Isn't it wrong to try to define a group of people by what they DON'T beliee in. I find terms like secular humanist, free thinker and rationalist to be more accurate when describing my own beliefs.
Labels matter when you are trying to control the terms of a debate. What name would you give yoursel, or are you cool with atheist?
2007-06-08 09:35:20 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I see your point, in regards to defining a group of people, but I'm perfectly comfortable with the term atheist. I wish more atheists would "come out of the closet." Perhaps if more of us are up front with our lack of belief, we will eventually be accepted for who we are.
2007-06-08 09:37:46 · answer #1 · answered by Kathryn™ 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
In the scholarly world atheism is generally considered to be a religion, so it makes sense.
Consider it like all religions being theist, then sub divisions from there. So start pointing out what you are! Make a push for it-get friends to do the same.
A major part of the problem is the lack of philosophical interest in sub categories of atheism-educate so people can identify, that will help.
2007-06-08 16:48:19 · answer #2 · answered by Showtunes 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not real big on labels in general but I don't really have a problem with "atheist". If I have to be defined, I think I'd rather be defined by what I don't believe than pigeon-holed into a pre-fabricated philosophy of some sort that dictates what I'm supposed to believe. "Freethinker" is nice. How about we go with that one?
2007-06-08 16:48:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I often wonder if the theist knows quite what he/she is affirming, and I also wonder if the atheist knows quite what he/she is denying. Most of the time I find the word God a very equivocal place holder in most sentences where the term is used.
2007-06-08 17:52:12 · answer #4 · answered by Darrol P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always have thought an "Atheist" was NOT a term defining a group of people, rather a term one defines them-self for reasons of their own.
2007-06-08 16:45:11 · answer #5 · answered by seVen 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm OK with atheist, at least in the context of a theological or religious debate.
"Existentialist with Fortean leanings politically inclined to the libertarian left."
Is a bit of a mouthful.
2007-06-08 16:42:15 · answer #6 · answered by Pedestal 42 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't have a problem with Atheist, but you're right about labels. It gives people a reason to stereotype you, but hey that's life. You just gotta be comfortable with who you are, and not let people get to you.
2007-06-08 16:43:19 · answer #7 · answered by Moxie! 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
atheist is fine. i have no problem with it.
because i mean, not every atheist is a humanist, etc. the one thing all atheists have in common is, well, that they're atheist. the only unifying factor is that we don't believe in a god. everything else varies on a person to person basis.
2007-06-08 16:41:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The label of atheist is fine when discussing religion and gods. It fits.
The rest of the time, I am just me :) No labels necessary.
2007-06-08 16:39:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, I do believe. As a strong atheist, I believe there is no god. That is not a lack of belief. A lack of belief is when one states, "I don't believe in god." Such is the stance of a weak atheist.
2007-06-08 17:02:20 · answer #10 · answered by seattlefan74 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋