I am an 18 year old Atheist in college. Of course, it is already hard enough for me to connect with others whom may share the same views as I; however, today it has become evident that it will be just as hard to connect with my own room mate.

Let me start by saying that I am not particularly a hostile Atheist, not unless religion is being imposed on me or if religion leads to some form of injustice. Normally, my discussions come in the form of formal debates with religious folk, or as discussion in forums or with my Atheist friends. I do not hate religious people just for the sake that they are religious, in fact some of my best friends are religious. Thus, I find it a moot point to announce my Atheism to any new person I meet. This seems reasonable, or so I hope it does. However, today my room mate asked me if I was Atheist. My room mate is Christian (despite the fact that he routinely drinks, parties, and has premarital sex with multiple partners). I do not know much about him, college seems to not pay much attention to the compatibility tests you take to be pared with someone you are similar to in a dorm. This has become evident because our religious preferences do not match, not really a big deal until my room mate found out I was an Atheist. Of course, he asked me so I told him the truth, that should have been the end if it. Although, my room mate replied with "I'm gonna change you" (sic). I cannot say this for all Atheists, but I have only been happier after realizing that a god most certainly does not exist, and I would not like to go back to that archaic thought. Yet, he felt the need to impose his religion on me, as if it matters. Of course, it does not, nor should it. He questioned me about what I think happens when we die, I told him I thought that consciousness just fades, and he told me I would go to Hell. I am currently internally outraged at his statements, but not because I am afraid of going to Hell (I do not believe in Hell, it does not exist to me) but because he assumes I should not live life for myself and live it for some imaginary friend.

So, I ask you, what do I do about this? I want to be polite, but my room mate was just out of line. Have any of you faced this before? I would assure everyone to remain strong, though we are seen as Godless Heathans, we are still people with feelings.