"I am a closet Christian"

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Thoughts on this article? It's over two years old but I recently stumbled on it: http://www.salon.com/2009/12/21/closet_christian

I found it pretty interesting being one of the very few people in this country who likely knows more closet Christians than closet atheists, considering all the anti-religious rhetoric in my scene those who don't buy in into it usually just find it easier to keep quiet, which I basically do as well. In 2009 in Indiana when serving as the ride to other guys I was staying with to the venue I remember them pointing out some local from Minneapolis band I was playing in the car "sounded Christian" and explained they weren't (though admittedly yes they did kind of have a sound more similar to Christian bands of that style), though at least some of the members apparently were but never mentioned that I was Christian because a theological debate was the last thing I wanted there, nor did I mention it even once that weekend despite the constant jokes about Christians and bashing that went on. I also recall having a conversation like this on a P2P network when I was about 19 or so:

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Something like that, but the other guy was obviously expecting me to say "no" and go on some rant about how much I hated the place and everyone who went there (well the latter part was mostly true.) So yeah it would've been easier just to have done so.

But pretty interesting, this type of thing definitely is more common than most realize. And no, I am most certainly not trying to claim that discrimination against atheists is not far more common (nor is the author of the article from what I can tell.)

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

I know many more closeted atheists than Christians, and most of the latter actually happen to be Mormons. Although I can understand why folks might want to be a bit reserved about their views early on as children when their peers are often (for a lack of better words) little, bigoted bastards, I consider it somewhat cowardly to conceal them out of fear, or for the sake of better fitting in as mature adults unless one lives in a society where being open carries a substantial risk to ones life.

The way I see it is it's not something worth bringing up at the type of event where I might hear someone joking about or making fun of Christians, I want to mosh and drink, not debate theology. Besides, we're supposed to "turn the other cheek".

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Well one of the women who preaches at my church has a PhD in Social Psychology.