Here in Italy, supposedly a Catholic stronghold, I have absolutely no problem and no repercussions whatsoever declaring myself an atheist. I could easily run fo

Here in Italy, supposedly a Catholic stronghold, I have absolutely no problem and no repercussions whatsoever declaring myself an atheist. I could easily run for public office and not be penalised on account of that (not that I would expect to win). Quite honestly nobody gives a shit. And yet, in my few, brief visits to the US, I've learnt to avoid the topic or outright lie. I've noticed, according to an informal and unscientific survey, that I can declare myself to pretty much any religion (including Zoroastrianism, excepting Satanism) and get nodding approvals or at the very least tolerance. If I let slip that I'm an atheist on the other hand and I'm usually in for it.