I get that feeling as well. I'm an Atheist, raised by Agnostics, and I live in the Bible Belt.
It really hurts to feel like everyone will hate you once they know what you are. I personally have forced myself to be truthful when asked, but if religion is brought up and nobody specifically asks what I believe, I keep my mouth shut.
You're not a 'poser' for being scared. You certainly have a reason to be scared. When people found out about me and my family in middle school, I was regularly hit and insulted (though I had always been a quiet, bookish little girl), and in high school even a few teachers didn't like me because of my beliefs and were plenty vocal about it.
If it makes you feel safer to pretend, by all means, go ahead. Most Atheists wouldn't think less of you for doing so.
Is it normal to pretend to be religious to be socially accepted?
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I get that feeling as well. I'm an Atheist, raised by Agnostics, and I live in the Bible Belt.
It really hurts to feel like everyone will hate you once they know what you are. I personally have forced myself to be truthful when asked, but if religion is brought up and nobody specifically asks what I believe, I keep my mouth shut.
You're not a 'poser' for being scared. You certainly have a reason to be scared. When people found out about me and my family in middle school, I was regularly hit and insulted (though I had always been a quiet, bookish little girl), and in high school even a few teachers didn't like me because of my beliefs and were plenty vocal about it.
If it makes you feel safer to pretend, by all means, go ahead. Most Atheists wouldn't think less of you for doing so.