Atheists nervous about coming out in southern states

[rug]

by Abby Franklin on March 5, 2014

Jan Register drives to her job at Elon University’s Numen Lumen Multi-Faith Center every morning and enters a building that promotes open-mindedness. When she drives home at night into Alamance County, she must convert to a Christian-only mindset for her family and friends. Little do they know she accepts atheism, among other faiths.

“It’s a bubble in Alamance County. It’s a completely different world than out there,” Register said. “When we first announced we were going to build this building and that it would be multi-faith, there was pushback. There’s a certain retired preacher in town who loves to dash off letters to the Times-News saying we’re all going to hell for not trying to convert students to Christianity. It is really foreign to people around here.”

As a Christian in the South who thinks differently, Register is stigmatized. And she’s not alone.

It is against the law in North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee for an atheist to hold public office. Each of these states employs different language in its constitution barring this minority group from leadership but makes it clear to state residents that not believing is not accepted.

http://www.elonpendulum.com/2014/03/atheists-nervous-coming-southern-states/

[Stuckinthebush]

1. Alabama atheist here...

It is very difficult to come out in small towns in the South. It is getting easier in large cities, though.

My daughters are all out at school and they are three of many in the largest metro area in Alabama. The younger generation is getting more accepting. While there are those children who are aghast at their non belief, there are enough non-theists and advocates around to provide a buffer.

As for adults I would imagine it can be difficult depending on their place of work and social scene. I'm an academician so people aren't surprised when I say I'm a non theist. I know people who are in other professions, however, who would never come out at work for fear of retribution.

The times are changing, though. It's a good time to be a non theist.

[rug]

2. Thanks for the perspective.