would explain why my entire letter was a big blob. It happens on many of my blog posts. Any ideas why and how can I correct it? Anyone? Its annoying, embarrassing and makes me swear to a god I dont believe in. Yikes

First, you need someone with whom you can discuss your doubt/non-belief... and in a safe environment. Most likely, you won't find that at school, or with your parents, or in your social group.

Second, all of your relationships would feel the impact of a decision to come clean about your unbelief. You would be better served if there were someone you could trust with whom to discuss the implications of such a decision before making it.

Third, if you do decide to declare yourself as an atheist, there will undoubtedly be some relationship fallout. It would be great if you already had an established therapeutic relationship to help you deal with that fallout if/when it happens.

Finally, you haven't hit 30 yet (I'm presuming). At some point, you're going to feel that cold splash of Reality... everyone does, but not everyone has someone to help them negotiate the rough water. Why not make it a bit easier on yourself?

(It doesn't have to be someone you see frequently for a long period of time, but just as frequently as you need, with the occasional check-in during the quieter periods, in order to keep the other person abreast of what's going on.)

OK now, if you were an Iranian living in Tehran, would you proclaim that Allah is not great? And what would happen to you? If you don't believe in an afterlife, you would not like it--let's put it that way.

Couldn't happen in America? Well, actually it is not that much different here. Sure, there are a few godless enclaves where atheism is somewhat tolerated, like New York or San Francisco, but in much of America your best bet is to just shut up. If push comes to shove you can say that you were raised a Christian and that the Bible is a Good Book.

True to yourself and all that? Well, are you the kind of person who goes around telling little kids that there is no Father Christmas? Because that is what it is like. The majority of people who have a religious faith have it because they need it, so if you tell them you are an atheist, they see it as an affront. They will talk about you behind your back and pray for you, but they will not be too surprised if their prayers go unanswered.

Bottom line--there is no point telling devout Christians that you are an atheist. No good will come of it.

If you keep on pretending you're a believer, you are going to stay surrounded by devout Christians. Everyone in your college has signed a statement of faith, like you did. If you stay in an environment full of people for whom faith is very important, the chances are that almost all of your prospective girlfriends/boyfriends will be devout. You'll either be stuck going along with the pretense of faith (and having a big issue in your marriage/relationship) or being lonely.

I do suggest you consider the practical implcations of transferring versus finishing your degree.

And, to all those who criticize you for signing a statement of faith you knew to be false, I'll assume that you wanted to believe. Perhaps you hoped that by transferring to a religious school, you'd acquire the faith that everyone you know has. Don't sweat it. Youth is meant for figuring out who we are.

I brought my atheism out in the open this year too, LW, so I thought I'd share a little advice and my thoughts on your situation.

To the matter of coming out about your beliefs: If it is something that will give you a measure of peace or something that you feel needs to be done, then you should spend some time outlining what you do believe. Because your family and friends care about you, they will be curious and ask questions. One you will certainly here is: "But what do you think happens after you die?" You can find other questions that may be asked in religious pamphlets or tracts. I'm urging you to consider your answers to these questions before you begin announcing your atheism. By giving a few well thought out answers you will provide some level of relief to your loved ones, if for no other reason than to demonstrate to them that this is something that you've spent time thinking about. I did this and my answers to my family and friends' questions certainly helped.

Also, you'll be happy to hear that I did not lose a single friend or family member in whom I confided. Maybe that speaks more about them than anything else, and I would still urge you to pick your confidants carefully (and besides, it isn't EVERYONES business), but don't worry that the world will suddenly turn against you.

To the matter of school: Ethics, how cute. Here's the truth of the matter in a nutshell - you are not the first person to attend that school without faith and you will not be the last. Trust me on this, I once graduated an atheist who graduated from--are you sitting down?--Bob Jones University. No lie. Now granted, they didn't transfer in, so...

Another reality is that you are in a position to get a degree from an institution that is clearly of your choosing (you transfered in, so I'm assuming it is your choosing). So if you want that degree, then keep your mouth shut and get it. You play the system or it plays you; that's the ugly truth of it. For instance, the University would probably have no problem giving you the boot and could make getting your transcripts a hassle HOWEVER, that institution's inability to infuse you with a belief in a higher power will NOT be justifiable grounds for a refund. Now, if this school is not of your choosing and it is truly bothering you to be there, then you should transfer out.

Everyone has to pick their battles. Just my two cents; think of me what you will.

P.S. - As another poster pointed out, if you do want a support community then seek out your local Unitarian Universalism chapter (http://www.uua.org/). I'm a member and have never felt anything but welcome...even as an atheist.