Is Evolutionist the new "n word". Are we "those people". Is Evolutionist offensive?

Question

Someone in my below question stated that the "e word" Evolutionist is kinda like the "n word".
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmDcZD4CU1QGHQL3iBcHiGHd7BR.?qid=20070314072456AAmflo0

Does anyone else feel this way?


I kinda do and I kinda don't. The arguement that we aren't called gravolutionists or heliocentrists kinda persuades me that this is the Creationists use of an "e word" similar to "n word", but I would only offer up that in the context of the Creationism vs Evolution debate, what better label would we as people who promote Evolution prefer?

Answer 1

Labels are only useful in bunching people together under one premise, and as such they detract from the individiality of people. Their use should be discouraged whenever possible.

Okay.... That said, if a label absolutely must be applied, I prefer something along the lines of "progressionist", as the evolutionary view is all about the progress of the universe.

The obverse viewpoint could be considered to be "staticist", as the principle is basically one of an instant creation and things not changing after that.

I don't think it is possible to come up with inoffensive labels, as whatever is chosen will be used offensively anyway.

Answer 2

In the context of debate, such labels are useful, but otherwise, the word "evolutionist" has no purpose. It is obvious to everyone with a thinking, rationing, logical mind that evolution is a real phenomenon. It is verified in every branch of science, including medicine, which uses knowledge of the evolution of microbes to develop new medicines (which theists, of course, never hesitate to use). It is silly to me to have a label to describe a person who accepts what is so blatantly obvious. There are no "gravitationists" because everyone knows that gravity is real.

There are plenty of "creationists," however, because they are having a harder and harder time proving their silly notions of the invisible sky daddy snapping his fingers and making the world come into being. These are childish, primitive tales and they know it, but some part of their brain just won't let it go, maybe because they're afraid of their sky daddy punishing them for their disbelief. Whatever the reason, they are becoming fewer and fewer as more people realize that science is right and religion is wrong. Even the Catholics have officially accepted evolution as real.

Answer 3

Jim...if its in the scope of the conversation between other theories its fine, otherwise its just another label. I doubt anyone would even think of it other than "creationist" which is just as likely a new "n" word as far as I am concerned. On the other hand...it gives me a clue as to the persons point of view. I would rather be "labeled" with my given name since there is a lot more to me than just believing in evolution.

The Skeptical Christian
Grace and Peace
Peg

Answer 4

Evolution frequently refers to organic and organic evolution and has not something to do with the introduction of the universe. no person knows what got here until now the super bang. it particularly is a priority the place scientist, philosophers, atheists and theists are all on simple floor.

Answer 5

outside of the Creationism vs Evolution it is called being normal people.

Answer 6

I believe in BOTH Creation and Evolution. I guess I really can't have an opinion for either side.

Answer 7

labels for people give them some importance or credibility to others, but they are illusionary and cause attachment and emotional discomfort. Eventually I see people giving up the need to call attention to themselves like Little Jack Horner.

Answer 8

Since "evolutionist" implies one accepts evolution, I would take that "insult" anyday.

And I shall embrace it like people do the "n" word and "gay". We can all be "evol"! (You know, like shortening the word AND sounding like "evil" and yet in the same spirit as a word like "emo", but without the depressed / whiny / cutting ourselves connotations.)

Answer 9

I'd prefer Truthist or Non-Delusionist. But if people want to call me an evolutionist, that's fine by me. It's not exactly a slur, it's a description.

Answer 10

It gives me the creeps when you use the "n" word, even without saying it.

I sure hope we can continue to have a fantastic dialogue like this about our different beliefs.