Open about it always...hide it never...unapologetic and unrepentant.

The benefits of being 45 years old, and not giving a shit who i offend.

Well personally, I don't wear atheism on my sleeve. My spiritual life is my own and I keep my own counsel. OK it is really my complete and total lack of a spiritual life but the last sentence is not helped by the extra adjectives. If theists choose to do the same, then all is well in the world.

However, when theists do not keep to themselves, then my spines will come out. One of my favorites is to ask fundies questions about the council of Nicea. Most fundies seem to not be aware of the history of the church past a dozen or so years ago. If you run into one, try asking them about the vote over whether god jr. was all man/all god. Those were the only two choices offered and the whole duality thing was a compromise because there were a few delegates who just would not go with what the rest of them wanted.

As far as your list goes:

Work: It has never come up but if it did, I would probably be honest about it.

Close friends: Some know, some don't. Again, it matters most if someone asks.

Close family: That is limited to my brother at this point. I think that he suspects but he has never asked.

Dating: I did once try dating a hot babe who claimed to be a Christian. I lied about the matter but it went nowhere. One night she was drunk enough to fuck but as drunk as I was, I knew that it would be wrong. Give me a drunk atheist chick and we can get some good drunken sex on but in her case, the answer had to be no.

Personal to me: Well, at my monthly local republican party meetings, I would keep to myself for the most part. I would not be adverse to steering the conversation in the direction that I wanted it to go.

For example, if abortion came up, I would observe that it is here and the best question is not how to make it go away but “What do we need to do now?” I would be a big fan of providing counseling to young women about adoption and how they could give a baby to a couple who really want one but cannot on their own.

A good neighbor friend of mine was moving here recently, and I was talking to him in his front yard. For 2 years or so he would go around to all the families in the community and pray with them and try to get them saved and such. He never pushed his religion on me, tried to save my soul or anything like that. When I asked him why he was moving, he told me he was going to a nearby city to be a member of a large church. The conversation quickly turned to religion, and I politely listened to him state his belief for about 45 min. I never told him I was an atheist, because I was certian that I would have to follow that with an explaination of why. While I could have readily defended my position, I knew I was not going to change his mind on the matter, so I let it be.

I see telling someone your religious preference as a judgement call. He never asked, and I didn't feel it necessary to tell him. He was literally 5 min away from me never seeing him again, so I didn't feel compelled to start what would ultimately be a four hour conversation. Call me lazy.

Everyone at work knows, all my friends know, my family knows, and nobody seems to mind. I work hard, pay my bills, take care of my family and help my friends when they need it. That is what I think I am judged by, not my lack of belief in an imaginary being.

- School: While I was there, nobody ever asked. In first or second grade I attended religious class as a small kid, but it was mostly about having fun, telling stories, singing, etc, no Hell or Bible thumping. Many years later, on middle school, I was on a "camp" at a hotel in mountains. It was meant to learn English with a group of Americans. They were all Christians. (they get here much more often than nontheist Americans thanks to church organizations) By this way, I also learned how many people on my school were Christians. Not otherwise, it's not like people here wears it on their sleeve. We've got all atheistic education.

- Work: Majority of guys in our locker room aren't very intellectual. (with some exceptions) I've got a few people there who considers a God belief as a part of a common sense and good manners, so they feel a bit uneasy having a nonbeliever around. I don't waste time about mentioning them a great depths and subtleties of esoteric worlview, so I usually say that the thick books I read are about psychology and politics, which they indeed are.
Anyway, any serious discussion usually gets deranged by some silly joke, so it gets extinguished by a lack of IQ in the air.

- Friends: Most of them never cared about the great questions of life. All of them were naturally atheistic and anti-churchianistic. However, I had one who was also somewhat succesful in esoterics, so we had more in common.
Besides that, if I have any Christianic friends, I don't keep my unbelief very hidden. I usually mention the Constantinopolis Council in 533, and that their Christianity is not original. The real Christianity would contain reincarnation, as it was before 533.

- Family: We were mildly religional when we kids were young, but that was more of a disguise from neighbours, who are all Christians. Later we got independent on their opinion and stopped any participation in local youth Christian groups. Now we irritate them by organizing a weekly meditation gathering at our home, as a part of the civil association we founded.
My two brothers are atheistic as well, but have no interest in the great questions of life. They're entirely submerged in their lives with friends, classmates, school, partying, sports, and so on. I haven't ever seen them to read anything beyond some pieces of imaginative literature.
We let grandma in her belief, she's not a Bible thumper. She doesn't talk about Hell, fire or brimstone, she takes God, faith and prayer rather as a protective, helping factor. This is logical, as she survived the local WW2 and had seen her share of Hell from Nazi and Russian warfare. "The Lord allows [suffering] to happen, but won't forsake," that's her motto.

- Dating: My long-termed situation is hostile towards dating, this place sucks. Even in ideal case, I'd have to choose from among two groups: Christian girls and Tavernist girls. This area is infested with Tavernism, the religion of pub worshipping. People from both groups are repelled by my insatiable intelligence and vast knowledge. (relatively to them) Even if I keep my mouth shut, I'm not entertained at all by their enthusiastic descriptions of pub pilgrimages and party sermons. I don't mind a beer or three, but if this is everything they can talk about, it's just weird.
 

At work I keep things on the down low. If someone asks, I'll not lie to them, but I don't go around encouraging discussions either. Work is simply not the place for it. I'm being paid to work, not screw with the working environment.

At school I am completely open and adversarial. These are kids for the most part, and such notions should be wiped from their minds before it's too late. People trying to teach them crap like religion should be opposed as quickly as possible.

Same as school. I don't want friends who may turn on me when they find out I'm an atheist.

I rarely speak with them, but if the subject arose I'd lay it out for them.

All my family which I care about and converse with on any kind of regular basis have been informed in one way or another over the years.

Most definately has to come out.

Usually passive, though when encountering aggression or if I'm under the influence of alcohol my aggression increases substantially.

People who are offended by my admission to being rational fall into two categories - people I like and care about so will then attempt to help get over that particular psychosis, and people I couldn't give a shit about. I never lie about it. Ever.

Having said that, I now live in a society where there are so many like-minded people that the subject just doesn't come up in normal day-to-day stuff. In fact the only person I can think of in the recent past who registered offence was a total stranger who came up to me in the street and asked me "Can I interest you in Jesus?". My reply "No, but I can interest you in a kick in the arse - it's real" resulted in a lot of verbiage hurled at me from a fast retreating christian.

I'm guessing here, but if you didn't understand it, that's just an English Professor's way of saying:

A christian asked if I were interested in Jesus. I responded with a threat to kick him in the ass, since both my foot and his ass are real, while jesus is not. The christian then ran away, yelling threats and other useless comments, as he was unable to respond.

Ah. Glad I had the disclaimer, "I'm guessing here". Usually when I see "lol?" it's a question as to the content of a previous post or comment. Apologies for inserting myself unnecessarily.

Work: Technically I am an RA, I have a student job, so this is also "school". I am in graduate school (occupational therapy) and I am open about it. I have a shirt that says, "Have you hugged an atheist today?" and whenever I wear it, friends and faculty hug me. I am, however, a little less aggressive about it.

-To social friends

I actually don't have many social friends outside of school, I don't see the point. Regardless, I am open about it.

-To personal friends

Aggressively open about it - I am approaching evangelical atheist.
-distant relatives

I've had some serious conversations with a few of them, and the rest know.
-close family

They know of course. My siblings are both atheists. My mother, father and I have a silly relationship, we turn everything into a joke so usually we joke about it, I.E. my parents joking that I don't deserve birthday presents because I am a godless heathen, but then they pull out a b-day gift anyway. We've had a few serious conversations, and I am pretty sure my dad's an atheist too.
-Dating

I became single for while and decided to try only dating other atheists. That worked out great - Apparently hot atheist women are a rare commodity, and I had men worshiping the ground I walk on. Now I am monogamous, dating a guy who is as aggressive as I am. We both run a blog (www.ziztur.com)

-(anything unique to you)

Well damn, thanks for asking this question, I hadn't thought about just exactly how open I was, especially compared with some other people on here.

For someone with an avatar depicting a musician who made his living drumming up controversy and now lives in a mansion, you certainly don't seem to want to help your party expand.

Mind you, just because Rush Limpdick and Gene Simmons live in mansions, does not mean that all rich people are "let them eat cake" pricks. I am merely saying, out of all the posts I have read from you, and how ballsy of a minority amongst minorities you are, I am surprised that you don't take on your own party like you take on your fellow liberal commie atheists?

Your party will not expand and grow unless you assert yourself. They wont get cooties if you agree with their economic policies and are open about not believing in their superstition.

-Work or school environment

  In my philosophy class, I often speak on topics concerning religion, ethics, and morals- and my stance is usually blatantly atheist. I've never out and out said I was an atheist. However, my teacher has twice asked everyone who believes in God to raise their hands; I'm always the odd man out. He has also referred to me as an atheist during lectures... though he is yet to have asked me whether or not I actually am. I guess it was obvious.

-To social friends

 I keep kind of quiet, because I don't enjoy discussing religion often... but of course, if asked, or if relevant, I'll honestly express my atheism. I think I get a kick out of saying it to people, sometimes. The truth is that I haven't identified as an atheist for very long... beforehand, I knew that I was incapable of believing in religious concepts but was not sure if atheism was the correct term to use for myself... so not long ago, I would either answer a question of religion with some good ol' non sequitar fun ("Your mother! " ) or call myself an agnostic.

-To personal friends

  I'm honest with everyone except one person: an old friend of mine who is very religious. She's the perfect case study of Christian irrationality. I love her, though. Though she is very close to me, she is actually a friend through a friend; I use this fact as an excuse for not being honest with her. Instead, I just remain quiet. She knows I have much different beliefs than her, but for all she knows I'm still a Jew (I tried converting about 3 years ago with a boyfriend who was Jewish. it was a joke).

-distant relatives

 These barely exist in my life. Most are dead or out of contact. ...But I guess I just keep my mouth shut. There's no reason to discuss it. Most of them are not religious at all. In fact, I can't even think of one that attends church or regularly speaks of religion, much less one who has openly identified themselves as a Christian around me. But we all still live in west Texas, and since my distant family is kind of... white trash... I'm sure there's some kind of in-grown belief in God there. I'd rather not cause an arguement over something so trivial.

-close family

 There's not much of that left either... due to both death and emotional detachment. Anyway, I'm completely honest in this area. 

-Dating

 Again, not much of this either. I'm probably going to be single for quite a while, and I'm not particularly interested in changing that. If I had to think about it, though, I'd say it did not matter much. In fact, I sometimes find that when someone is less intelligent than me, it is attractive... almost endearing (lolz).

 If the topic comes up, I am quite clear about my firm belief in reality.

Well, Sometimes if the topic is not brought up.

Well, Sometimes when I should really keep my mouth shut.

Okay, all the time.

Work or school environment: I am very open about my atheism at school. So much so, that any time anything is slightly antagonistic towards atheism is said, all eyes are on me. The only time I am not up for these types of arguments are when it's a class distraction or there is no point but to make myself feel better. I have argued with some people at school for the purpose of making a point to the audience.

To social friends: They all know. Most of my friends, no matter how close they are to me, are atheist. No reason to hide it from them.

To personal friends: My personal friends are all as strong in their convictions as I am. We don't have many christian friends among even our outer circles.

Distant relatives: I'm not sure if its ever come up at all. But I wouldn't deny it.

Close family: They all know. My mom is an atheist, too.

Dating: There is no way I would pursue further with a person if they weren't aware of my convictions.

Work: I don't bring it up. It's none of their damn business.

Social friends: If they notice the tattoo on my wrist, I explain it concisely, and leave it at that. If they decide to judge me negatively over it, then fuck 'em.

Personal friends: They already know. They don't look down on me for it. Some even respect my courage (or whatever) for not being ashamed of my views.

Distant relatives: I don't speak to them anyhow.

Close family: They already know. My father respects my right to believe (or not) as I see fit. My (hardcore Christian) mother has learned, over the course of many heated discussions on the matter, never to bring it up.

Dating: I handle it the same way as with "social friends". If they hold it against me, then fuck 'em; it probably wouldn't have worked out between us anyway.

I live in Denmark, so it's a rare occasion to meet someone actually religious. I grew up as an atheist in an atheistic country, so it's a totally rare thing for me in general to talk to religious people.

I meet a lot of wannabe-religious people who can explain to me why this or that breaking of a divine rule is ok in some circumstances, or that "God really meant it in a different way", but those guys are atheists using a concept for their own purposes. I think you can count most of the US crowd into those, our filthy atheistic brethren

I think we need more real theists.

Dude, who the fuck do you think you are?

I'm an atheist. I'm open about it as well. If anyone bothers me or harasses me with anything religious, I have no qualms about shutting them down with a nice debilitating insult towards them or their religion.

It is amazing how many people feel they need to come up and WITNESS to you, when they can't even argue for it, just repeat what they were told. I had someone yelling at me to help support a clinic that isn't a clinic at all, but a building that gets people together to parade around abortion clinics with pictures, posters, etc and hassle people that try to go in.

So I asked him if he wanted to make abortion illegal, he said yes because it's murder. So I asked him what the punishment should be, and I only got fish eyes back. A CRIME has to be PUNISHED. He informed me that "That is too far ahead, I haven't thought about it yet."

...

Too far ahead...by being the direct result of getting what you are telling people to do. Yeah. With that kind of foresight, I'm sure everything will be fine.

I can't help but to SAY something to these people when they broadcast their stupidity like this. It is one thing for someone to hold values to themself, but when they try to cram it down my throat, I have a problem. I live in WV, at the cusp of the bible belt unfortunately so this happens more than I would like.

My social network is a pretty odd mix with regards to my atheist-closet status.  My friends know, and my girlfriend was the one who finally deconverted me (I was in milkwater agnostiland for a long time). My mom knows, my dad doesn't. I think it would be amusing if my extended family knew, but I see them so rarely it just doesn't come up.

I work in retail/sales, so I don't often discuss religion and philosophy at work.  Along with politics, those are good subjects to kill business.  On the other hand, I typically pick a pretty public spot to sit down for my lunch breaks, with some incendiary atheist tome or other in tow.

Mostly it just comes down to who brings the subject of religion up with me. I'll argue with people, but I won't attack them from nowhere.