You would be surprised how many of them are faking it for various different reasons.

I've never had a problem being a Spiritual, Secular Humanist, and Free Thinker here in Texas.

I don't engage myself with the likes of religious talk.

that's why they call it the bible belt )

try finding a few jews. if you're in alabama you might not find any who are willing to talk. there are, i understand, death threats. but if you can find some, you'll see that it's a similarly difficult situation in the south.

g

It's just as bad in the Midwest, especially northeast Indiana.

Welcome to the asylum. Enjoy your stay.

I feel you, but there are still lots of us around, fighting the good fight.

I'm constantly amazed that I still meet new people who are religious. The young man who runs the local 7/11 is a muslim. His family is from Syria (he was born here). Super nice guy. I asked him why he's a muslim and he said because if he wasn't, his father would literally kill him. Fuck religion.

I've lived in Texas, Kansas, Virginia, and Missouri. I've never had a problem with Christians. Now, I'm not saying that I've never talked to a Christian, but they've never bothered/harassed me.

I was surprised the other day, while walking the dog. After a guy walked past, he shouted back to me, "I just want to say that Jesus loves you!" I'm out to walk my dog, not argue with people, so I responded with, "That's nice!" Seemed somehow more charitable and less aggressive than, "Whatever, dude."

100% agree. Finding sites like this helps but to me there’s nothing better than physically hanging out with like minded people in the real world. I found a couple awesome MeetUp. groups in the Birmingham, Al area and it’s made a huge difference in my overall happiness. I was initially fearful they’d just be bonding over a common “enemy” but that’s not the case. It’s part support group for those recovering from sudden isolation or life-long guilt. Others are just wanting a welcome place to share ideas they can’t with most of their friends.

Have you reached out to any of these groups in your area?

I'm surrounded by christians, specially catholics in South Florida!

I would say it is 9 out of 9 !!!

....and they are super pushy about it. They have a hard time comprehending how anyone could live a good life without the threat of eternal damnation. Honestly I think I'm a better "Christian" than many of the "Christians" I know.

I live in the South, and I agree that there are a lot of church folks, however, most of my immediate circle of friends are not religious. I don’t pay any attention to religious people—they’re everywhere, not just in the South.

Maybe since I’m sort of an old fart they don’t want to tangle with me, while they see you as low hanging fruit. My advice is to stick to your guns and be honest and open about your views. People might disagree but they’ll respect your courage and honesty.