Qusetion for everyone?

Question

One of the things I notice is the (mis)use of labels. I see the (mis)use of such words as

1. unbeliever
2. nonbeliever
3. atheist
4. christian
5. fundmentalist
6. evolution (ok, im an agnostic evolutionist, who the bleep told anyone the human being is a higher order species that came from a lower order species was a scientific fact, thats about as non science as saying "the human being is complex and requires a designer, theres no higher order of species in objective science!)

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What I do find interesting, is that many people have a different interpretation of the following, subjective term, which I find most appropriate:

1. God

What do you think, a) what do the words mean, and b)why do so many people butcher the words on the first, and c) why has the human race never made the word(s) on the second list a concise precise definition?

Answer 1

The words on the first list are generally pigeon holes that people get stuck in (except evolution which I'll deal with later). It is easy to use broad stereotypes and to not really appreciate the breadth and diversity of those groups.

As far as evolution goes, many people do not have the depth of knowledge to use the term properly. For instance, there are no higher order or lower order species. All species are equally evolved. Some are more complex than others but the term higher order is no longer used.

As far as God goes. You answered the question yourself.

God is the ultimate *subjective* "reality".

BB
Pabs

Answer 2

I [think] it has everything to do with "Misunderstanding".

I think the words mean:
Un- means, "not; opposite of"; and non- means, "not". So the two appear interchangable.

Atheist means, "one who disbelieves or denies the existence of God or gods." And Christian means, "professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus."

A fundamentalist is actually a member of a Fundamentalism, which is a "religious movement or point of view characterized by a return to fundamental principles, by rigid adherence to those principles, and often by intolerance of other views and opposition to secularism."

And evolution is, "the gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form; the process of developing."

As to [why .. people butcher the words], again, I think this is due to misunderstanding.

And to the last question, [why has the human race never made the words .. a concise .. definition]. Well, the words do have definitions, in English. Take these same words to another country and we find a different word that has been sculpted by hundreds perhaps thousands of years of thinking, politics, religion, culture, etc. And so, a word in English is not always the same in another country.

Likewise, English words are not always mutually understood by all English speakers. All the more reason for English thinkers to engage in open-mindedness and education.

Answer 3

Jim this is a lot of thought for a girl who has not yet had her 2nd cup of coffee but I'll try and give you my definitions.
God- A supernatural being that exists for the benefit of humans and intends to influence the behavior or thought of humans in some way.
Atheist A-meaning not, none, Theist- one who believes in God. Therefore one who doesn't believe in God.
Fundamentalist- This is a school of Christian thought started in America formed in reaction to "Higher Criticism" that is not taking the bible literally. A series of pamphlets were published listing the Fundamentals of xitanity. There were 5 of them I think- Literal truth of the bible, virgin birth, the Resurrection and the miracles and I forget the other. Now the term has a 2ndary meaning of a person who clings to the original of something and accepts no modernization. (Fundamentalist Islam)
There may be a difference between un and non believers but I haven't got enough caffeine in me to care.
Evolution is the belief that humans evolved from smaller brained knuckle walking primates. A Fundamentalist Christian is a person who does not believe this because he, personally hasn;t yet.

Answer 4

Haven't you noticed? People butcher everything. How many times have you heard the phrase, "I could care less", when the proper phrase is, "I couldn't care less".

Also, the english languge is biased against atheists and for people of faith. Faith means someone who follows a religion, but faithful means pure, good trustworthy, etc. Materialism means the idea that the material world is all that exists (atheism), but it also means greed and selfishness. Atheism strictly means lack of theism, but in some dictionaries (american heritage), it is also defined as godlessness or immorality. Why lack of a belief in a higher power would anything to do with immorality is.. well, beyond belief.

Answer 5

I refer to the word God as a deity and not a deity specific to any one religion.

Lack of education is why any word is butchered. The actual meanings are not taught because they are not seen as the norm in American society.

Society. When one particular segment is in the majority they are not going to give clear and concise meaning to something their beliefs do not promote.

Answer 6

1 does not believe in a particular religious faith
2 a person who lacks belief or faith
3 lack of belief in a deity or deities
4 believe Jesus to be the Son of God
5 believes the bible is historical accurate and is 100% correct
6 we started form single cells and mutated upwards - in short

They do not bother to know the difference

They cannot define god because there are too many supposed definitions

Answer 7

I don't like labels that much, but they are necessary sometimes to aid in the flow of conversation. Considering my Baptist upbringing, my useage of certain terms may be flawed due to my private schooling inflicted upon me by my well-meaning parents. I humbley apologize, if I have used any of those terms improperly, and prostrate myself before you in hopes of some corrective discipline. Thank you sir, may I have another?

Answer 8

God has defined himself in the Bible. He says I AM. He has existed forever and he gave us all life and the trees etc. He loves all of us and He would like to be loved back.

Answer 9

I see you spell words incorrectly all the time. Point?

Answer 10

I'm not sure what you are asking, but God is the supreme being of the universe, whom without, we wouldn't exist.