It’s not my style to get in the face of religious people and tell them they are worshiping a man-made fantasy. Not only would that be rude and uncomfortable, but also I have come to terms with the fact that it’s not my job to fix the world.

As the owner of a small business, I sign contracts with new customers on a regular basis. Prior to the actual signing, there is often a getting-to-know-one-another discussion, and occasionally during these sessions, the prospective client brings up his or her religion. Often, it comes in the form of asking which church I attend or in the form of an invitation to his or her own church, because, “Reverend <Who-Gives-A-Crap> is the absolute best. You’ll love him.”

How should I handle these situations? I could proudly beat the atheist drum and let them know that I have no use for sky pixies, but, uh, that might be bad for business. I try to take a milder approach, letting them draw an erroneous conclusion but without my actually lying. For example: “Thank you for the invitation, but religion is deeply important to me, and I’m very happy where I am right now.” I then deftly change the subject back to business.

How do my fellow atheists deal with these predicaments? What do you do or say to otherwise pleasant people who foist their religious beliefs on you?