it's a nice coincidence to find a Syrian Atheist fellow in Mingle2

Cheers man , you'd be happy to know there are many Atheists here in Syria . Great to find people with similar mentalities anywhere

The odds of it being successful are really low from what I can see, for anyone, not just personally. Family conflicts were mentioned, then there's how to raise children in a household like that (absolutely non-negotiable with me, I refuse to allow fairy tales to be told to my future offspring as if they're fact). When you've done as much reading on the subject as I have and you see the real harm religion does on a global scale, it just makes it impossible to even put up with it.

In general I find it difficult to take anyone truly seriously if they are observantly (or even passively sometimes) religious. After every scientific breakthrough and all the overwhelming evidence against most theologies, to maintain that stance reeks of arrogance and a hint of instability. If I can't respect your most deeply held beliefs (that whole believing in Santa Claus analogy works well here for comparison) then honestly, what hope is there we'll grow old together happily?

Of course given the census info that puts myself and those in that boat at a huge disadvantage. Being a minority blows.

I did. It wasn't what drew us together but it sure drove us apart. I was tolerant, she wasn't. Over three years she grew crazy, obsessive and mean - going to church every day, talking out loud to herself, kicking me out of bed, then finally accusing me of bringing invisible demons into the house. I never fought with her or tried to push my belief on her, but she did on me; I just tried to live life and be happy, hoping she'd either snap out of it or have her psychotic break, get hospitalized, on medication and be okay that way. When she said I had to get rid of my cats, that did it. I bought a house and moved asap. Soon after that I never heard from her again.

Also, an old girlfriend came back into my life, but she went deep into it too. Just nuts, but she said she still loved me and wanted to get back with me. We had already grew apart and this of course is now my deal-breaker, and I told her so. I'm not used to telling girls no when they want to befriend or get with me, but now in my old age I say no and why I'm saying no. And true to form, I'm getting a lot of nudges and inquiries from women who are clearly religious, knowing I'm atheist. They all think they can change a man. I'd rather have no friends at all than 100 god-fearing christians plotting to "save" me. Never again. The only way I'd date someone who says they're religious or believe in a god, is if they were only saying that because it's the thing to say... that saying "atheist" is too harsh, but that's what they really believe.

Depends. Maybe for casual dating, yes. But if it's going to be anything serious or long-term, I'd prefer for my partner to be an atheist.

I think an athiest can date a religious person so long as the religious person doesn't force their opinions on the athiest and vice versa...

Dating or living with someone how is a religious type will not be a difficult until he/she does not start forcing their religion and the thought over the person who is atheist and also if the atheist would not start imposing him/her to not believe on god beyond his/her capabilities of mind to thought that the world in which they were living have no god they can't do that rather believing that they start arguing.

I'm trying to lean toward people who aren't religious, but it would narrow my options. As long as they aren't a fanatic and talk God all the time I'd be ok with it.

I can understand that you would not like to date someone who is religious however I think it's a bit ignorant and insensitive to make a comment like that. I don't disrespect someone just because they have different views. :)

Based on my personal experience I would say that it's important to keep your family's views in mind when dating as well. Though I am not a religious person I do come from a religious family. I respect their beliefs and they respect mine. I don't have a problem sitting with them while they do religious activities, it doesn't change my thoughts or stance on religion but it gives them comfort and shows that I respect their choices in life.

I wish my partner to be the same with my family. In my past my partners have been in similar situations and though they've claimed not to be as religious they would still not attend any family gatherings because they felt uncomfortable being around a group of people with different beliefs. I guess I found that a bit disappointing.

Yes, in the unlikely event they didn't try to shove it down my throat, I could.

"Religion is like a penis. It's fine to have one. Don't show it to my kids. Don't go waving it in my face." - Unknown

I think I could depending on how religious they are. Like would they want me to go to church with them or would they always try to convince me of their beliefs.

I totally agree.

religious folk are an instant turn off for me. I find sayings such as "looking for God fearing woman" or even "have a blessed day" impossible to relate to...anyway just thought I'd say hello to you like-minded people and say it feels good that other people who can relate to my atheist sentiments...

God forgives you all.

Religion is in the ranking for men at about the same place as..... does he put down the toilet seat - for women.

Being agnostic, I'm certainly open to dating a person of any religious affiliation. Just be ready to question yourself if you EVER decide to discuss your religion.

I try my best not to judge people for what they believe.With that said,I expect the same treatment from others. I am presently in the planning stages for a relief trip to West Virginia with a faith based group. Some people can accept me for who I am,and some can't.
When people ask me why I wont attend services,I usually answer,that I have a doctrine problem,and leave it at that. I sometimes sit in as a musician with services,but do not participate with oaths or declarations of faith. Some people don't accept me,but most do..
I have found that most people who are trained in the ministry accept me just fine,and do not push their views on me,while many who have accepted their various doctrines with unwavering faith can be a lot of trouble,and when that bell rings,I walk the other way..

yes BUT ONLY if they respected my beliefs and saw the possibilities in my views. if the person was.a.closed minded and judgemental, hypocritical ahole.
.then no lol

Hell No!

Years back, my sister in law tried setting me up with some woman that was a born again. I was younger then, much more svelte, and drowning my pain of being dumped by a hottie by crawling in a rye bottle. They thought this wa a good idea for some reason.So, my sister in life set it up but didn't tell me she was a holy foamer.
We had a first date, and religion didn't come up. She had the chicken, and I had a Manhattan and aspirin. She wasn't as hot a the ladies I usually dated, but he was nice, so we set a second date for the next Saturday.
For some reason, I don't know why, she chose to show up at my apartment door on Friday at 6 pm. I was enjoying my second rum and coke, and answered the door.
"Denise, I asked, "what are you doing here?"
"I thought I'd drop by." She replied. "Have you heard the good news about Jesus?"
"What, does he have the twenty buck he owes me?"

That went over like a fart in church.