Sometimes it's worth it to wait for someone who thinks logically and doesn't have imaginary friends.

I saw a book called, "Talking to strangers" in the bookstore. I was not paying attention to the author. Perhaps a youtube video on the topic. Do not think of it as talking to a xtian think of it as talking to another person and if the topic goes to dog, determine if you want the conversation to go on and if you do say something nice. I had a friend who could do this without blinking an eye. I lost track of him or I would ask him for details.

Talk with them about anything but religion.

Talk with them just like you talk with anyone, except maybe avoid any talk of religion until you really get to understand them to be open minded enough to keep conversing.

Talk to them about anything but religion, don't mention your beliefs especially where you are.

Simple... you talk to them about what you DO have in common and not what you don't. Now that wasn't so hard to figure out. Why are you there with them? That's what you talk about to start. Pets, kids, weather, news that doesn't include politics... all valid topics. Want to energize the conversation and pick a huge fight, just for variety? That's always fun. Not. Talk about religion, or politics, since Conservative politics seem to go hand-in-hand with nutty religious types. Then run.

If you can avoid the topic of religion, it's not so bad. I realize that can be next to impossible in the Bible Belt. At least you can vent about it on this site. I find that helpful.

I remember transitioning away from religion and I consider it a journey ; the progress depended on the how radically I wanted to "rip off the band aid " and address the physic wound i had recieved. Like walking in a mine field ; I tip
toed away( and still do) from family and folks in my immediate world who, like addicts ,choose to espouse religious dogma and politics. I can't blame , just prevent the
damage & infection of illogical thinking.
There is a group on here which is called" Epistemology "
which promotes and helps folks realize how to have sensible conversations with " believers". My siblings range from
firm/ absolute believers - to ones that that do not want religion in thier life( hence don't discuss or form opinions
about religion )Some of my older siblings married non believers or un- religious so the door was opened and fresh air ( and light) arrived. The nieghbor hood and work place also had people on the journey away from faith based lives. There are social venues that ,though hard to find ,are a good source interaction and support.More so today from libraries ;cafes; bookshops; and community support groups. I pursued my hobbies; education;and interests- because that is what makes me a person - not god. Comfortable in my own skin(with my new ideas/ not yet tested) and free to explore what these ment.
I still bond with my siblings that aren't religious;
but i do not particapate in a " verbal brawl " with those that are religious- i love them ; i heartily disagree/ allowing them the freedom and opportunity to change(I am pragmatic and don't invest hope & energy). I might point out a vast age difference- there is a 20 year gap between the most adherent members and those that are not "practising". Those in religion build thier world around it/thier thoughts too.-they affiliate with
conservative views accross the board,,,often belittling my political views too(although I never
critiqued thier politics).
To me they are very INSECURE people . Thier
unsurness seeps out when a emotional subject arises in life. I am simple , I don't need the disguise of arrogance to live truthfully and with meaning.I humbly try to live honestly with what life is and who i am.I learn more about life constantly(making sure of the facts) ; using what applies to my life and incorporating info that HELPS society improve on its journey.
Good post.
Thanks.