Would people in England care if I said I was atheist or would they find this very strange as they do in Ireland.
People in Ireland treat Atheism in Ireland with suspicion and mistrust.
Recent surveys tell us that the majority here do not regard themselves as religious. Indeed, one of the least religious countries in the World. However, neither do most of them regard themselves as atheist. Apathy and secularism is the English response to religion. The English were already a bit suspicious of organised religion following centuries of turmoil between churches, then over the past century, they've instead turned towards consumerism and apathy.
As for atheism, although most English do not subscribe to the term, it is not at all controversial. I don't think that it has been for a very long time. Some people are getting a bit suspicious of the more militant atheists, but most English atheists are more philosophical than militant. I guess that it is different in the USA, where religious fundamentalism and a political lobby, generates atheist militancy in opposition. We do have fundamentalists here in the UK - both Christian and Muslim. However, as long as our politicians don't start talking to God, we don't feel too threatened. That is an important trait of the modern English. We do not like our politicians to start acting overtly religious, whereas many Americans expect their politicians to do so.
English agnostic atheist.
I'm English living in the Rep of Ireland, English people are possibly the least religious race in the world (generally) . The Irish apparently have moved away from religion to some extent in recent years, but still a strong RC (mainly) culture. Talk about it in casual conversation, but don't make a big deal over it........I am Infidel/athiest.
I've found lots of people in South West England are very religious.
Whether or not you are atheist is of no interest to 99% of us. Religion (or lack of it) is not a top subject in England.
Spouting that you are atheist would be considered just the same as being a religious zealot.
Young Irish people aren't religious, they are just like most of us in the UK now are, agnostic or atheist.
We don't think of religion and often consider it something very personal, but we are not remotely receptive of anyone regardless of faith pushing their beliefs (or even lack of beliefs) down the throat of others.
After the bad track record of Roman Catholicism in Ireland such as the child sex abuse cases and the Magdalene Laundries etc, a lot of Irish I've known, like my ex girlfriend, are anti-religion, if anything.
What we would find more strange is that you felt the need to mention it. Less than 10% of the population attends church regularly and the majority of England is best described as "non-religious". So just don't mention it at all, as nobody else will.
In my personal experience the average person will respect your views. However to many what they believe is very personal and broaching the subject could be seen as an opportunity to 'convert' them to your way of thinking. Simply, you should be fine if you are not 'pushy'.
Troll
Most are Church of England not catholic. Why tell anyone, very few poeple talk about religion.
No they don't care, there are a multitude if religions here, and no one bothers what you do.
It does not come up in conversation.
