The only atheist in my class

[MaskedBeastDesGardius]

Hey everyone

 

When i turned 16 , i became an atheist for ...... reasons. And now , i'm feeling like 'm the most happy person on earth.

But something's ruining it. I'm in high school now , and i'm the only atheist in my class.

Thanks goodness the people here aren't very religious as some states , but still , the people give me weird looks.

Whenever they find out i'm an atheist , they come and tell me : That's not the good way , believe in god? again etc. But i'm not even thinking about that. I've never felt happier in my whole life , and i'm not planning to change my religion.

 

I have a close group of friends , 4 or 6. I don't talk with anyone else in class. They understand me , they don't care if i'm an atheist , or gay or anything else ( i'm not BTW )

, they love me just the way i am.

 

But , i think the people are still going to treat me different. And now i'm asking : How would you handle the situation if you were the only atheist in class , and can anyone give me a few tips ?

 

Thanks <3

[Ali Cat]

The important part is that you have that awesome group of friends :) It definitely helps to have people support you regardless of your personal choices. Congrats on having a fulfilling coming out as an atheist and for having good friends! My blunt advice (which isn't always realistic) would be to not worry about what other people think; your views are not wrong, so you don't need to change them. If possible, don't associate with people that make you uncomfortable.

 

Realistically, I'm not sure of the best way to handle this. I don't have any personal views concerning religion (some people prefer to call me an atheist, I prefer not to label myself as an -ist because I view that as a religion about not believing in a deity.) For me, the topic of my personal beliefs never comes up since I have no stake in the matter. I don't care what religion other people have, nor am I interested in discussing religious matters unless we're talking history, so I don't see a reason to talk about it. If a discussion about religion is started, I just opt to let people who have a religion take control of it. If other people are actively forcing you to speak about your views, there's nothing wrong with explaining yourself. The problem comes in when, as you mentioned, a religion is being forced on you. If that happens, I'd say to give them a gentle reminder that religion is a personal choice, not what others view as right.

 

There's really no way to control how people treat you (so long as it isn't dangerous! That would be a serious issue.) If people look at you funny, the only thing to do is act normal to remind them that you're a human, same as them, even without believing in a deity. This sounds like a recent step you took to come out as an atheist, so maybe it'll blow over when people get used to it. If you're still in high school, that can be a tough time in general socially. People are incredibly judgmental in high school. The people I've met in college are far more understanding than my high school peers were. Keep in mind that a lot of the people who are looking at you funny will learn acceptance as they get introduced to the real world in a few years. Knowing you're an atheist might help them be more accepting in the long run.

 

The unfortunate conclusion I've personally reached is that having a personal view different from the masses can need some tough skin. Even though it will probably be difficult now, I think being true to your beliefs is the best way to go.

[Nimphal]

Basically what Ali Cat said, plus, whenever someone decides to tell you that you should believe in god, you could thank them for their concern for your well-being and their advice. That way you are not insulting them and you are not compromising your own beliefs, whatever they might be :)

[jurassicshark]

I actually go to a private Catholic high school and Study of Religion is a class that everyone is forced to take every year. I don't follow any kind of Religion, I'm happy just being. It surprises me that people have taken to your decision so harshly - do you live in a city/town/state where it's very common to believe? I don't believe people should be disrespecting you for such a miniscule characteristic of yourself.

 

Just continue being you, and if you have friends that understand then that's all you really need. Keep pushing through and don't act like it's bothering you. :)

[hyunseungie]

As someone living in a pretty conservative, religious state (Indiana, I'm moving to Cali in like a week.) I know how you feel, being non-religious myself.

The best thing to do, that I think anyway, is to basically ignore anyone who tries to talk down to you because of your beliefs... Or lack of belief.

Your friends care for you, and you'll probably meet new friends who will accept you as well. You'll never be able to please everyone in the world, no matter what you do.

So my advice is to ignore it, don't discuss religious matters when they shouldn't be discussed, and focus on what you think is right.

[MaskedBeastDesGardius]

Thanks everyone. I'm really happy you guys understand me. Your tips were wonderful , and i don't care about them. I'll go my own way , and i won't listen what those idiots have to say about me.

 

Thanks once again <3

[lanlord1]

Don't worry I became an aethiest 3 years ago when I realized that there is no physical proof that god is here and he is only an emotion because people want to believe that they'll be taken to a wonderful place eventually I am studying to be a scientist and I am a strong believer that the world was created by a big bang not a person

[nadabrovitchka]

I understand, been there when I was a bit younger. I studied in a catholic school with nuns, every morning before class we would stand up and pray. I standed up and didn't pray, just for respect for my class. And that's how I take it. Respect others believes and don't make a bit deal about it. When I was younger some things annoyed me easily but not I don't care much. I stay low about that topic and avoid talking about it expecially with closed minded people. I say ' I belive in nature' with a smile and walk away. However it's cool to discusse it with somebody who's willing to ear or debate it adultly. It will get better, don't bother about it :)

[lilay_]

On the flip side, I'm the only Christian in a class of atheists. lol but I haven't really told anyone since people don't talk about religion too much.

But I can sympathize how weird it feels to be "the only one". When I hear people putting down my beliefs, it feels bad but I don't say anything.

 

I don't know why they would treat you differently. They might say those things at first, but they probably won't really think about it as time goes on. I don't think they are intending to be mean. The duty of Christians is to convert people so don't take it personally. :P Just try to ignore them.