Hello people!

[Neoncamouflage]

Hello everyone, I'm going to assume this is where I tell you all about me, so I'll do just that.

I'm an Atheist from Logan, West Virginia. A little town in a state that half of all Americans don't know exists( I'm serious, it's sad how many people thought I was talking about western Virginia). Here 99.999% of people are Christians, or at least pretending to be. I'm open about my Atheism to everybody but my family, I'm just not ready to tell them yet. Im happy to be here and finally talk to other Atheists.

[Whitney]

Hi Neo, welcome to the forum.  I'm not sure how anyone could make it out of high school without knowing one of the 50 states is West Virginia....yet, I have met people in the past who thought that Oklahomans still live back in the wild west days where we all have horses and live in tepees.  Seriously, when I was in my teens a girl about my age asked how it was like living with 'Indians' and such when she heard I was from Oklahoma.  I guess it's kinda like how half the country seems to think all Texans are cowboys.

[McQ]

Welcome the the forum, neoncamo. I'm in the half that does know about West Virginia! Glad to have you here.

[SteveS]

Hey neon - welcome to the board!  I've spent time in West Virginia, but always on business, in Charleston.  I did enjoy landing at the airport on top of the hill, though.  Taking off was cool too.  What a place to put an airport!  (makes alot more sense then in a valley)

[myleviathan]

Hi, Neon. I still try to avoid the "a" word with my family as well. They all know what's up, but it's still fairly awkward. Welcome to the forum.

[Neoncamouflage]

Yay, finally found the reply button! Screen settings had to be switched around before it would show up.

I think my family is catching on, but either they don't mind or they don't want to face the possibility. They're fairly easy going Christians but they have a dim view of Atheism.

I live about 45 minutes south of Charleston, I love it here because no matter where you go it's mainly nature with only a few towns and big cities. I mean, there's  a river, an ATV trail, and a hiking trail in my backyard!

[SteveS]

I live about 45 minutes south of Charleston, I love it here because no matter where you go it's mainly nature with only a few towns and big cities. I mean, there's a river, an ATV trail, and a hiking trail in my backyard!

Sounds nice.  Around me I've got a lovely sidewalk, a nice street, and a 6-lane divided interstate highway!

[Neoncamouflage]

Sounds nice.  Around me I've got a lovely sidewalk, a nice street, and a 6-lane divided interstate highway!

That must make gardening difficult. I lived in an apartment in California for about three years, the ten feet of yard I shared with 5 other people was annoying, but here you don't even have that. I say just put some of that Perfect Grass seed on the sidewalk, instant yard!

[SteveS]

Yeah - that perfect grass stuff cracks me up!  The only thing I like better is that roll-down mat that grows flowers!

I'm not complaining - I've got a 1/2 acre yard which is nice.  The highway is across the street and behind the houses on the other side.  Its not too noisy.  I just miss large expanses of trees - the subdivision is new, so all the trees are young and small.  I grew up on a 2-acre lot with old-growth oaks and over half the property was undeveloped forest/scrub brush.  Miss it sometimes  

[Will]

There's a West Virginia?!  

Welcome.

[Ace]

Hi folks! I know it's been said all over this forum but it's a great releif to find that other people share my thoughts on religion. I've been told again and again that no matter what I think, there is a god and that I will realize that one day through some sort of magical life-changing event. I've been trying to tell them that no matter how manny times you shove a bible in my face or invite me to church, I will not believe. As a matter of fact, I've found that the more a beilever talks, the more firm my beliefs become that there is no god. Now don't leave me out to dry, feel free to comment on my post!!

[Neoncamouflage]

I completely agree, that's why I joined. I like my Christian friends and all but it's nice to talk to someone with similar beliefs, even if they're not atheist like me.

I hate getting dragged to church, as though it will cause me to see the light or something. It's also funny how I've qead more of the bible than most of my Christian friends.

[Ace]

That's interesting that you said that you haven't told your family. I'm in a similar situation. Is there ever a good point where you would sit down and tell [enter family member here],  "Hey, I don't believe in go!"?

[Neoncamouflage]

The way I see it they don't need to know until I'm ready for them to. Not to mention that them knowing will just cause them to worry about you(someone they love is going to burn in Hell after all). Plus it may cause them to force religion on you in an attempt to "save" you before it's too late. Now I'm not saying lie to them if they ask but you shouldn't feel the need to tell them until you feel you're ready.

[Ace]

Oh, me and my family are way beyond that. About 4 years ago, me and my mother were having a conversation about church. I guess I slipped and said that since I don't believe in god, there is no reason to go to church. Well, she tried everything in the book (ha ha) to get me to see things her way. Ever since then, our relationship has been a little strained. And by the way, ever since then I've had to deal with a whole bunch of Christians attempting to shove their beliefs on me. Sure I've got friends who don't do that but still... that "Here's a bible for you just in case" just sticks to me the wrong way. They say that they won't try to convert me but then I ask "Then why are you giving me a bible then?" they say something like "But to have then not need then to need and not have." I think this forum is something that has been missing.