that was the most rational and civilized letter of the lot.

except cary of course

"Actually Mormons believe the holyland is somewhere in Missouri. The church has purchased that very property."

I did not know that.

Personally I believe my backyard is as close to heaven, as I am ever going to find on Earth (though the entire nation of Bhutan comes pretty close to causing me to believe that Heaven actually exist on Earth).

I have a correction; upon further review I have found that Catholicism is actually the fastest growing branch of Christianity in America, due in large part to the large influx of immigration we are getting from our southern border. But Mormonism is a fast grow branch of Christianity in America. But Mormonism is very antagonistic to interracial coupling, which is why I am most at odds with it.

Good grief, Cary. You answer the letter-writer with 31 questions? And then end with, "I can't tell you what to do." He's probably more confused than ever. Just answer the question: It's OK to keep your atheism to yourself if you want to. Not everyone needs to know your private beliefs, and if you're trying to prevent hurt feelings, that's understandable. It's also OK to come out with it, but you have to be prepared for the backlash by our Judeo-Christian society.

Atheism is a belief - of course it's a belief. The fact that I am sitting at a chair typing on a computer is also a belief. So?

Obviously, you have not read my posts very closely, because what I primarily find objectionable is the notion that atheists should be seen but not heard.

The religious have thousands and thousands of meetingplaces - called churches - where they regularly get together and celebrate their beliefs. They have television networks that regularly broadcast their beliefs. One of their beliefs is that people like me - people who don't share their beliefs - are bad bad people, second class citizens in the universe.

As soon as an atheist speaks out in a public forum, they are told their views are not suitable for polite company. Thus, the religious get to excoriate atheists as a matter of course, but atheists are forbidden by etiquette from expressing themselves. This is one reason why religious people exert a great deal of political power in this country, and atheists, who represent perhaps 10% of the population, exert practically none.

If you had read my first posting on this subject, you would know that I come from a religious family. I love my parents and I respect the sincerity of their religious belief. I have many friends who are devoutly religious. Nowhere did I call religious people stupid. I recognize that many religious people are very smart. It just so happens that a lot of smart people believe a lot of extremely absurd things, and if you should dare to point that out, people get angry at you and tell you that you're being intolerant.

Dear LW:

First, I am not in the least concerned, worried, or otherwise bothered by the fact that you signed this affidavit of faith prior to attending this school. I find such a statement so intellectually dishonest and contrary to an institution of higher learning's mission that said contract is facially without any real or equitable value. You have signed a document which in effect asked you to preclude the expansion of your own mind, or limit your discovery of the world, in the course of your learning, to stay within a specific realm as prescribed by this institution. As illegality is a defense to enforcement of a contract, and the limiting of one's subjects to preclude a discussion of the nature of god and the universe within a system of higher learning is an intellectual capital crime, you are under no moral obligation whatsoever. In fact, what is the true crime is that such institutions are allowed to call themselves "colleges" or "universities" after having demonstrated disregard for intellectual rigor and honesty.

Additionally, this so called contract lacks consideration in that what you gave for it, your affirmation of faith, was not backed in fact with actual faith. It was like passing a "bad check" in payment for your tuition. You signed the paper, but there was nothing in the account to back it up. Sure, the school could kick you out if they find the account empty, but in this case, no one is going to know unless you get on a mountain top and start scream about your spiritual NSF.

My advice is to first, abandon any moral qualms about breaking a contract in which you agreed to limit your intellectual growth or pursuits by not questioning religious dogma. That contract or affirmation is not worth the paper it is printed upon.

Second, finish your degree. I have a hard time believing that it is worth anything coming from such an institution, but you might as well get it done with as soon as possible.

Third, when you are done with your degree, go out into the world and find someplace you can live without having to hide who you are. As so many people have indicated, this is probably not the South, or Utah, or Wyoming, or wherever. Still, there are a ton of places (more places than not) where people don't give a crap what you are, and really don't want to be imposed upon by hearing your beliefs. You will be able to find a job, and meet people, and live your life, without having to deal with that crap.

Fourth, you are pretty much screwed with your parents. If you want to preserve a relationship with them, then don't tell them anything. They can figure it out on their own, but more likely than not they will be willfully blind to your lack of belief. They will impute belief upon you, even if you do nothing at all to warrant it. If you reach a point where you feel that you must take a stand, or reveal this to them so they can know who you really are, then be prepared to bear the brunt of their anger and wrath. It's probably not worth it. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to change them or get them to see your point of view. It's easier to just grieve the fact that your parents will never know who you really are.

So, forget the contract, finish your degree, go someplace where no one gives a shit, and mom and dad will probably be dicks about the whole thing so better to just sit on it.

Good luck.