Round Conference Tables

How soon after meeting someone do you profess your religious beliefs/disbeliefs?

Do you lay all your cards out on the table from the get-go or wait until it comes up in conversation? Do you ever bring up the topic of religion after meeting someone new or do you wait for them to approach the subject first? This is in real life, of course. Obviously not in R&S.

Public Comments

1. Almost never.
2. My denim jacket that has "I'M AN ATHEIST" emblazoned on the back is a pretty good giveaway.
3. Never, if the subject never comes up. atheist
4. I don't at all, until they ask.
5. Depends on the vibe I'm getting from the person. If I can't tell pretty soon, I'll come out with my own beliefs and see if they offer up their own. Otherwise, I don't push.
6. Be tactful but be direct. Why would YOU want to waste time with someone who is not like-minded? I think it may be pretty obvious anyhow. It's not the type of thing that one can hide easily unlesss they're really trying.
7. I usually wait until someone else brings it up. Usually in the form of Proselytizing Then I get vocal.
8. i don't. some people figure it out, other times if i throw a party it comes up in conversation when one half of the room is talking about things the other half has no clue about, like skyclad, the names of gods, circle, revel fire, ritual, drumming, sabbats etc
9. Personally, I believe we should let them know where we stand by living the life of a Christian in front of them. They will see that we have more peace, more joy, etc. and will desire to have that inner peace that we have. That does not mean that you should not tell them that you have allowed Jesus to come into your heart. We should let them know that as well, so hopefully, they won't want us to go and do things we would have previously done.
10. It's usually not the sort of thing I mention right off the bat. Sometimes it'll come up. For instance, if someone calls while I'm heading out to do something at my church, I'll tell them where I'm going, and they might ask more about it. I don't feel an obligation to immediately state my religion upon first meeting someone, and certainly won't push my religion on others, but I don't feel a need to hide it, either.
11. i tell them right away!
12. I never bring it up. Occasionally people ask, and I find myself answering something. I think I should answer with a question more often (what do you mean by religion/God/purpose/etc.?) than I actually do.
13. I've known people for years and they still don't know what my religion is and we do talk about religious/spiritual stuff. I just give my opinions/beliefs and don't get into the details. And, they've never asked me why I don't go to church either but they seem to like my responses to their questions. One of my Christian clients comes to me as his spiritual advisor! I think that's hysterical but he always tells me how much better he understands when he leaves.
14. It usually comes up pretty early...it is all according to who I am talking to. Most everybody knows I am a Christian because I am the Chaplain at my school...so it sometimes is not really an issue.
15. It would probably be career suicide if my client(s) knew I was an atheist. Some of the people are very religious.
16. I don't usually bring it up. I let it come up naturally in conversation and address it then. But, if you are passionate about your beliefs, it might be a good idea to drop a few hints their way as a heads-up on what they're getting into.
17. I usually don't talk about religion with people I meet, unless it comes up in casual conversation. I feel there's no reason to bring it up from my side, so usually it never does come up. Very few people know that I'm an atheist and I'm happy with that. :)
18. I would say people it depends in what circle you meet people in . The people that I would want to be around are the people I know have the same interests and beliefs, that I have. More over they wouldn't have a problem with my beliefs, where as they try to change it. I can't say that I have ever encountered where I did have a problem with the other person's belief system.
19. It depends on the context of the relationship, but generally I let the subject come up naturally, and give only as much information as I perceive the individual wants.
20. well i havn't thught this topic for discusssion to a new frnd whom i hav just met
21. I never say a word unless it comes up. Religion has nothing to do with my friendships.
22. Uh, I don't blab to everyone about my lack of religious beliefs. Why would I? No one's business but mine.
23. I'm general about it at first but if I notice that the person is interested in being friends or something I generally talk more about things. I try to sense whether or not they are open to hearing some of my way out concepts or not.
24. Both Rachel. I find it much easier to express my faith to a fellow Christian in most settings. However, I tend to wait and get the impulse from others before bringing up religion. I find it so much easier to talk about Christ when I meet people who are really hurting inside especially if they are enduring loss or a bad relationship. Jesus is like a harbor for hurting people. Keep the faith Rachel. Keep uplifting the name of Jesus. 1 john 3:2.