I'm a born & bred Oklahoman (Tulsa & Grand Lake) and have experienced this not only at work but pretty much EVERYWHERE else in Oklahoma as well. Seriously, from work to a quick casual encounter with a stranger in a parking lot. Up until the last five years or so every time I was asked "So what church do you attend" (which EVERYONE asks almost IMMEDIATELY after meeting you here in OK) I would feel obligated, forced actually, to either lie and just say the name of any church or skirt the question somehow to avoid the inevitable dumbfounded look and subsequent judgment. Now when asked I confidently and without guilt, anxiety, etc say "I don't believe in God" and actually kinda enjoy the looks lol. I mean as far back as i can remember, even as a very young child, i have many vivid memories of being treated like i was an outcast or a deviant if i didn't want to attend church or vacation bible school.

No, but I also try to make sure people I know have a positive example of an atheist in their lives to challenge what they hear in church.

Yeah, because I work in a Catholic School. Only my best friend at work knows about it.

I have some very religious customers that I also think are nice people, verbiage is often littered with the religious vernacular, my responses are secular with some acquiescence. I don’t overthink it in the moment, it’s not the point of the conversation. I sell some very high end instruments and if they want God to bless me I’ll deal with it by venting to you folks

Yep. That and politics are not meant for work.

I believe discussion of personal matters in business settings (including but not limited to religious [un]beliefs) is both unnecessary and unprofessional. So my motivations aren't fear so much as healthy personal boundaries.

My parents and step parents since they are religious. It is not worth the arguments. Everyone else knows my lack of belief. Sometimes you have to pick your battles.

They found out I'm an atheist on the 2nd day I worked there. We got into a religion argument. Now we all make jesus insults at each other and they bless me and pray for me. Well, they tell me that. I call them jesus freaks. They call me crazy.

Work is an inappropriate place to be having these types of conversations. You're there to work not socialize and if there is socializing it should be limited to simpler conversations. I've never discussed my political or social views at work and as a result never worried about reprisals or being judged.

Yes and I wish I didn't have to. Family is very religious.