Knowledge=power...
Faith depends on ignorance.
I've had experience that has happened to me, when speaking with strangers, that do not know that I'm atheist, however I get asked often by people if I'm atheist. I always answer in truth, I don't hide the lack of my religious believes, I quickly asked them why they thought I was an atheist, the reply is: "you seem very intelegent, and most real intelegent people are more than likely atheists" This has happened twice now in the past 4 years.
It seems that people who are ignorant of philosophy, astronomy, physics, science are the devoted ones. However this is not always true. Take for instance Tony1, he seems intelegent although he has accepted religious convictions. My girlfriend is smart, witty, and real charming however she's a devout Catholic, it seems as they step in the church all science that they do know, becomes clouded in traditional religious dogma.
I'm only glad she's open minded enough to accept me, this is a fortunate formula for our relationship. Though we never speak of religion, or hardly, I don't push my views on her, as she doesn't try to recruit me. She gets surprized when I do accompany her to some church events, and yes, I do go through all the hemulation of standing, seating, and knealing, "only so I don't look out of place" LOL.