Unbeliever At A Religious School

I've been forced to attend a Christian school for eleven years. I was a believer growing up, but now I'm an agnostic. Everyone in my life, with few a exceptions, is a Christian in some capacity. It drains me to be surrounded by so much ignorance on a daily basis. I don't mind believers, just ignorant believers. Some of my friends are very intelligent and will accomplish beautiful things with their faith. Other people, however, seem completely out of touch with reality. It drives me crazy to hear idiotic defenses of their faith, especially when they're using their beliefs to hurt other people.

The worst part is probably the sense of isolation that I feel. Most people equate "non-christian" with "immoral," so I generally keep my mouth shut to avoid being attacked. I was harassed a LOT when I first "came out" as a non-believer and fighting with other people simply isn't worth the struggle. I'd love to be able to have intellectual discussions in an accepting environment, but that simply isn't possible. I don't discuss my religious sentiments with anyone and consider them to be the most secret part of myself. The religious people I know don't listen to me or try to understand my point of view. They just stereotype me with the picture of "non-believer" that they've been force-fed since they were children.

Whenever I hear religious people speak about their beliefs, everything becomes static. These people seem to think the same way and it really grates away at me. I want to focus on new concepts, not the same, overdone ones. I'm tired of the showiness. I want to connect on a human level, not a religious one. I look forward to the day I can graduate and never, ever be involved with Christians again.