it is ridiculous.

Sounds like people you didn't need in your life anyway.

You can google atheist, community, or meet up groups to join that do activities you also enjoy..such as hiking, bird watching, ballroom dancing, sewing, weaving, singing, etc., or volunteer to help clean up local parks or national park trails.

I know EXACTLY what you're saying.

You can always be my friend, no matter what happens.