Yeah, when I go to a chinese restaurant, sometimes the waiters would start speaking in Mandarin to me, and I have to explain 1) I don't speak Mandarin; and 2) I barely speak Korean.

They politely nod and leave me alone, but I know that they judge me. Silently. In Mandarin.

When I tell them I'm agnostic, I usually get the reaction that reminds me of an old Star Trek episode. An accusing finger slowly points towards me and then I hear the words, "You're not of the body!" This alerts other Christians who slowly encircle me, reminding me of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers. Desperately I make my escape and outrun them, reaching the sanctuary of my home. Bolting the door behind me, I can only hope that the ' No Soliciting ' sign will keep them at bay. Sorry. Did I wander off topic?

I take the stance that I have assumed they are atheists, as what idiot would be otherwise, and merrily offend away. Very satisfying.

Lately I have been mentioning that I don’t believe in magical thinking.

Then don't be polite. Here's a sample response :"nah, I think that's superstitious horseshit" Chances are, they'll never make that same assumption again. YMMV ?

Interestingly enough, I don't get that. Maybe it's the horns protruding from forehead.

Depends on the day. Sometimes I tell them I worship my lord and master Satan. Then I tell them I’m just joking I don’t believe in God or Satan.
I think it must be more relieving for them to be speaking to an Athiest rather than a satan worshipper.
Lol

Just say 'oh, I'm a secular humanist' depending on where you live they will not know what it is. Bonus you aren't actually saying the word atheist so you can avoid the 'so you worship satan?' question.
Or if you don't give a rip what their response, go straight up 'That's so funny, I'm actually an atheist'.

I've run into this in the past. In more recent years, I don't hesitate to set them straight, and I don't even think about how they might condemn me. I hope you can get to this point, too.

I find it most difficult among other black folks. It’s as though they wanna take my black card if I’m not a Christian

I just let it be known. So. Many say, I'll pray for you, I know you don't believe in that sort of thing. And instead of my answer, don't bother. I just say thank you. I have no feelings one way or the other. Not to believe is very refreshing to me. Makes me feel free to do as I want knowing this is it baby. Make it a great life.

I ignore it unless pressed, then I tell them that I'm an atheist. It seems to disappoint them that I'm not a screaming monster as an atheist but someone they thought was a good person. The dichotomy is something that they find difficult to deal with.

Only had one vistor wanting to talk about religion recently ( months ago), told him I was atheist. He said okay and left....in just a little bit he came back asking if I would be willing to talk about my beliefs, and I asked "why"?.. he said he had never met anyone claiming to be atheist, (this is a very small town). So I said sure and we sat on the tailgate of my pick-up and had a talk. His first question was why was I an atheist, and I told him because in don't believe in gods. He said so you think you're right, and millions of others are wrong. I said "yeah". Later he left with a "thank you" , I enjoyed the talk. Think I planted some seeds.

I have no problem telling them my beliefs when they impose theirs on me all the time.

you will have to put up with their condemnation. tell them as politely as you can, which i am sure you're already doing, and then their attitude is THEIR problem.

g

Very situational; depends on how militant they are and how respectfully they conduct themselves.

Militant = Sarcasm "That's adorable!"

Respectful = Compassionate dialog about how I just couldn't talk myself into believing anymore, but I'm glad It's working out for you.

I live in the south where religion runs rampant, so that's something I get a lot. It always annoys me when someone assumes that of me or tells me "Good bless you". But I try and ignore it as I think they generally just mean well. And I'm really not very confrontational either, so I can let most things slide. However, if I feel there is a real need to defend myself I have no problem doing so. However, I try to always do so politely and respectfully to throw people off since they think atheists are just savage cave dwelling beasts with no manners.

Oh yes! Jesus Gonzales! I believe he makes the best encheladas I've ever had. And a real gentleman as well.

It depends how I'm feeling that day, sometimes I just can't be bothered to answer the plethora of questions when religious people find out I'm a nonbeliever.

It can be scary. I just say I don't believe and then wait for the fallout. I have several stickers on my car from Freedom from Religion Foundation. One says: when religion rued the world, it was called the dark ages. From a biker guy, I have been told I will burn in hell! Sometimes people come up to me and say: I love your stickers! So, there are hidden supporters too.

I tell them I quit attending church when my mother quit bribing me to go.

As I’ve said before, my beliefs or non are nobody’s business but mine. I generally keep my mouth shut, just nod or smile at what they are saying. Change the subject.

I say it's stupid to assume that everyone is the same religion as you. I don't know how to answer politely, because it is stupid. I guess. I'm direct, and I get more respect when I'm direct. Sometimes I just say, I'm an Atheist, I do not believe in God at all.

Thanks ladies & gents for the advice, you all have a good afternoon! ?