Non-Christians, do you find the word "unbeliever" insulting?

Question

I do, because I very much believe in the existence of a Creator (several of them, actually), just not in the Christian way. I also think "unbeliever" is a way to dehumanize non-Christians and create divisions.

Then again, I grew up hearing it used as sort of an insult, or at least in negative tones, and sometimes there needs to be a way to say "those who don't share our beliefs." Wiccans say "cowan", for instance.

I guess the real question is, am I right to get a little twinge at the word "unbeliever", or am I just too touchy? :-)

Answer 1

You are not too touchy. In America, evangelical Chrstians often set the tone of the conversation and to be referred to as "unsaved" or an "unbeliever" is to be referred to as something less than the speaker. It's a rude, arrogant and patronizing way to speak about people who don't share the speaker's particular brand of religion.

My reaction to people who use such terms is to either is to try to explain that I do not care to be judged and labeled for not sharing their narrow-minded beliefs. Having a few bible verses memorized to remind them that their supposed savior would never have been so condescending and disrespectful helps. When it doesn't, then just walk away and don't speak to them again. Fundamentalist bigots are not worth your time.

Answer 2

Yes, I find it demeaning. I am devoutly religious yet some call me an "unbeliever". I don't like it and find it insulting. I always have. But I find that most of those using the word don't realize they are being insulting. Since they haven't really thought about it or are ignorant about other religions, I really can't fault them for it. Still, the word is like fingernails on a blackboard to me. Besides the fact that it is inaccurate---I DO believe in my deities and my religion is my way of life.

Answer 3

In all honesty, it is a dehumanizing, but it's not as bad as say, a racial slur. The fact is, you choose to believe what you believe, so you can choose to accept or ignore those insults. It's not like you are being racially segregated, that is immature, to think someone has superiority over another because they are of a different race, but it's another to believe you have superiority because of what you believe. Please, let's all just share our beliefs and we'll do fine.

And as for the multiple creators, all I will say is this and see what you think: If there were two supreme creators, neither one would be as powerful as the other.

Answer 4

I think it depends on how their saying it. If they're saying it in an obviously degrogatory way, then yeah, you have every right to be touchy about it. However, if they say it in a not so insulting way, then it might just be that they don't know what else to call non-christians (I prefer just calling them by their names, but that's me).

I'm a christian myself, but I've never called anyone an unbeliever (then again, i'm not the evangelical sort).

Answer 5

No, just childish. It's like little children stamping their feet. Makes me want to smack them upside the head.

And I'm Wiccan and I don't say cowan. In fact, I've never heard of that before so I'm not sure what Wiccans you pulled that from. I've been Wiccan for over 8 years.

Answer 6

It doesn't bother me. I know there are times when it's MEANT to be insulting, but even then it doesn't ruffle my feathers. I guess because I'm so secure in my own beliefs and think so little of theirs.

Which is not meant to imply that if YOU get upset it means you aren't secure. Bad phrasing if it sounds that way to anyone.

I don't think you're wrong to feel a twinge when it's used. We all have our little buttons, don't we? It doesn't sound like you're wasting a lot of energy getting mad about it, so no big.

Answer 7

well in my belief there is only one creator. I have my traditional beliefs and i beleive that the creator gave every race there own tradition to worship him.

I was told by a mennonite that because i follow my tradition that i worship the devil and that my race was a cult created by satan.

but i take it in stride only the creator needs to know I believe in him and yes depending on your will strong or not you have the right to be a little twinged

Answer 8

I feel it's insulting, as a member of the Jewish faith. I will not go up to, for example a Christian, and call him an unbeliever because he fails to believe or accept my religious views. It's wonderful to have your own view point of G-D, and myself as a Jew as well as a human being have strong convictions. It's also just as wonderful if someone respects others beliefs and doesn't be cynical if that person's view don't match theirs.

Answer 9

The way I see it, the word "unbeliever" assumes that there is something one should believe, but doesn't.

I don't think it is dehumanizing - but it's a word frequently used by believers in a condesending way...

Answer 10

Do you feel any different when you hear
Non Muslims refered to as Infidels.
Jews refer to themselves as the chosen peoples.
Native Americans referr to themselves as the first peoples

All religions look down on all other religions, its mostly a throwback to thousands of years ago when they were all fighting for dominance. the real difference is the religions that still wish to kill those, in this modern age, who will not blindly adhere to the teachings of their religion.