Nietzsche

All of us perform for others to varying degrees throughout our days. If you’re not ready to let the cat out of the bag concerning your atheism, no problem. It’s really nobody’s business but yours, anyway.

What’s important is that you remain true to yourself and to your ideals. And, if you hear one of your peers on campus dissing agnosticism or atheism, it might just be a little fun to play devil’s advocate and gently challenge them on their prejudices without giving away what you believe.

Should there come a time when you are ready to liberate yourself of the social constraints making it difficult for you to reveal your true self, you will know.

I have "Believe in yourself not in god" tattooed on both forearms, I got my right tattoo about 15 years ago. I got shit from people on occasion for about 5 years but no one says anything now. I'm not sure if it's because they don't care or if it's because I am big now and have resting "I can kill you" face... It might be different for women.

It’s only because you go to a Christian college. Ordinarily nobody would have any interest in what you are reading, or even if they were interested they’d respect your choice.

I think that if you are open and assertive you’ll get more respect than if you hide your true sentiments.

Convince yourself (of reality) first, then take the detractors

..reminded me of having to stash my ‘public broadcasting program guide’ before friends came over. You’d get one for contributing, which would have been considered bad enough - let alone watching ‘educational tv.’ Learn learn learn!

I’ve had friends thank me for being openly atheist, because they felt they couldn’t do the same (family and social pressure). I think those that can, should, until everyone can.

Here's what I did when I went to college. My English professor was extremely religious. He had verses on the board, crosses....the whole kit n' kaboodle. Day one when I started his class, I decided to write all of my essays on my being an Atheist, taking down Christianity and it's use of polytheistic characterizations, indirect and direct rip-offs of other polytheistic religions, and the like. I never made less than an A- on my essays. Even had younger students debating with me. I relished it.

Point is, most won't admit that they are only doing it for attention and belonging. "Be not like the hypocrites, praying where everyone can see and hear you." I'm paraphrasing that bit. All I did was give them a taste of their own medicine. You should too. Be proud of who you are, but more importantly....how you came to be. Give them your questions and critical thinking. Some will listen. Some will argue. But some, very few more than likely, will begin to question and think critically. Their future selves may have you to thank.