I attended a conflict resolution symposium today and picked up a few tips. Toward the end, one of the attendees offered advice on one of the topics and then, after the offering of advice she segued to the benefits of prayer and jesus was great and I got up and walked over to the snack table because I didn't want to give her any impression that I was listening to her. So, what are smart agnostics doing in such situations?
I usually have a problem with "foot in mouth" disorder. I might have told her how strongly I felt that organized religions have caused more conflicts, deaths and wars than any other reason in human history. Then I would have walked to the snack table. Of course this is hind sight. Who knows what I might have really done?
I am pretty simple.. I'll pull out my phone and occupy myself while they ramble on, or if no phone I'll look around at others with an eyebrow raised and a "are you kidding me?" Look on my face. IF by chance they try to call me out, I'll start asking questions, polite at first but pending their replies I can bring out the tough questions & comments.
You could have said: "No thanks, I'm not sure that I can apply what we've learned today on what you just brought up that quickly." ?
Well, it's an attendee not an organizer, so I think a trip to the snack bar was in order.