I had lunch with an atheist today...

[brooklynite]

...who served in Congress.

Can’t say who, but they’re there.

[eppur_se_muova]

1. Lots of them only worship power, whatever their purported religion. nt

[rogue emissary]

2. Sorry in advance if this comes of as negative, but what's the point?

They served and wouldn't stand up and be counted as a non-believer.

Laws and public opinions changed for the LGBT community because they started to identify themselves to family and friends. It wasn't easy or always welcomed but it led to their gains and moving public to supporting them.

[brooklynite]

11. The person in question wasn't elected to be "counted as a non-believer"...

...they were elected to represent their constituents. As long as their votes aren't inconsistent with their philosophy, I don't believe it's necessary to assert religious non-belief. Millions of atheists don't feel the need to assert non-belief for the sake of the atheist movement; it's just who they are.

[rogue emissary]

13. Then why are you classifying this person as an atheist?

The reason I think other atheists or non-believer need to identify is we are not being represented by any group. Democrats tolerate us but our issues aren't even up for discussion. Those that run and won't identify themselves aren't doing non-believer any help.

I don't think the person you had lunch with should be outed. I'm not following you identifying them as an atheist at the same time highlighting they don't really want to be identified as an atheist.

[brooklynite]

16. There's a different between a private meeting with someone you know where the subject comes up...

...and a publicly stated position.

[Mosby]

3. a closet atheist.

What a world we live in.

[Funtatlaguy]

4. The final closet?

In some quarters, this is the worst thing you can be.
Maybe someday that won’t be the case.

[underpants]

5. Damn I thought this was going to be a Tom Waits thread

[DFW]

6. There are plenty of Atheists in Congress

Just none who can get elected to Congress if they admit it.

[MineralMan]

7. Exactly.

[steve2470]

15. and the ones who are loudest about their Christianity are the MOST un-Christian

I firmly believe that. There's a line in the Bible about that nonsense that I happen to agree with.

It's too bad you can't admit your atheism in Congress. The place would be better for it.

[Blue_true]

8. Thoughtful people don't care.

I worry about my own faith and deeds, not other people's.

[kwassa]

9. Burn him at the stake.

just kiddin'.

[tenderfoot]

10. Cool story

eom

[TheBlackAdder]

12. Paul Ryan is Ayn Randian. He just pretends to be Catholic. His actions are antithetical to Christianity.

[DavidDvorkin]

14. It's a sad comment on America

that atheists in Congress know that coming out will destroy their political careers.