Atheists in Austin, and surrounding suburbs? (Round Rock, Pflugerville: live in, vs., discounts)

[The beave]

Welcome to Texas! Yes, you are now in the bible belt. There is a more open profession of faith in this area. But relax, you are safe and in no physical danger of forced conversion. What you are experiencing is similar to what many people of faith experience in areas that are more outspokenly agnostic or atheistic and who's children must deal with other children who question or belittle their faith. Please understand that all believers were once unbelievers, and most will be sensitive to your concerns.

[love roses]

Hopefully that's true:responding to JimmyJack. But, again, I haven't been preached at and I'm a native Texan. I'm wondering where these people are who are attacking people like I hear. O.K, maybe not attacking, but proselytizing aggressively. I'm only speaking for myself here and only what I learn at my church, but it isn't up to us as humans to tell anyone what their fate is for not believing as we do or for living an alternate lifestyle. Of course, we want people to believe like we do, but chasing after someone and telling them they are headed south just isn't the way to do it and may very well be completely off base. We aren't all knowing. I only bring it up if someone asks me something about it. My very bestest friend in the whole world is a Wiccan, but like Jenbar says, we just don't really talk about it and if we do we still love each other anyway

[Liza54]

Um...Jimmyjack...my offspring will be Texan....what does that mean? We ( her parents ) are old ravers- used to wear a lot of black, my hair short and spikey ( I'm the mom) w/ tatoos and used to have many piercings. We try to embrace a natural and healthy lifestyle valuing the earth and respecting all living things ( vegetarian ). Our 'bbq's are vegetarian w/ mostly organic food. I've never made it thru a full country song, nor owned a cowboy hat or boots. Am I setting my little ones up for a confusing change of life by going to Austin? What will they turn into when you say Texan? ( I'm sure by 13 this will be yet another thing she'll say I've ruined her life over...hehe)

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by The beave

Welcome to Texas! Yes, you are now in the bible belt. There is a more open profession of faith in this area. But relax, you are safe and in no physical danger of forced conversion. What you are experiencing is similar to what many people of faith experience in areas that are more outspokenly agnostic or atheistic and who's children must deal with other children who question or belittle their faith. Please understand that all believers were once unbelievers, and most will be sensitive to your concerns.

To whom are you addressing this post? Everyone or someone in particular?

[love roses]

amymcc...Texan is more an attitude, I guess. I'm a native Texan, and except for the tattoos and raves (I was more the mohawked, spiky haired punk girl) I've never had a problem. Of course, now that I'm a little older, I've lost the spiky hair but I still love coloring it different things. You might not find too many natives here that are total vegans as far as bbq goes. It has a lot to do with respecting adults, addressing them as sir and ma'am. Smiling and waving at your neighbors, helping people in need, respecting freedoms and the land and wildlife (this even includes hunting) and I've read that even being fully vegan is not easy on the land...just a good balance. Texans are also not usually in a hurry for anything. My bestest friend is Wiccan (I'm Christian), she's full of tattoos and she still lives in the same little town we grew up in (which is full of rednecks) and she gets along fine with just about everyone. As for the kids, my daughter is 5 now and she's already telling me I'm messing everything up, so I don't think the move will confuse their life too much

[Liza54]

cool! You'll have to fill me in on a good hair place for coloring!!!

[jread]

If you're out in the suburbs/Williamson County, it is definitely going to be more "churchy". Those places are NOT "Austin". As for the city itself, though, you will find a mix of all different religions. There are many large groups of Atheists, Wiccans, etc. in Austin and everyone is very accepting of each other. I've never had anyone try to "convert" me during the entire time I've lived here. Most people couldn't care less what religion you are.

BTW, I consider Atheism to be a "faith based" religion just like Christianity. Atheists have "faith" that there is no higher power. Kind of funny if you think about it. I remain Agnostic as I don't think there is enough proof either way.

[TexasHorseLady]

If you're out in the suburbs/Williamson County, it is definitely going to be more "churchy". Those places are NOT "Austin". As for the city itself, though, you will find a mix of all different religions. There are many large groups of Atheists, Wiccans, etc. in Austin and everyone is very accepting of each other.

If you depend on this analysis of the suburbs/Williamson County, in contrast to this analysis of "Austin", you're likely going to find yourself quite surprised. All those different religions are also co-existing in reasonable harmony in the suburbs and even (gasp!) Williamson County. Just because someone doesn't preach their religion doesn't mean they don't have it.

[jread]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

If you depend on this analysis of the suburbs/Williamson County, in contrast to this analysis of "Austin", you're likely going to find yourself quite surprised. All those different religions are also co-existing in reasonable harmony in the suburbs and even (gasp!) Williamson County. Just because someone doesn't preach their religion doesn't mean they don't have it.

Maybe so, but I don't think anyone can deny that Williamson County is significantly more Christian/conservative than Austin proper.

[TexasHorseLady]

Sure I can! But, then, I'm thinking of Austin proper in its entirety, for one thing, and I'm also thinking that people make lots of assumptions about the people in small towns and what they believe, and we all know what they say about assuming, right?