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I have a problem with arbitrary labels generally, since they are usually defined by someone who is not effected by that particular label. In this particular instance, I usually just reply that I'm not religious. Nor am I superstitious. I don't believe in ghosts, goblins, gods and goddesses, or little green men from outer space. I am also not a hypocrite. I don't go out and make an ass of myself on Saturday nite, and make it all better by going to church on Sunday. I don't blame some diety for crap I'm responsible for, and I don't take credit for something that I had nothing to do with (I prayed, and it happened, so I'm wonderful!).

If that upsets someone so be it. They are welcome to their beliefs, so long as they don't negatively impact my life or livelihood, or those of my family.

Religion does not make one a "moral" person, or even a good or reasonable person.

That said, I have been to Churches, Synagogues, Buddhist and Hindu Temples, even Voodoo rituals. I've never been in a Mosque. I have studied the worlds great religions, ( including Animism and Zoroaster ) their roots going back as far as archeology and anthropology will permit, and their influence on life, their connections with politics and social evolution, and have a fairly decent understanding of them, and why they came into being. Enough to carry on a intelligent conversation. I don't pretend to be an expert in any of them. None of them ever impressed me enough to sign on.

I also don't have a problem wishing someone a "Merry Christmas", or enjoying cheer and good fellowship associated with this particular Christian ritual. Ditto Hanukah, and other things like it.

So if anyone wants to "label" me, have at it. I "garuntee" you will be wrong.

Religion does not make one a "moral" person, or even a good or reasonable person.

This is exactly right. Personal ethics, decency and compassion for others aren't dependent on religion nor are they formed solely by religion, any more than the negative qualities shared by believers and non-believers are.

If their religious beliefs happen to lead them to the policy views that I endorse, I'll vote for them. If not, I won't.

Good policy. Silence is my first choice, then if I am nagged for an opinion, I politely explain that it's not their personal business what I believe or don't believe. I even did this in high school, and some teachers took it as arrogance -- to have an opinion and keep it to yourself. (Oh my!)

As for what people think of us, take a lesson from my dear old English teacher:

"When you are young, you worry what others think of you. When you are older, you don't. When you are really old, you realize that nobody is thinking of you."

I suppose I just proved him wrong in a way, the old dingbat....