A word of caution to those who are against religion as much as I am. If you are unwilling to listen to theists who actually want to engage in a civil discussion, you are just as bad as those who will not listen to you as an atheist. You have no right to call yourself a free-thinker. Some of the most rewarding interactions will be with those who do not, and may never, agree with you. Some of those discussions have made me a better person first and foremost, not merely a better non-believer. Some of them are wonderful people. Don't let your high horse prevent you from reaching your potential. Don't be...dare I say...hypocritical.
I don't ever have those conversations for some reason. They just don't happen.
Bear in mind that all I said was, "...engage in a civil discussion." Nowhere in my post did I say anything like arguing with a brick wall over religion. The Don't-preach-to-me-or-tell-me-what-to-do knee jerk reaction is...palpable, in this thread. Pretty eye-opening.
@recluse I didn't mean confrontational either. I really only hang out with folks who are nonbelievers. Even in the band, only our bass player is a believer and a conservative, so we stay away from politics and religion when he is around. Good bass players are hard to find. We do like him. He is not a bad guy. ☺
I don't talk to anyone 'as an atheist' my name is Laura I talk as Laura - If anyone starts a convo about religion I excuse myself from the party; it isn't my thing and I have never, ever, been religious and have no interest in it any more than I have in people talking about fishing or stamp collecting - Its only a subject and one I don't wish to engage in - By all means make me laugh or cry but don't bore me to tears - I don't have a high horse I don't like being lectured about how to behave because i'll be learning that for the rest of my life, and it actually is my life to love as I please-- and I have zilch interest in religion of any kind and never have had. I 'd rather talk about vegetables.