[woodpanel]

When I asked the guy running the local tourist/visitor-center in some small town in PA what to do out there, his second question (after 'where you from?') was: 'So how are you baptised?' It took me some time to think about an answer. This question was odd to me for a couple of reasons:

1) I have never been asked that question in my whole life.

2) I haven't been baptised.

3) I didn't want to offend him, so after some time I figured it would be more offensive if he caught me lying.

4) It still was uncomfortable because the german stereotype of the religeous american is one of a superficial radical. This stereotype would be tested the moment I'd answer him. Would he drop his friendlliness towards me? Would he treat me differently?

He was strucked by my atheism in third generation. His mood went down. He was honestly concerned for me. I think I ruined his day.

In conclusion: My impression of the religious american (the most religeous one that I've met so far) was a good one. He was open about his believe, believing it consequentially (from what i've saw) and not a bigot (he didn't drop his friendliness).

[ScottBurson]

I am an American, and not an atheist -- but I'm also not a Christian, and that question would have taken me aback too. In fact I'm quite sure I've never been asked that in my life. I would have been tempted to say something sarcastic like, "you really should get out more; there are people in this world who aren't Christians" but really, the guy was just trying to answer your question -- the reality being, I suppose, that everything there was to do in that town was organized by sect.