Faking religion for arguments sake

Does anyone else lie that they are of a certain religion just for the sake of a debate?

Both online and off, I've entered discussions as a "liberal Christian" to be able to ask questions without appearing as a outsider. Sometimes to set them up for a tough self-conflicting issue or just to ask normal questions without any stigma. I've never faked Islam or Judaism as that somehow seems a violation of another culture.

But more fun is faking Paganism, Wiccan, or even Satanism. If the discussion is towards how freedom of religion is greater than separation of church and state, then being an Atheist puts me against personal "freedom". But as a Wiccan, I can cause a much different debate by showing how the "of religion" part is not so universal. I can make up all the solstice energy or goddess nonsense I want and either they have to respect it or face their hypocrisy.

Satanist is bit hard to pull off without laughing. It's similarly used to combat the right of religions to be part of government, schools, libraries, etc. If it's a right to use the gym for Christian youth groups, then so also for Tiny Souls for Satan. Right? No?

The wierd part of this deception is that it can also gives you a taste of instantly belonging to a bigger group who now "loves" you to some extent. This is definately a part of religion that we can't forget exists as it's certainly responsible for a good percentage of religious belief.

Hah, that was fun reading. I don't really have the will to deceive like that, but I'm certain it makes for interesting entertainment. :P Do you ever reveal yourself, and have a kind of "gotcha" moment?

The short version is just in response to a "God bless you". When not in the mood to nod and smile, I could say "But there is no God". But that seems more confrontational and without much hope for a positive outcome. But by saying "And may the Goddess bless you", I both defy the Christian overtones and keep the enchange amiable.

I actually do like the Pagan/Wiccan mythology and followers, just not to the point of taking it seriously. If I every do suffer severe head trama, that's the belief system I'm embracing.

Sounds too much like being dishonest in order to entertain yourself at the expense of another........but at least it is not hypocritical.....since it is consistent with Atheism.