[arethuza]

Actually, I suspect there is a chance that those people were concerned for your immortal soul and therefore regarded your position in the face of impending endless torment as "brave".

But I'm also an atheist and British... and despite growing up in an oppresively religious community I don't really understand these things.

[adrianhoward]

Nah. It was definitely just being open about being non-religious. The reaction came from the religious and the non-religious. It also wasn't a north/south thing (I know you didn't mention that - but it's something that's come up when I've commented on this before).

[glhaynes]

That sort of usage of "brave" (to compliment while sending mild sarcasm/bemusement/disapproval) sounds distinctly British to me. :)