“God chose not to give me faith.”
How are they going to dispute that? Faith is supposed to be a gift so it’s not your fault if you didn’t receive it. And they can’t question God’s decision.
This is close to what I say. I say I’m not superstitious. If pressed for details, I say I’m just not that much into Babylonian mythology.
That usually leaves them puzzled enough for me to nonchalantly sidle away.
Don’t explain anything. It’s nobody’s business but your own.
My mom knew that I was leaning towards non belief and expressed that she was worried and fearful for me. She was even a bit teary eyed at the time. Because I cared about her and didn’t want to hurt her, I just told her that I understand the bible says every person will get a final chance to choose good over evil and since I would never choose evil, I should be ok. And like a lot of people that grew up religious, she had never read the bible through and didn’t know if it was true or not. So she allowed herself to be comforted and never pestered me about it anymore.
Anyone who had the Chutzpah to ask me gets me right between the eyes. “Since you asked, I cannot believe that you accept those ridiculous tales.” But no one asks and I don’t volunteer.
I have been asked why I’m an atheist before. It was a girl that was struggling with her faith, and she wanted to know how I differentiated between right and wrong since I had no god. It wasn’t malice, it was genuine curiosity, much like how we would ask how to go to the bathroom in other countries. Unfortunately I did say something about not needing an invisible sky fairy to tell me what to do :smack: but the gist of it was that I subscribe to the Golden Rule, and treat everyone with respect until they prove otherwise. Plus I think the world would be a better place if we all could be nice to each other for a change instead of being dumb, panicky, backstabbing animals. She didn’t say anything about the subject after that, but I hope she took it to heart.
Some people who ask don’t think they’re demonstrating chutzpah. They think they’re carrying out their duty per The Great Commission.
Sure, they’re wrong. But there’s no need to be a dick to them about it. Well, the first time, anyway. AIUI, part of the Great Commission is, when they get shut down, for them to shake the dust off their shoes and go find somebody who’s interested.