I'd say this is regional. I've met lots of people in the south with a theology background and it is commonly seen as a good thing and I'd say atheists experienc

I'd say this is regional. I've met lots of people in the south with a theology background and it is commonly seen as a good thing and I'd say atheists experience being ostracized far more often when a huge portion of your coworkers and children in your kids' class belong to mega churches where all socializing occurs. Granted, the exact opposite happens in other places in the US. It's all bad, but was just pointing out that your experience isn't typical of what I've seen living in multiple southern states.