I (sadly) live in the bible belt where atheists are feared. I keep my philoso p hy on the down-low but find it impossible to develop friendships with people around here who can't get through an hour's conversation without ascribing their achievements or tragedies to their magical sky daddy. Once I hear this I know there is no rational thought to be had.

Nope, I try not to go out of my way to tell people I think their beliefs are stupid unless they ask me. Then I'm at least diplomatic about it. One of my best friends is staunchly Christian, and adamant about being buried rather than cremated so that when god calls his warriors to battle the devil during judgement day he can rise to meet the challenge.

Ive told him I think hes insane, but I still respect him as a person. Hes told me he will plead for my sould if I get sent to hell for doubting. I figure its a fair compromise.

Yes, close friendships are next to impossible. Casual acquaintances are sometimes put off by my blunt rejection of religion.

Yes, as general acquaintances, no great issue, but relationships not possible, close friendships are problematic.

Any one that refuses to have a friendship or relationship with a believer or religious individual is no different than a religious person that refuses to form a relationship with an Atheist. This indicates fanatical tendencies and being close minded on both sides.One must be practical in these matters .I would have practically no friends if I limited my relationships due to what I call a minor character trait which is the case if the religious individual is not overly fanatical . The majority are not in this category .This is a non issue as far as I am concerned.

Not at all...I even remain sibling to one of them.

honestly yes I try to not make it an issue but they often times make it one. It isnt easy being friends with someone who thinks they are morally superior.

My wife of 42 years has become more religious in her latter years but we have agreed not to discuss religion as I’m a strong atheist.

I can't imagine have a believer as a partner but I have friends that are. Non of which I discuss religion with.

I have never understood the logic of people insisting on burial over cremation so they can arise on the day of judgment, according to religious belief. First: their spirit is not in the grave, it is already gone. Second: the physical body decays (ashes to ashes) very quickly, so there would be nothing left to raise. Third: their god is supposed to be omnipotent, so why wouldn't He simply give them a new body? Why would they need a body at all?

Nope, no problem, as long as they don't inflict that nonsense on me. If you are implying a romantic relationship, uhhh, no; except maybe a Buddhist. I could live with that, I think. Maybe a Bahai, even. Just don't push it on me.

Friendships, no. Relationships, yes. I cannot respect a partner as an equal if they are a theist. That’s why I am here

I don't have problems with them. I just try to not discuss religion with them. Some have had a problem with me.

I don't. But I don't try to hang out either on religious activities.

Yes. This is the main reason I came here. I have tried hard to work with theistic partners, but they always make it difficult.anything else no issue, but if im looking for a long term partner I don't want to hear it all the time.

It can be hard sometimes, but it's measured on how seriously they take their religion. I get along fine with plenty of moderate and laid back religious folk because certain boundaries are respected. I do get annoyed when certain apologetics are thrown my way, but people are more than just their faith. So long as their faith does not contribute to any sort of bigotry, it can be benign.

Romantic relationships get a harder pass because of my personal stance on religion, and trying to have a romantic relationship with a religious person can be tough and problematic. It's not impossible, just too much of a mine field.

The older I get the harder it is for me. I just don't know how in this day of massively available information one can blindly accept something that is as illogical as most religions. I can certainly see the good in people, but it is hard to want more than a casual encounter with someone you know you won't be able to relate to. It certainly limits the depth of one's relationships. We all have family members that we know we have to completely steer clear of the topic of religion with. To opt to have friendships like that with makes no sense.

A couple of my best friends are believers and at times we have spirited conversations on the subject. One in particular was raised baptist and is now Catholic because his wife is like very Catholic. To steal from Jim Gaffigan, "she's like a Shiite Catholic" and they have six kids. For whatever reason we click, we talk about everything. I think I often make him uncomfortable with my views but he's open to the conversation. Gotta love that.

Yes it's really shitty.... It is what it is though....

Yes. Close friendships anyway. Casual can work sometimes unless they assert their superiority over you because of their belief that they are special.