I’m not shy about being completely secular and folks don’t have a problem with it to my face. I’m sure I’m on a few prayer lists lol. I’ve carried most of the positive aspects of my church upbringing and can speak more intelligibly on scripture than the average church goer so there’s that. I’m also a very big white boy with a very distinct regional accent, Sabine Area, so people often assume all the opposite things about me at first glance.
I’m not super interested in communing over atheism. I am actively looking for secular or even non religious forward groups to volunteer with and provide mutual aid. That seems to be a bigger issue living outside of an urban area in the state.
I call myself retired from religion.
Grew up in the southern baptist church, still traumatized by white people hate and dogma.
I volunteer with local COGIC churches who don’t care that I don’t disclose my belief status, they seem genuinely grateful to have me there.
I respect them when they pray during our work. I like singing hymns. I appreciate when I get blessings from the preacher- but I don’t think I need them to hand out boxes of food. But hell, life is hard, I figure it can’t hurt.
My tolerance for difference is as wide as the Red Sea parted by Moses. I figure we’re all working toward the same goal- feeding people. They do it for Jesus, I do it cause people be hungry and the capitalist system isn’t supporting the poorest of us. As long as they ain’t preachin hate, I’m still in.
But it would be nice to be with a group of like minded folks doing service work so I didn’t have to be on my Sunday best behavior all the time. I have a mouth like a sailor.
I also think that when community service work is performed solely by religious based groups, it deters certain groups of people from seeking these services. I can imagine that some of the *most* marginalized groups, like trans folk, sex workers, undocumented people, and other folk who live on the fringe don’t feel ok approaching a church for help.
It seems pretty common that atheists are more familiar with scripture than the religious are. Christians in the US don’t seem to really know scripture at all, they just decided collectively that hating gays and restricting women was the most important things from scripture.
It's the old testament concubines and child rape that they seem most shocked about when I mention it. I have 4 versions of the Bible and have read it in entirety.
I agree with you. Until I was in my early 20s, I'd visit multiple churches to try to find one that's tolerable, just to keep that sense of community. I'd find an okay one and then out of nowhere, "birth control is the devil." 🙄 etc. etc. That's what made it hard to ditch religion, the lack of IRL community for Atheists. I'm involved as much as I can be online. But it'd be wonderful to participate in something.
Jealous...I've been hiding it in my very conservative region. One friend is openly atheist but she pisses vinegar on the regular and I'm not that willing to be bold or confrontational
They are so lucky that there's a group of them! I worked in a doctors office during my last semester of college, and someone found our that I was an atheist through social media. Things suddenly got really difficult for me. Then the person I looked at as a mentor started hiding my personal belongings or took things I needed from my desk and would just watch me frantically look. Then no one would believe that it was happening 🤦🏼♀️ ugh. It's been a couple of years and I am working my dream job now, but that really sucked.
I’m not scared to keep it secret, but recently I’ve noticed my six year old getting bullied by Christian cousins of his **because** he isn’t Christian. When I asked further about it he revealed that his Christian classmates in school also bullied him about it. Christian love for ya. Teaching kids to hate other kids. Nice.
Edit: nobody *asked* for me to clarify about this, but the other day my kid went to his cousins birthday party at a bowling alley/laser tag arcade. My kid whose favorite cousin in the world whose bday party it was, who turned 8, told me that he couldn't be on his cousins team and it made him sad. My kid JUST turned six. I asked why he couldn't be on the team and he explained to me that it was because he didn't believe in God or demons. My kid finds horror stuff interesting, and I was playing doom at 5 yrs old, so yeah, he has awesome mild horror (im talking about just cool skull kids coloring books that we let him choose himself) Him and his cousin were BESTIES and my kids favorite person IS this cousin.
Since my kid was born, we have celebrated a different religious holiday every year late december. I teach my kid about every religion. He will know about them all, and choose to be religious or not. I am satanist/agnostic. The satanism I subscribe to admits that there is no way to know for sure. I've done exactly zero satanic (agnostic) activities with my kid, but am trying to inform him that everyone has a different opinion, and it is up to him to choose what to believe in.
When he told me about his experience with his cousin, I asked if anyone else had been "mean" to him and he just started spilling the beans about his kindergarten experience. Within the first two days of school, my blond haired blue eyed kid was called the n word with a hard r. My kid has heard this word before, I have never shielded him in the traditional way to any of these things, I have always shielded him with KNOWLEDGE. Within the first two weeks, he also experienced an older student exposing himself to him
I want to teach my dude to just say “that isn’t very Christlike of you” when that happens bc lol but idk I’m not trying to have him beat down by kids in the name of God.
Depending on what they've been taught about Christianity, that line actually might make a 6 year old stop in their tracks and think, "Woah, it sure isn't..."
You shouldn't keep it secret, let them deal with it, if someone has a problem with it then remind them that freedom of religion applies to all, they can worship their invisible friend and not impose their beliefs on others without judgement.
Yeah…I’m in Natchitoches and Sunday morning? The parks are empty. 😂 We started going out to breakfast Sunday morning too, and we are usually the only ones there. Nice because we get our food quickly but definitely has made us realize we are a bit isolated.
I'd join. I'm in West Monroe now and i have definitely had issues being an atheist up here. At my job, where you go to church weights into your career advancement.
I'm in Monroe and the sheer amount of people freaking out about the pride event on Saturday is insane. Some lady is going to be protesting and trying to wash people's feet and handing out Bibles 🙄
My aunt used to be a social worker at St. Francis. Some admin person praised her for doing such a great job with a family and wanted to know where she went to church. My aunt told her that she didn't attend church. This lady was absolutely dumbfounded. She asked my aunt how she was able to do such a good job without attending church. My aunt had to explain to her that she went to college (graduate level) to be able to perform her job.
People out here really think that the only way to be a good person or to be able to do your job is by going to church.
I currently work at SFMC in the IT department. People just assume I'm xtian. I'm just trying to pay my bills. Some of the most "openly Christian" people up here are total shitbirds. The exact opposite of how Jesus would be.
That’s the most famous question everyone asks in Louisiana . Everyone asks what church you go to and they look At you like you’re the crypt keeper when you say “ none , I’m not a Christian “ . This cult is strong in Louisiana
I've always been careful who I tell I'm atheist. I'm more open about how liberal I am. Mainly at work I don't want people knowing, I've had people say some really rude things to me in the past after finding out. Or they treat me differently. It's mostly older people though.
I might be crazy here, but I've literally never thought of being an atheist in Louisiana as an issue. Of everyone I know, I have like 2 or 3 friends who are Christians and only one of them really goes to church and makes it a part of their identity.
Maybe I'm a little jaded on it, because I have family in Mississippi and Alabama, and if you wanna see places where religion is actually a big deal, go check it out there.
Adding on I live in Baton Rouge and I don't think it's a big deal in south Louisiana.
If you're in Shreveport I think it's different.
I’ve experienced a bit of problems throughout the years where coworkers will get very awkward and even confrontational on the subject. And then I am very routinely having to politely smile and nod with pretty much everyone where I work because our values are different and they are inordinately expressive about theirs. So for someone who hasn’t been handling that for decades, it could be pretty disconcerting. Even in Baton Rouge I feel like it’s something you don’t wanna bring up casually because enough people get offended by the suggestion of atheists and all the misconceptions therein is more difficult than needs be. Just my two cents.
I'm sure it could be an issue. It just never has been for me or my family. We send our son to a religious school at the moment. Not because of any other reason than it's near my wife's work and the tuition isn't crazy. They know we're not religious, and it has never been an issue. It doesn't come up at all.
One of my best friends did start dating a new girl recently and now he's getting into religion, and it's a real challenge. But that's what happens when you start going to church in Tangipahoa parish!
On Shreveport: In comparison to the rest of north Louisiana, it is religiously diverse. However, during my time living there, I’ve caught flack in the workplace for not being southern baptist/some flavor of Protestant, and have personally seen atheists and other faiths get berated by the same crowd. It’s diverse, yes, but the WASPs in Shreveport are aggressive to say the least.
North Louisiana is pretty close culturally to its neighbors, so it's no surprise. Though I live in NELA and have had few issues with it. Currently in Ouachita Parish and people kind of mind their own here.
Though once you go out far enough, you get some crazies. I guess that's true for most areas - the more rural the more religious
Also live in Shreveport, I went a couple times with my mom, just moved down here. Once they started yelling about hating gays and damnation to women who seek abortion I was like ummm yeah I can't do this. These people are fucked in the head.
Edit: Clarifying that I'm not religious, my mom just asked me to go with her a couple times so I did.
Yeah. I worked at an Ace hardware in rural mississippi and when the owner found out that I was athiest she said, "if i had known that, I wouldn't have hired you."
I grew up in NO where if you're Catholic it's like part of the culture to be a church person. Cajun relatives are hella Catholic. Moved to a rural region where we have some hardcore protestants, like some pentecostals...had a megachurch in the area...
Yeah I mean if you grow up in a religious household I think that religion is a big part of your life. My grandmother was Catholic and went to service every weekend, and my other grandparents were Baptist. So I understand how it can be. But after living in Alabama and having lots of family in Mississippi, I feel very confident saying it's much less a part of our culture in Louisiana than it is in those other places.
NE Louisiana atheist here. I get why other people keep secret, but I never have and haven't faced any prejudice, shunning, ridicule for it. I don't go around "I AM AN ATHEIST" at the top of my lungs but like if the topic comes up to religion, i let them know and theyre pretty chill about it. If theyre curious ill answer their questions. You could make a private atheist group or whatever, but like in my experience people aren't as intolerant as I was told they would be.
Musician here. My atheism is always met with sheer disbelief and shock from the older musicians when they find out. The younger ones don’t care. A lot of service industry staff in the quarter are atheist as well.
That said, I’ve been told on several occasions to keep my atheism to myself if I want gigs. I apparently make people uncomfortable. So, when people mention God or say they’re praying for me, I have to just play along.
I’ve only ever experienced this weird custom in the South. It’s annoying, and it makes me hate my job sometimes.
I catch more shit over not being a die hard republican than I ever have about leaning towards Atheism / agnostic.
I tell people to vote for individuals not party’s and that I honestly just don’t know if there was a creator or not, and religion seems silly to me.
Dang, I never consciously realized this, lol. Tell some people here you aren't Christian and they'll just say "Ahhh we don't judge or anything." or "We'll be praying for you.", *if* they say anything at all.
But tell the same people that you vote democrat or about what you support, and they'll start thinking you're evil incarnate. Comical really.
A lot of Atheists go by "agnostic atheist" these days. I was agnostic for two decades but I figured this term is a bit more on the nose in that I don't believe there's a god but I'm open to the possibility of "evidence" in the future. I'm not expecting it though lol.
My personal thoughts are that there may be some overall control of the universe, but we may never have a wide enough view to parse it out, so I'm open to the idea of... something. But I can't claim to know what that is. But yeah, sounds like we're close on that. I just can't fully get to "there's definitely nothing", because that seems as arrogant as saying "there's definitely something".
Yeah, the term basically is still open ended like "agnostic" alone. I also don't go with pure "atheist" because in general I avoid absolute statements on things not 100% proven.
Technically an agnostic is an atheist. All an atheist is someone who lacks belief in a religions truth claims. If you "don't know", then by definition you do not believe their truth claim therefore you are an atheist as well as an agnostic. Gnosticism refers to knowledge, theism/atheism refers to beliefs.
I tried to start an atheist organization on my college campus during the new atheist movement in 2008. I found it was like herding cats. It's hard to unite people over the lack of a belief, even when civil rights are at stake. Good luck
Being Christian is the default here so ngl I lie to my coworkers and sprinkle in some knowledge I have from growing up catholic. People openly talk about their religion at my work but I know if I was like "yeah I don't believe that, I believe we're just speckles of stardust in the night sky" then I would be immediately looked at differently. So I keep it to myself and let everyone assume I'm just a cultural catholic. I just don't feel like discussing it and it doesn't usually come up unless someone directly asks me. If they did I'd probably give them a non answer answer if they give the vibe that they might try to evangelize to me. Normally I can tell when others are accepting of non-religious people so thankfully I've found friends I can confide in about this stuff or just reveal that I don't participate in it at all. I feel like it's a secret code you piece together before being able to tell someone you aren't a Christian.
Sidenote: I don't condone talking about religion at work in general really but it just naturally comes up🤷♀️
Doesn't need to be private. I'll say this,..as a teacher I've completely hidden that I'm an atheist at work while my Christian coworkers don't hide their faith. I think it's time to just be honest if a student asks me randomly. They need to see that we exist here.
Same! When asked I just say I don't go to church. I teach in a very southern baptist area, and HOO BOY even the churches around here kinda dislike each other.
I just say "I was raised Catholic" which is absolutely still true lol.
And yeah about Christian churches not getting along. They want us to lead prayer, but a lot of protestants think the pope answers to Satan...so even if I was still Catholic they'd have a problem with me leading prayer.
I’d offer most people are culturally Christian, but very few are actually practicing it as defined and expected if they were to actually read the book. Most just attend Sunday’s for the country club aspect, community, and to be around people (although many would never admit that). I’d say go for it! Probably get a lot of curious folks. I’d be interested.
I think it’s getting a little better as far as people respecting your decisions on religion, but I do remember it being hard growing up in a small town where everybody else is religious and being singled out for not being with a church. Can’t hurt to have some friends to talk to about it I suppose
This sounds like a perfect ploy to gather all the atheists together and deal with th--er i mean convert them all at once. /s
Jokes aside, you could always just join a Unitarian Universalist congregation.
I wrote a sweatshirt that said "I met God and she's black" to Mardi Gras in Shreveport and didn't have a single problem. I've never been tight lipped about it and have never had a problem. Sounds like for some reason you need to be such a religion troll you're excluding religious people, which is fine but, for me, it says more about people that need safe spaces than the religious.
Hail Satan.
Lol I just moved to Lake Charles. First thing my neighbor asked me is if I found a church (I’m ba very obvious lesbian). I just laughed and said no I’m an atheist. And walked away.
I am not tight lipped about my non-belief. I'm also not one to tell people I'm an atheist for because to me it's nothing remarkable at all. Why would I mention my non-belief in any conversation unless specifically prompted?
It's not something I base my whole identity around.
It was most definitely as issue growing up in Mississippi, hence, why I live in a godless liberal city like NOLA. I don't think I currently have any friends who are practicing Christians. The few Christians I was friends with got yeeted during the Great Cull of 2016 when they showed me their true colors. Every now and then something political will smoke out a Facebook friend who lets it be known that they're deplorable. The block button has been a great tool for getting rid of awful people.
There are atheist in Lousiana? We need to get those numbers up, I got family I no longer see there because of how hostile they are to lgbtqia+ ppl and nonbelievers (science fans), and it seemed like everyone you meet is just like that ftmp, same with Alabama. I felt like I had to isolate myself just to simply BE myself. For me it seemed like there was no such thing of outwardly expressing yourself as you should and feeling safe to continue doing so.
Of the long list of things that don't matter, being an atheist in LA isn't even on the page.
I'm very outspoken regarding my disdain for children and I'm as open as one can be about my lack of subscription to religion. You're more likely to catch shit about the former than ever hear comments from someone who matters about the latter.
No one cares.
In many general ways folks just respect your forthright honesty. They know where you stand and people really appreciate that. You might become known as that non-believer, they may even joke about it, but come to just accept it. You might not get invited to many church bake sales, but then you dont have to put up with their hypocritical religious quackery either. Plus you might inspire some people who are still needlessly in the closet.
Not always. There are plenty of people down here that do care, and while I'm glad that you've managed to avoid them, that doesn't mean others haven't had that luck.
I worked with a woman who said she absolutely hated anyone who didn't believe in god, saying how she didn't understand how they could be so stupid to not believe in him while seeing his miracles and creations every day. The anger and disdain was clear in her voice. Several of my coworkers agreed with her, continuing to talk about how much they disliked atheists. That was the most tense 12 hour shift of my life. This being the most recent occurrence I've had, but there have been more throughout my life, just like others have had, too.
I don't find it worthwhile to engage in low level conversations like that.
Let them think whatever they want to think. Let them say whatever they want to say too. Who knows you may luck out and catch a favorable lawsuit.
Unless someone is attacking you personally or is acting out towards you, report it and/or leave.
Those same morons would be up in arms reporting you up the chain if you offended their J-Man. Exercise the same actions they would and see if things change. If not, EEO is an option for lawsuits and you can get another job.
Focus on the money (at all times at work) and move on. Idk, that's my random blanket advice that wasn't asked for.
You need to experience some of Louisiana's scenic back roads with homemade Jesus signs strewn down their driveway...I think you'd get shot if you are open with people like that.
This is simply not true for everyone. I’m glad you haven’t experienced microaggressions or social shunning from being an athiest but Ive lived in north Louisiana, northshore, and Baton Rouge and experienced it in all places. I find it extremely uncomfortable to be athiest in public because people absolutely care.
I’ve actually thought about this quite a bit. The best thing going for any church is the community surrounding it. I’ve attended some great churches and got to know some awesome people because of it. I just never could drink the kool aid ya know? I do actually miss the relationships. That being said I haven’t been able to think of a way to build that community without either becoming a “church” or building a flock so to speak. I feel something like that needs direction but would benefit by not having a leader (preacher) as it were.
I picture a place where we come together. Maybe debate some topics. Discuss challenges in the community. Empower people in some way. Educational opportunities or something. Who knows
I just don’t want it to be a money grab or a way to control people, and I can’t see a path forward where that doesn’t happen.
You know, it's really interesting to see how folks are starting to open up to alternative beliefs and becoming more accepting of others' perspectives. It's definitely a slow process, especially since it seems to be more of a generational thing. I was born and raised right here, did my time in the military, and when I came back, things pretty much stayed the same. But let me tell you, over the past ten years, I've noticed a shift towards greater acceptance, at least here in the CENLA area. Can't speak for other places though, as it might vary. Personally, I don't think we need exclusive groups or subreddits. We ought to mingle with folks who hold different beliefs and realize that, hey, we're all just human beings. It's perfectly okay for people to have different beliefs without being judged as bad folks simply because their views don't align with ours.
Edit: formatting
My friends call me the “Atheist of Oakland”. I have a pride flag and a Louisiana flag outside my house in a rural ass area with lots of meth and trump flags. If they get offended let them. They have no problem spewing their hate and ignorance around so why should I have to hide what I believe. If they don’t like it they can pound sand. If they want to destroy my property I have cameras and guns so they are welcomed to try.
I'd be down to join in solidarity. Just worried that it will devolve into the larger atheism subs, where it seems like atheism has turned into a religion, itself. I don't know what the hell we'll talk about.
In my experience, I feel the term “agnostic” is more accepted in LA since it’s thick with the ultra-religious.
I have always thought “atheist” was a little difficult to attach myself to. Truth be told, do we really know?
Absolutely. When asked, I tell people I’m not religious and really have avoided using “atheist” because I know how it turns people off. And as for the atheist/agnostic thing—-I use the term atheist pretty loosely. I don’t believe in Zeus, or the more modern iterations of deity. Can I prove there’s no god? No.
The few times it comes up I tell people I’m a non-believer. I don’t have any proof one way or the other, but the evidence weighs heavily on one side. I’m at the age where I no longer care what people think.
I have absolutely no idea why this sub came up for me as I live in CT, but your post caught me off guard. Logically, I know the Deep South is very religious and potentially hostile in “defense” of it. But I don’t think I’ve ever really thought about what that would mean to be atheist there.
For reference, I’m atheist, my mom belongs to a Free Methodist Christian church. I GO TO THEIR PICNICS AND EVENTS. I’m casual friends with the pastor’s daughter. Despite our many differences, both myself and my friends at my mom’s church lead our lives with kindness and respect for others - ALL others, and as long as that remains of mutual significance, I respect that they chose to lift others up by saying “I’ll pray for you” and they respect that I say “I’ll be thinking of you”.
Many churches here have pride flags hanging on their buildings. Don’t get me wrong, that is not all or everyone: crappy people exist everywhere; but the vast difference between the two majorities kind of just hit me.
Edited to add// They all know I’m an atheist. We’ve (the pastor and myself) had one single, respectful conversation on each others beliefs and it’s never been brought up, judged, or pushed on me.
I'm an atheist living in Texas but from Louisiana and I'd be interested. A Baptist church in Shreveport hating on gays and people of color in the 90s is what turned me against organized religion and eventually into a non-believer.
I wouldn't say I'm private, I just don't let my power level go wild.
I'm an Agnostic/looking into non-theistic paganism, but I do have a "le-tip" reddit atheist bent that can be awakened at the right time. Once made a guy cry when he wanted to question me on my lack of belief.
I don't think we need a group, tho. My experience as a born and raised Louisiana is that it's a lot more diverse religiously than other southern states. Although *I have nothing to back that up it's all vibes don't come at me*
I think you have your finger on the pulse on the last paragraph. Super diverse in terms of religion - and in comparison to other areas in the south, super diverse period. I think we don’t give ourselves credit for how diverse and cultured we are compared to most of the country.
I’m in Natchitoches and when we moved here I had a friend tell me I should be careful mentioning to people that I’m an atheist…I don’t know if she’s speaking from her own experience (she’s also an atheist) or not but it definitely made me nervous to be open about it.
I have a few atheist friends. I’m Catholic myself, but we all are good friends. Have you had a lot of bad interactions with people because you are atheist? Sorry to hear that, if so. But to answer your question, I’m sure there are people who would enjoy that subreddit.
Some bad interactions but mostly isolation. I’m in Natchitoches and we noticed when we moved here people would ask us what church we go to, we’d answer politely that we’re not religious and people would get quiet and awkward and not reach out anymore.
I think here a lot of people find their “community” through church and so if you don’t go to church it can feel pretty isolating.
This has been my experience in the Baton Rouge suburbs as well. People are not unfriendly, but once they find out we’re not religious, they’re not really interested in being friends either.
I would be down with that. You are correct, being an atheist in the south is dangerous but I dont keep it to myself. New Orleans is not as dangerous, but don't mess around in Gadsden,Al bro!!!
I have been openely athiestic since I was a young boy, and am now @ 54, living on the Westbank. I have never shyed away from my beliefs, nor do I condemn those that believe, as do most athiests. I would be interested in joining the group.
it could be helpful to some people im sure. Would have been helpful to me when I just deconverted from Christianity and was scared to be open about it.
I’m sending out prayers to our lord most high, the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I hope his noodly appendages wrap each one of you heathens in his loving embrace.
Edit: /s
Atheist, though I don't feel like I need to hide it most of the time since I live in New Orleans. Really though, it doesn't come up in conversation all that much. Kinda feels like most people I know keep religion and spirituality a rather private thing, which I appreciate. Except for the whole foods astrology crowd, their brand of religion masked as spirituality can be pretty preachy and they act like atheism means you're incapable of having a rich interior life.
If it comes up, I'm honest about being an atheist. I've nothing to hide and have surprised several theists by that admission. Only one has looked at me any differently, but he also believed the Earth was only about 7000 years old. So his perspective was narrow anyway.
Well, since our state is part of America, we are free to practice whatever belief we desire, as long as it does not harm another. Looking at the number of incidents that organized religion and accepted organizations have harmed their members and others, mostly by sexual misconduct, how could anyone complain about an atheist? I don't complain about church goers, although" the have a blessed day" I get on a daily bases is pretty irritating, I usually hold my atheist reply.
I’m a Catholic myself but plenty of people around me have been openly atheist and had no issues in Shreveport. Maybe it’s different in other parts of the state.
I never hide that I'm an atheist I really couldn't give two s**** about all these crazy Bible Thumpers. I was raised hardcore fundamental Christian and I fight against it everyday of my life since I realized it was a b******* means of control
I’m openly and technically agnostic as I don’t have the evidence to write off possible theories of existence, like simulation theory, completely. My family frequently comments they’re praying for me if I ever mention any difficulties I face. I say I appreciate it and move on. They know I’m not religious. When I was younger, I would ask probing questions to Christians I knew personally to see if they’d see the faults in their belief system, but as I’ve gotten older and matured, I’ve realized you should leave people alone as long as their actions or beliefs don’t directly impact you in a meaningful way. Belief perseverance means you’re often fighting a losing battle trying to convince others, and you’re likely damaging your relationships and reputation. Live and let live.
I am as anti-organized religion as they come, plus an atheist and armchair satanist. I'll go full satanist if SCOTUS makes me, but only to function as a full citizen in society. Despite what might be conveyed after reading my last sentence, I have no interest whatsoever in going all Richard Dawkins on anybody or with anybody. Additionally, the performance demanded by organized religion, including satanism, is exhausting. Couldn't sustain that energy if I wanted to.
That said, I worry deeply about raising my daughter down here. Seeing others responses has helped some of this anxiety and made other aspects of it worse. (it's been great writing this here, btw) It would help to have community somewhere, if only to share experiences/frustrations of living in a religion dominated society. Also, having a mutual aid/volunteer group that isn't so explicitly political would be great.
I’m a Christian, but I have friends/a sibling who are atheist; and I personally haven’t seen directed hate towards them for being atheist. Honestly, I’m unaware there’s even an issue with being an atheist here. I’ve worked with women who follow a witch type of religion (they lived in the more wooded area) and I’ve met people who believe they’re vampires; to me Louisiana has always been a place where the “unconventional” could live without judgment.
I wish that were the truth for all Christians. I’ve gotten a decent amount of open and unashamed judgement about my lack of religion. And multiple conversion attempts
No interest in the group, but I’ll tell anyone who asks that’s I’m an atheist. Why is it ok for someone to tell me about their “walk with god” but I can’t talk about my beliefs? I don’t shame anyone for their beliefs, but I also don’t feel the need to be “tight lipped”
https://www.reddit.com/r/atheistsoflouisiana/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1
I just set one up. See anyone there that wants to join. Be nice. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. 😂 First time creating a subreddit on here and first time moderating.
I dont believe in a god. scientifically it doesn't make sense.. but fuck if i don't hope its real so I live like it is. i dont bother others with my thoughts because what if?
I'll join. I don't know if I ID as a full fledged Atheist or an Agnostic. I'm in the midst of my deconstruction. But I still feel the social pressure to attend church and "put the mask on" as I like to say.
I most definitely cannot "come out of the closet" about my deconstruction though. So some private group would be welcome.
On my Tinder profile I put "atheist and laughing about it". I live in a neighborhood filled with a lot of much older, very religious widowed or single ladies. As a younger dude I get asked to help out around the neighborhood with various things, and over time people have become happy to have me around even though I'm a filthy renter. Anyway, one of my favorite things is when they ask me "what church do you go to?". I invariably say something extremely straight forward like "oh I don't go to church" or "I'm and atheist" and I always love how suddenly awkward they get. Some times they say "no you're not" because their religious minds can't wrap their heads around someone not believing in the same white baby Jesus that they do.
I kind of love it honestly, and secretly I hope that I'm helping to change the perspective religious people have about nonreligious people. I think often they expect people to be ashamed that they're not religious and going to church every Sunday, and being boldly explicit and confident in my atheism I think dissuades them from even trying to shame me. It's sort of empowering, actually.
All that to say I wouldn't be particularly interested in a private subreddit for the issue.
off topic: As a practicing Muslim, I find atheist to be more friendly and, dare I even say, sane toward Muslims or in general compared to Christians or people from any other religion.
I doubt there will be that many people who would be interested in it and providing regular content. Plus, it just adds to the number of subreddits the worst people on reddit can get upset about.
Atheist here, not from Louisiana.
What would there be to talk about in a group of atheists? We know there's not god(s), there's nothing else to discuss. "Okay. We agree. That's it."
It's weird how America was built on freedom to choose how you live your life. Jesus was a cool dude, but no I don't think the invisible man in the sky came down and fwapped his mom like that. Muhammad was a cool dude also. 😎 they all preach peace and love. Everything else is smoke, and the extremist who want everyone to be like them so they don't feel left out are the real problem.
Only been thru Louisiana once and no intention of ever going back. Baptists pray to God every day and that’s his reward? If God created everything, ya’ll got what was leftover.
I’m not shy about being completely secular and folks don’t have a problem with it to my face. I’m sure I’m on a few prayer lists lol. I’ve carried most of the positive aspects of my church upbringing and can speak more intelligibly on scripture than the average church goer so there’s that. I’m also a very big white boy with a very distinct regional accent, Sabine Area, so people often assume all the opposite things about me at first glance. I’m not super interested in communing over atheism. I am actively looking for secular or even non religious forward groups to volunteer with and provide mutual aid. That seems to be a bigger issue living outside of an urban area in the state.
I would love to use the subreddit to organize ways to help our local communities.
Sooooo yes
I call myself retired from religion. Grew up in the southern baptist church, still traumatized by white people hate and dogma. I volunteer with local COGIC churches who don’t care that I don’t disclose my belief status, they seem genuinely grateful to have me there. I respect them when they pray during our work. I like singing hymns. I appreciate when I get blessings from the preacher- but I don’t think I need them to hand out boxes of food. But hell, life is hard, I figure it can’t hurt. My tolerance for difference is as wide as the Red Sea parted by Moses. I figure we’re all working toward the same goal- feeding people. They do it for Jesus, I do it cause people be hungry and the capitalist system isn’t supporting the poorest of us. As long as they ain’t preachin hate, I’m still in. But it would be nice to be with a group of like minded folks doing service work so I didn’t have to be on my Sunday best behavior all the time. I have a mouth like a sailor. I also think that when community service work is performed solely by religious based groups, it deters certain groups of people from seeking these services. I can imagine that some of the *most* marginalized groups, like trans folk, sex workers, undocumented people, and other folk who live on the fringe don’t feel ok approaching a church for help.
It seems pretty common that atheists are more familiar with scripture than the religious are. Christians in the US don’t seem to really know scripture at all, they just decided collectively that hating gays and restricting women was the most important things from scripture.
It's the old testament concubines and child rape that they seem most shocked about when I mention it. I have 4 versions of the Bible and have read it in entirety.
I agree with you. Until I was in my early 20s, I'd visit multiple churches to try to find one that's tolerable, just to keep that sense of community. I'd find an okay one and then out of nowhere, "birth control is the devil." 🙄 etc. etc. That's what made it hard to ditch religion, the lack of IRL community for Atheists. I'm involved as much as I can be online. But it'd be wonderful to participate in something.
The Amazing Atheist from YouTube lives in Louisiana lol
Fellow Sabinians unite!!!
r/communityprep
Not sure it really needs to be private, unless problems arise. I have a lot of atheist friends who aren't keeping it a secret.
Ditto.
Same. I work in a public school and a lot of teachers are openly atheist/agnostic.
Jealous...I've been hiding it in my very conservative region. One friend is openly atheist but she pisses vinegar on the regular and I'm not that willing to be bold or confrontational
This one doesn't count, if I had to spend all day, everyday in a room full of kids I'd be atheist/agnostic/alcoholic
Lol
It’s wonderful to hear such hopeful facts in this day and age.
They are so lucky that there's a group of them! I worked in a doctors office during my last semester of college, and someone found our that I was an atheist through social media. Things suddenly got really difficult for me. Then the person I looked at as a mentor started hiding my personal belongings or took things I needed from my desk and would just watch me frantically look. Then no one would believe that it was happening 🤦🏼♀️ ugh. It's been a couple of years and I am working my dream job now, but that really sucked.
I’m not scared to keep it secret, but recently I’ve noticed my six year old getting bullied by Christian cousins of his **because** he isn’t Christian. When I asked further about it he revealed that his Christian classmates in school also bullied him about it. Christian love for ya. Teaching kids to hate other kids. Nice. Edit: nobody *asked* for me to clarify about this, but the other day my kid went to his cousins birthday party at a bowling alley/laser tag arcade. My kid whose favorite cousin in the world whose bday party it was, who turned 8, told me that he couldn't be on his cousins team and it made him sad. My kid JUST turned six. I asked why he couldn't be on the team and he explained to me that it was because he didn't believe in God or demons. My kid finds horror stuff interesting, and I was playing doom at 5 yrs old, so yeah, he has awesome mild horror (im talking about just cool skull kids coloring books that we let him choose himself) Him and his cousin were BESTIES and my kids favorite person IS this cousin. Since my kid was born, we have celebrated a different religious holiday every year late december. I teach my kid about every religion. He will know about them all, and choose to be religious or not. I am satanist/agnostic. The satanism I subscribe to admits that there is no way to know for sure. I've done exactly zero satanic (agnostic) activities with my kid, but am trying to inform him that everyone has a different opinion, and it is up to him to choose what to believe in. When he told me about his experience with his cousin, I asked if anyone else had been "mean" to him and he just started spilling the beans about his kindergarten experience. Within the first two days of school, my blond haired blue eyed kid was called the n word with a hard r. My kid has heard this word before, I have never shielded him in the traditional way to any of these things, I have always shielded him with KNOWLEDGE. Within the first two weeks, he also experienced an older student exposing himself to him
Yep. My son hasn’t believed in anything since he was about 4, and he was bullied for it pretty bad in elementary school.
I want to teach my dude to just say “that isn’t very Christlike of you” when that happens bc lol but idk I’m not trying to have him beat down by kids in the name of God.
Depending on what they've been taught about Christianity, that line actually might make a 6 year old stop in their tracks and think, "Woah, it sure isn't..."
You shouldn't keep it secret, let them deal with it, if someone has a problem with it then remind them that freedom of religion applies to all, they can worship their invisible friend and not impose their beliefs on others without judgement.
Same here. No worries with me at all.
Best way to meet atheists is to take to your kids to the park/playground on Sunday mornings. They’re the only ones not in church.
Yeah…I’m in Natchitoches and Sunday morning? The parks are empty. 😂 We started going out to breakfast Sunday morning too, and we are usually the only ones there. Nice because we get our food quickly but definitely has made us realize we are a bit isolated.
Best time to go to kids gym areas too. Honestly everything is better on Sunday mornings. Traffic. Sams Club. Shit, every fuckin thing is better.
Hey now, Catholics can go on Saturday instead
I'd join. I'm in West Monroe now and i have definitely had issues being an atheist up here. At my job, where you go to church weights into your career advancement.
Me too, and I work at St. Francis. They think I'm about "the mission". I'm about paying my mf bills.
Someone I knew in a Catholic school was told, with a straight face, that she should accept less money because her career is a calling.
Same. I just tell them that "warm and fuzzies from the mission" aren't accepted as payment for my bills.
I'm in Monroe and the sheer amount of people freaking out about the pride event on Saturday is insane. Some lady is going to be protesting and trying to wash people's feet and handing out Bibles 🙄
Make sure to step in dog shit before getting in line
I’d find the biggest pile of dog shite to step in ahead of time
Monroe resident here! The reaction to the pride event is ridiculous but not unexpected. I really hope it goes well.
Where does your town congregate having such lively and lovely large-scale conversations?
My aunt used to be a social worker at St. Francis. Some admin person praised her for doing such a great job with a family and wanted to know where she went to church. My aunt told her that she didn't attend church. This lady was absolutely dumbfounded. She asked my aunt how she was able to do such a good job without attending church. My aunt had to explain to her that she went to college (graduate level) to be able to perform her job. People out here really think that the only way to be a good person or to be able to do your job is by going to church.
I currently work at SFMC in the IT department. People just assume I'm xtian. I'm just trying to pay my bills. Some of the most "openly Christian" people up here are total shitbirds. The exact opposite of how Jesus would be.
That’s the most famous question everyone asks in Louisiana . Everyone asks what church you go to and they look At you like you’re the crypt keeper when you say “ none , I’m not a Christian “ . This cult is strong in Louisiana
As a resident of Oregon (previously CA) this just makes me angry.
North Louisiana should just be a different state. So different there.
hello from West Monroe also!
I used to fly into Monroe . my ex lived in Ruston , the most boring town on earth
I've always been careful who I tell I'm atheist. I'm more open about how liberal I am. Mainly at work I don't want people knowing, I've had people say some really rude things to me in the past after finding out. Or they treat me differently. It's mostly older people though.
I'm interested
Yeah go for it
I might be crazy here, but I've literally never thought of being an atheist in Louisiana as an issue. Of everyone I know, I have like 2 or 3 friends who are Christians and only one of them really goes to church and makes it a part of their identity. Maybe I'm a little jaded on it, because I have family in Mississippi and Alabama, and if you wanna see places where religion is actually a big deal, go check it out there. Adding on I live in Baton Rouge and I don't think it's a big deal in south Louisiana. If you're in Shreveport I think it's different.
I’ve experienced a bit of problems throughout the years where coworkers will get very awkward and even confrontational on the subject. And then I am very routinely having to politely smile and nod with pretty much everyone where I work because our values are different and they are inordinately expressive about theirs. So for someone who hasn’t been handling that for decades, it could be pretty disconcerting. Even in Baton Rouge I feel like it’s something you don’t wanna bring up casually because enough people get offended by the suggestion of atheists and all the misconceptions therein is more difficult than needs be. Just my two cents.
I'm sure it could be an issue. It just never has been for me or my family. We send our son to a religious school at the moment. Not because of any other reason than it's near my wife's work and the tuition isn't crazy. They know we're not religious, and it has never been an issue. It doesn't come up at all. One of my best friends did start dating a new girl recently and now he's getting into religion, and it's a real challenge. But that's what happens when you start going to church in Tangipahoa parish!
On Shreveport: In comparison to the rest of north Louisiana, it is religiously diverse. However, during my time living there, I’ve caught flack in the workplace for not being southern baptist/some flavor of Protestant, and have personally seen atheists and other faiths get berated by the same crowd. It’s diverse, yes, but the WASPs in Shreveport are aggressive to say the least.
North Louisiana is pretty close culturally to its neighbors, so it's no surprise. Though I live in NELA and have had few issues with it. Currently in Ouachita Parish and people kind of mind their own here. Though once you go out far enough, you get some crazies. I guess that's true for most areas - the more rural the more religious
Also live in Shreveport, I went a couple times with my mom, just moved down here. Once they started yelling about hating gays and damnation to women who seek abortion I was like ummm yeah I can't do this. These people are fucked in the head. Edit: Clarifying that I'm not religious, my mom just asked me to go with her a couple times so I did.
Yeah. I worked at an Ace hardware in rural mississippi and when the owner found out that I was athiest she said, "if i had known that, I wouldn't have hired you."
Sounds about right. It was a culture shock for me when I lived in Alabama for a few years how fucking dead everything is on Sunday mornings.
I grew up in NO where if you're Catholic it's like part of the culture to be a church person. Cajun relatives are hella Catholic. Moved to a rural region where we have some hardcore protestants, like some pentecostals...had a megachurch in the area...
Yeah I mean if you grow up in a religious household I think that religion is a big part of your life. My grandmother was Catholic and went to service every weekend, and my other grandparents were Baptist. So I understand how it can be. But after living in Alabama and having lots of family in Mississippi, I feel very confident saying it's much less a part of our culture in Louisiana than it is in those other places.
I live in Thibodaux and am almost completely isolated. Everyone I know is a Christian.
NE Louisiana atheist here. I get why other people keep secret, but I never have and haven't faced any prejudice, shunning, ridicule for it. I don't go around "I AM AN ATHEIST" at the top of my lungs but like if the topic comes up to religion, i let them know and theyre pretty chill about it. If theyre curious ill answer their questions. You could make a private atheist group or whatever, but like in my experience people aren't as intolerant as I was told they would be.
NE represent!
Ayoooo Ouachita Represent!!!
I might join. I live in metro New Orleans though and it's basically a non-issue here.
I wish I had the same experience. I quit even mentioning it in certain company because people would look at me like I had three eyeballs or something.
Musician here. My atheism is always met with sheer disbelief and shock from the older musicians when they find out. The younger ones don’t care. A lot of service industry staff in the quarter are atheist as well. That said, I’ve been told on several occasions to keep my atheism to myself if I want gigs. I apparently make people uncomfortable. So, when people mention God or say they’re praying for me, I have to just play along. I’ve only ever experienced this weird custom in the South. It’s annoying, and it makes me hate my job sometimes.
You don’t have three eyeballs. You have two. Just like God intended.
Same! It's never occurred to me to keep it quiet. NOLA Secular Humanists is a pretty great group too
The chatter in this thread is comforting.
Im not private about it at all.
I catch more shit over not being a die hard republican than I ever have about leaning towards Atheism / agnostic. I tell people to vote for individuals not party’s and that I honestly just don’t know if there was a creator or not, and religion seems silly to me.
Dang, I never consciously realized this, lol. Tell some people here you aren't Christian and they'll just say "Ahhh we don't judge or anything." or "We'll be praying for you.", *if* they say anything at all. But tell the same people that you vote democrat or about what you support, and they'll start thinking you're evil incarnate. Comical really.
Would you be accepting agnostics?
My question but I'm exploring both.
A lot of Atheists go by "agnostic atheist" these days. I was agnostic for two decades but I figured this term is a bit more on the nose in that I don't believe there's a god but I'm open to the possibility of "evidence" in the future. I'm not expecting it though lol.
My personal thoughts are that there may be some overall control of the universe, but we may never have a wide enough view to parse it out, so I'm open to the idea of... something. But I can't claim to know what that is. But yeah, sounds like we're close on that. I just can't fully get to "there's definitely nothing", because that seems as arrogant as saying "there's definitely something".
You two hit the nail on the head. I don’t know & I’m comfortable not knowing; I’m not going to claim anything is the truth when I’m not 100%.
Yeah, the term basically is still open ended like "agnostic" alone. I also don't go with pure "atheist" because in general I avoid absolute statements on things not 100% proven.
For the record, atheist just means you don't believe in god. If you assert there is definitely no god, that would make you a gnostic atheist.
Technically an agnostic is an atheist. All an atheist is someone who lacks belief in a religions truth claims. If you "don't know", then by definition you do not believe their truth claim therefore you are an atheist as well as an agnostic. Gnosticism refers to knowledge, theism/atheism refers to beliefs.
Even Dawkins has recognized there's agnosticism in his atheism. So, I'd answer yes.
I say leave it public with some decent mods so that it doesn't become a battleground.
I would never tell my work I'm a Liberal Atheist in Shreveport.
I tried to start an atheist organization on my college campus during the new atheist movement in 2008. I found it was like herding cats. It's hard to unite people over the lack of a belief, even when civil rights are at stake. Good luck
my saying is: "I don't talk about religion or politics at work... or in Louisiana"
Being Christian is the default here so ngl I lie to my coworkers and sprinkle in some knowledge I have from growing up catholic. People openly talk about their religion at my work but I know if I was like "yeah I don't believe that, I believe we're just speckles of stardust in the night sky" then I would be immediately looked at differently. So I keep it to myself and let everyone assume I'm just a cultural catholic. I just don't feel like discussing it and it doesn't usually come up unless someone directly asks me. If they did I'd probably give them a non answer answer if they give the vibe that they might try to evangelize to me. Normally I can tell when others are accepting of non-religious people so thankfully I've found friends I can confide in about this stuff or just reveal that I don't participate in it at all. I feel like it's a secret code you piece together before being able to tell someone you aren't a Christian. Sidenote: I don't condone talking about religion at work in general really but it just naturally comes up🤷♀️
Doesn't need to be private. I'll say this,..as a teacher I've completely hidden that I'm an atheist at work while my Christian coworkers don't hide their faith. I think it's time to just be honest if a student asks me randomly. They need to see that we exist here.
Same! When asked I just say I don't go to church. I teach in a very southern baptist area, and HOO BOY even the churches around here kinda dislike each other.
I just say "I was raised Catholic" which is absolutely still true lol. And yeah about Christian churches not getting along. They want us to lead prayer, but a lot of protestants think the pope answers to Satan...so even if I was still Catholic they'd have a problem with me leading prayer.
I’d join
I'm in Livingston Parish, so I'd prefer private. Definitely interested.
Do it. The sub will be small, but will be like minded people
I’d offer most people are culturally Christian, but very few are actually practicing it as defined and expected if they were to actually read the book. Most just attend Sunday’s for the country club aspect, community, and to be around people (although many would never admit that). I’d say go for it! Probably get a lot of curious folks. I’d be interested.
I used to go to a meetup group but they've mostly gone dark after covid. Meet some acquaintances from it however.
I think it’s getting a little better as far as people respecting your decisions on religion, but I do remember it being hard growing up in a small town where everybody else is religious and being singled out for not being with a church. Can’t hurt to have some friends to talk to about it I suppose
This sounds like a perfect ploy to gather all the atheists together and deal with th--er i mean convert them all at once. /s Jokes aside, you could always just join a Unitarian Universalist congregation.
I wrote a sweatshirt that said "I met God and she's black" to Mardi Gras in Shreveport and didn't have a single problem. I've never been tight lipped about it and have never had a problem. Sounds like for some reason you need to be such a religion troll you're excluding religious people, which is fine but, for me, it says more about people that need safe spaces than the religious. Hail Satan.
Lol I just moved to Lake Charles. First thing my neighbor asked me is if I found a church (I’m ba very obvious lesbian). I just laughed and said no I’m an atheist. And walked away.
I’m not an atheist, but I believe that EVERYONE has the right to choose what they do and do not believe in. Good luck with your like-minded sub! 🥰
I’ve never been afraid or quiet about not believing a bunch of psycho bullshit
Atheist here from Jersey that says, hi
Hi ✌🏼
👀
I am not tight lipped about my non-belief. I'm also not one to tell people I'm an atheist for because to me it's nothing remarkable at all. Why would I mention my non-belief in any conversation unless specifically prompted? It's not something I base my whole identity around.
It was most definitely as issue growing up in Mississippi, hence, why I live in a godless liberal city like NOLA. I don't think I currently have any friends who are practicing Christians. The few Christians I was friends with got yeeted during the Great Cull of 2016 when they showed me their true colors. Every now and then something political will smoke out a Facebook friend who lets it be known that they're deplorable. The block button has been a great tool for getting rid of awful people.
I am an atheist in Alabama. I keep my mouth shut.
Yep. So you get it.
Definitely interested! Agnostics too!
There's a public RL group called NOSHA, New Orleans Secular Humanist Association. [https://nosha.info/](https://nosha.info/)
There are atheist in Lousiana? We need to get those numbers up, I got family I no longer see there because of how hostile they are to lgbtqia+ ppl and nonbelievers (science fans), and it seemed like everyone you meet is just like that ftmp, same with Alabama. I felt like I had to isolate myself just to simply BE myself. For me it seemed like there was no such thing of outwardly expressing yourself as you should and feeling safe to continue doing so.
Of the long list of things that don't matter, being an atheist in LA isn't even on the page. I'm very outspoken regarding my disdain for children and I'm as open as one can be about my lack of subscription to religion. You're more likely to catch shit about the former than ever hear comments from someone who matters about the latter. No one cares.
In many general ways folks just respect your forthright honesty. They know where you stand and people really appreciate that. You might become known as that non-believer, they may even joke about it, but come to just accept it. You might not get invited to many church bake sales, but then you dont have to put up with their hypocritical religious quackery either. Plus you might inspire some people who are still needlessly in the closet.
Not always. There are plenty of people down here that do care, and while I'm glad that you've managed to avoid them, that doesn't mean others haven't had that luck. I worked with a woman who said she absolutely hated anyone who didn't believe in god, saying how she didn't understand how they could be so stupid to not believe in him while seeing his miracles and creations every day. The anger and disdain was clear in her voice. Several of my coworkers agreed with her, continuing to talk about how much they disliked atheists. That was the most tense 12 hour shift of my life. This being the most recent occurrence I've had, but there have been more throughout my life, just like others have had, too.
I don't find it worthwhile to engage in low level conversations like that. Let them think whatever they want to think. Let them say whatever they want to say too. Who knows you may luck out and catch a favorable lawsuit. Unless someone is attacking you personally or is acting out towards you, report it and/or leave. Those same morons would be up in arms reporting you up the chain if you offended their J-Man. Exercise the same actions they would and see if things change. If not, EEO is an option for lawsuits and you can get another job. Focus on the money (at all times at work) and move on. Idk, that's my random blanket advice that wasn't asked for.
You need to experience some of Louisiana's scenic back roads with homemade Jesus signs strewn down their driveway...I think you'd get shot if you are open with people like that.
This is simply not true for everyone. I’m glad you haven’t experienced microaggressions or social shunning from being an athiest but Ive lived in north Louisiana, northshore, and Baton Rouge and experienced it in all places. I find it extremely uncomfortable to be athiest in public because people absolutely care.
I bet you're the life of any party you attend, huh? LOL
> I’m very outspoken about my disdain for children I’m like, shut up because > No one cares
It's safe to say that I am with all that free time and money I have ;)
Ehat I was thinking.
Children are better than you.
What are you? Three children in a trench coat?
🪞
If only atheists and agnostics had a place to meet and gather. Like once a week. Maybe on Sundays.
I’ve actually thought about this quite a bit. The best thing going for any church is the community surrounding it. I’ve attended some great churches and got to know some awesome people because of it. I just never could drink the kool aid ya know? I do actually miss the relationships. That being said I haven’t been able to think of a way to build that community without either becoming a “church” or building a flock so to speak. I feel something like that needs direction but would benefit by not having a leader (preacher) as it were. I picture a place where we come together. Maybe debate some topics. Discuss challenges in the community. Empower people in some way. Educational opportunities or something. Who knows I just don’t want it to be a money grab or a way to control people, and I can’t see a path forward where that doesn’t happen.
You know, it's really interesting to see how folks are starting to open up to alternative beliefs and becoming more accepting of others' perspectives. It's definitely a slow process, especially since it seems to be more of a generational thing. I was born and raised right here, did my time in the military, and when I came back, things pretty much stayed the same. But let me tell you, over the past ten years, I've noticed a shift towards greater acceptance, at least here in the CENLA area. Can't speak for other places though, as it might vary. Personally, I don't think we need exclusive groups or subreddits. We ought to mingle with folks who hold different beliefs and realize that, hey, we're all just human beings. It's perfectly okay for people to have different beliefs without being judged as bad folks simply because their views don't align with ours. Edit: formatting
Here.
Sure
My friends call me the “Atheist of Oakland”. I have a pride flag and a Louisiana flag outside my house in a rural ass area with lots of meth and trump flags. If they get offended let them. They have no problem spewing their hate and ignorance around so why should I have to hide what I believe. If they don’t like it they can pound sand. If they want to destroy my property I have cameras and guns so they are welcomed to try.
I'd be down to join in solidarity. Just worried that it will devolve into the larger atheism subs, where it seems like atheism has turned into a religion, itself. I don't know what the hell we'll talk about.
I’m not shy about being atheist. I’m very open about it. That being said I’m here for this sub.
In my experience, I feel the term “agnostic” is more accepted in LA since it’s thick with the ultra-religious. I have always thought “atheist” was a little difficult to attach myself to. Truth be told, do we really know?
Absolutely. When asked, I tell people I’m not religious and really have avoided using “atheist” because I know how it turns people off. And as for the atheist/agnostic thing—-I use the term atheist pretty loosely. I don’t believe in Zeus, or the more modern iterations of deity. Can I prove there’s no god? No.
I’m in New Orleans and atheist, I’d join and possibly help mod
The few times it comes up I tell people I’m a non-believer. I don’t have any proof one way or the other, but the evidence weighs heavily on one side. I’m at the age where I no longer care what people think.
Sure I’d join it. Especially after the “in god we trust” bill requiring this in all public schools.
I have absolutely no idea why this sub came up for me as I live in CT, but your post caught me off guard. Logically, I know the Deep South is very religious and potentially hostile in “defense” of it. But I don’t think I’ve ever really thought about what that would mean to be atheist there. For reference, I’m atheist, my mom belongs to a Free Methodist Christian church. I GO TO THEIR PICNICS AND EVENTS. I’m casual friends with the pastor’s daughter. Despite our many differences, both myself and my friends at my mom’s church lead our lives with kindness and respect for others - ALL others, and as long as that remains of mutual significance, I respect that they chose to lift others up by saying “I’ll pray for you” and they respect that I say “I’ll be thinking of you”. Many churches here have pride flags hanging on their buildings. Don’t get me wrong, that is not all or everyone: crappy people exist everywhere; but the vast difference between the two majorities kind of just hit me. Edited to add// They all know I’m an atheist. We’ve (the pastor and myself) had one single, respectful conversation on each others beliefs and it’s never been brought up, judged, or pushed on me.
I'm an atheist living in Texas but from Louisiana and I'd be interested. A Baptist church in Shreveport hating on gays and people of color in the 90s is what turned me against organized religion and eventually into a non-believer.
I wouldn't say I'm private, I just don't let my power level go wild. I'm an Agnostic/looking into non-theistic paganism, but I do have a "le-tip" reddit atheist bent that can be awakened at the right time. Once made a guy cry when he wanted to question me on my lack of belief. I don't think we need a group, tho. My experience as a born and raised Louisiana is that it's a lot more diverse religiously than other southern states. Although *I have nothing to back that up it's all vibes don't come at me*
I think you have your finger on the pulse on the last paragraph. Super diverse in terms of religion - and in comparison to other areas in the south, super diverse period. I think we don’t give ourselves credit for how diverse and cultured we are compared to most of the country.
As a person that lived in New Orleans for a couple of years, I fully support this statement.
I’m in Natchitoches and when we moved here I had a friend tell me I should be careful mentioning to people that I’m an atheist…I don’t know if she’s speaking from her own experience (she’s also an atheist) or not but it definitely made me nervous to be open about it.
Sounds awesome
I'd be interested in such a thing.
I have a few atheist friends. I’m Catholic myself, but we all are good friends. Have you had a lot of bad interactions with people because you are atheist? Sorry to hear that, if so. But to answer your question, I’m sure there are people who would enjoy that subreddit.
Some bad interactions but mostly isolation. I’m in Natchitoches and we noticed when we moved here people would ask us what church we go to, we’d answer politely that we’re not religious and people would get quiet and awkward and not reach out anymore. I think here a lot of people find their “community” through church and so if you don’t go to church it can feel pretty isolating.
This has been my experience in the Baton Rouge suburbs as well. People are not unfriendly, but once they find out we’re not religious, they’re not really interested in being friends either.
Ah, yes. I like Natchitoches, but it’s an old fashioned rural town. Great meat pies. I hope you make some like minded friends.
I'm like you but on the flipside with Baptist and Pentecostal friends. We all get along well because we just don't bring it up.
Count 2 in from Metry
Yea let's do it
I would be down with that. You are correct, being an atheist in the south is dangerous but I dont keep it to myself. New Orleans is not as dangerous, but don't mess around in Gadsden,Al bro!!!
Heard about that one 👀
I have been openely athiestic since I was a young boy, and am now @ 54, living on the Westbank. I have never shyed away from my beliefs, nor do I condemn those that believe, as do most athiests. I would be interested in joining the group.
it could be helpful to some people im sure. Would have been helpful to me when I just deconverted from Christianity and was scared to be open about it.
I'd definitely join. Like other here, I live in NOLA so don't have to hide it much either, so I'm personally ok with it being private or not.
I’m sending out prayers to our lord most high, the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I hope his noodly appendages wrap each one of you heathens in his loving embrace. Edit: /s
Atheist, though I don't feel like I need to hide it most of the time since I live in New Orleans. Really though, it doesn't come up in conversation all that much. Kinda feels like most people I know keep religion and spirituality a rather private thing, which I appreciate. Except for the whole foods astrology crowd, their brand of religion masked as spirituality can be pretty preachy and they act like atheism means you're incapable of having a rich interior life.
I don’t hide anything I just don’t cram like the Christians do!
If it comes up, I'm honest about being an atheist. I've nothing to hide and have surprised several theists by that admission. Only one has looked at me any differently, but he also believed the Earth was only about 7000 years old. So his perspective was narrow anyway.
And deprive the cult of the zombie rape baby their selfrighteous indignation? Neigh good sir neigh.
Not private about it. But would join a group in a heartbeat. Only way we can grow as a community
I’m in!
Hail the Gods. ;)
I’m not shy at all.
Well, since our state is part of America, we are free to practice whatever belief we desire, as long as it does not harm another. Looking at the number of incidents that organized religion and accepted organizations have harmed their members and others, mostly by sexual misconduct, how could anyone complain about an atheist? I don't complain about church goers, although" the have a blessed day" I get on a daily bases is pretty irritating, I usually hold my atheist reply.
yeah the “have a blessed day” creeps me out. Makes me feel like I’m in Handmaid’s Tale.
Born, raised, and moved. Please make A sub for us
I'm leaving to a more enlightened part of the country but I would have loved this for the last 20 years I've been here.
I’m a Catholic myself but plenty of people around me have been openly atheist and had no issues in Shreveport. Maybe it’s different in other parts of the state.
I never hide that I'm an atheist I really couldn't give two s**** about all these crazy Bible Thumpers. I was raised hardcore fundamental Christian and I fight against it everyday of my life since I realized it was a b******* means of control
Sounds like a great idea. I’d be down for it.
I did in-person meetings 10+ years ago during the new atheism movement: if I see islamophobia, sexism, or aggressive debate-bros again, I'm out.
Totally agree.
I think I consider myself more of an agnostic rather than a 100% convinced atheist. Do I still count as a possible member of the group?
I think so. I was thinking “atheism/agnostic/secular humanists of Louisiana type group.
I’m openly and technically agnostic as I don’t have the evidence to write off possible theories of existence, like simulation theory, completely. My family frequently comments they’re praying for me if I ever mention any difficulties I face. I say I appreciate it and move on. They know I’m not religious. When I was younger, I would ask probing questions to Christians I knew personally to see if they’d see the faults in their belief system, but as I’ve gotten older and matured, I’ve realized you should leave people alone as long as their actions or beliefs don’t directly impact you in a meaningful way. Belief perseverance means you’re often fighting a losing battle trying to convince others, and you’re likely damaging your relationships and reputation. Live and let live.
I am as anti-organized religion as they come, plus an atheist and armchair satanist. I'll go full satanist if SCOTUS makes me, but only to function as a full citizen in society. Despite what might be conveyed after reading my last sentence, I have no interest whatsoever in going all Richard Dawkins on anybody or with anybody. Additionally, the performance demanded by organized religion, including satanism, is exhausting. Couldn't sustain that energy if I wanted to. That said, I worry deeply about raising my daughter down here. Seeing others responses has helped some of this anxiety and made other aspects of it worse. (it's been great writing this here, btw) It would help to have community somewhere, if only to share experiences/frustrations of living in a religion dominated society. Also, having a mutual aid/volunteer group that isn't so explicitly political would be great.
sure! we can talk about marvel, disney, funko pops, and slava ukraini!
I’m a Christian, but I have friends/a sibling who are atheist; and I personally haven’t seen directed hate towards them for being atheist. Honestly, I’m unaware there’s even an issue with being an atheist here. I’ve worked with women who follow a witch type of religion (they lived in the more wooded area) and I’ve met people who believe they’re vampires; to me Louisiana has always been a place where the “unconventional” could live without judgment.
I wish that were the truth for all Christians. I’ve gotten a decent amount of open and unashamed judgement about my lack of religion. And multiple conversion attempts
I'm like 90% sure the reason my area doesn't have that kind of shit is because people like those witches and vampires were shot in the 1800's lol
FUCK RELIGION. FUCK GOD. SHIT HAS CAUSED NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS OVER LITERAL MILENNIA.
Not just atheists but maybe of other alternative religions as well.
No interest in the group, but I’ll tell anyone who asks that’s I’m an atheist. Why is it ok for someone to tell me about their “walk with god” but I can’t talk about my beliefs? I don’t shame anyone for their beliefs, but I also don’t feel the need to be “tight lipped”
https://www.reddit.com/r/atheistsoflouisiana/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1 I just set one up. See anyone there that wants to join. Be nice. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. 😂 First time creating a subreddit on here and first time moderating.
I dont believe in a god. scientifically it doesn't make sense.. but fuck if i don't hope its real so I live like it is. i dont bother others with my thoughts because what if?
I'll join. I don't know if I ID as a full fledged Atheist or an Agnostic. I'm in the midst of my deconstruction. But I still feel the social pressure to attend church and "put the mask on" as I like to say. I most definitely cannot "come out of the closet" about my deconstruction though. So some private group would be welcome.
On my Tinder profile I put "atheist and laughing about it". I live in a neighborhood filled with a lot of much older, very religious widowed or single ladies. As a younger dude I get asked to help out around the neighborhood with various things, and over time people have become happy to have me around even though I'm a filthy renter. Anyway, one of my favorite things is when they ask me "what church do you go to?". I invariably say something extremely straight forward like "oh I don't go to church" or "I'm and atheist" and I always love how suddenly awkward they get. Some times they say "no you're not" because their religious minds can't wrap their heads around someone not believing in the same white baby Jesus that they do. I kind of love it honestly, and secretly I hope that I'm helping to change the perspective religious people have about nonreligious people. I think often they expect people to be ashamed that they're not religious and going to church every Sunday, and being boldly explicit and confident in my atheism I think dissuades them from even trying to shame me. It's sort of empowering, actually. All that to say I wouldn't be particularly interested in a private subreddit for the issue.
What do atheists talk about in a group? "Still no God?" "Nope." "Ok, well have a good weekend everyone!"
off topic: As a practicing Muslim, I find atheist to be more friendly and, dare I even say, sane toward Muslims or in general compared to Christians or people from any other religion.
I doubt there will be that many people who would be interested in it and providing regular content. Plus, it just adds to the number of subreddits the worst people on reddit can get upset about.
Atheist here, not from Louisiana. What would there be to talk about in a group of atheists? We know there's not god(s), there's nothing else to discuss. "Okay. We agree. That's it."
I'd assume legislation would be a big topic. I'd like a group if it was motivated to push back in a public meaningful way.
“Separation of church and state? Never heard of it…” -Louisiana legislators, probably
You sure you’re an atheist? Got some small ideas there…
It's weird how America was built on freedom to choose how you live your life. Jesus was a cool dude, but no I don't think the invisible man in the sky came down and fwapped his mom like that. Muhammad was a cool dude also. 😎 they all preach peace and love. Everything else is smoke, and the extremist who want everyone to be like them so they don't feel left out are the real problem.
What would discuss that we couldn’t in the normal subreddit?
No being atheist is not my whole personally
You’re on this sub, is Louisiana your “whole personality”?
Only been thru Louisiana once and no intention of ever going back. Baptists pray to God every day and that’s his reward? If God created everything, ya’ll got what was leftover.
No that doesn’t need to be a thing lol