Why would someone who believes in a deity not acknowledge

[MineralMan]

that belief? I do not understand that. I know many believers. I don't mind that they believe. It has no effect on me at all.

Belief is more common than non-belief in our society. Why would someone hide their belief, if asked? I'll welcome any explanations for that.

[Still In Wisconsin]

1. As a practicing believer (I happen to be Jewish) my best guess is this:

In some circles, openly believing in a deity carries with it a risk of being seen as less rational/less intelligent. Having had a good part of my career in academia, I can say that this is probably more common in circles of highly educated individuals. Then, being a Jew, there's always anti-Semitism to think about...

[MineralMan]

2. Hmm...

I guess I don't run in those circles.

My question really deals with this particular circle on DU. We discuss religion here. Most people are happy to discuss their own beliefs here, or their non-belief. Although discussion is lively, nobody attacks anyone else just for believing or not believing. That wouldn't be allowed, in the first place, and people just don't do that.

Occasionally, someone will not say, one way or another, while at the same time arguing from one or the other side. That creates considerable confusion, I think. I can think of no reason not to make one's own belief or non-belief known here. Perhaps there is a good reason I don't understand. Hence my question.

[samnsara]

3. ive never encountered that...i on the other hand have felt the need to lie...

...about my non belief..as the surroundings at the time, I felt, were hostile. Doesn't bother me to lie..im not going to hell

[PragmaticDem]

4. Maybe they don't want to be mocked.

People can be cruel.

[MineralMan]

5. In most environments, nobody mocks someone for a religious belief.

In fact, most people have religious beliefs. I'm an atheist, and I'm perfectly happy to disclose that, if asked. If not asked, I won't mention it, because it is almost always irrelevant. However, if a discussion of religion is going on, it might be relevant. So would disclosure of belief in such a circumstance.

Here in the Religion forum, that's what we do: discuss religion. Most people make their own belief or non-belief clear here. That allows the discussion to take place on more or less even ground.

[PragmaticDem]

6. Everybody has a different experience with this.

Also I know Atheists who do not share their views because they are afraid of being mocked and/or rejected.

[Mariana]

8. In real life, yes, but here? In the religion group on DU?

No one gets rejected here unless they break the rules of the site, and everyone's beliefs are subject to rigorous examination. If someone is afraid of that, they might better participate in one of the protected groups, where posts that criticize particular religious beliefs, ask uncomfortable questions, or point out inconsistencies are not allowed.

[PragmaticDem]

10. You can participate in this room without going into details about

your own beliefs.

[guillaumeb]

7. Should I ask which particular post motivated this one?

It seems almost like humor. Perhaps it was posted here in error.

[cornball 24]

9. Is this a supposition on your part or have you actually engaged in a conversation

with someone who refuses to disclose/discuss their beliefs to/with you?