Don't we (by using this label) give more credence to religion, in exactly the same way as if there was a word - to describe someone who doesn't believe in santa .... it would possibly give a lot more credence to the cause of santa clause?
2007-06-18 04:21:17 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, unfortunately, there are more people who believe in imaginary friends than people who do not. The people who don't are the exception.
In America, the people who believe in science vs magic are the exception.
When you are outside of the norm, the norm will define you.
2007-06-18 04:24:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I see your point, and I have often heard the term "non-theist" used as an alternative, but I think that is basically saying the same thing. I do think it is kind of silly to label someone by what they DON'T believe or what they DON'T do.
I prefer the term "Humanist", but I am not sure if that's entirely accurate, one can be a Humanist and also a theist. "Naturalist" to me sounds like a nature lover or nudist, "Materialist" sounds like a shallow, greedy person and "Bright" or "Intellectual" sounds arrogant.
I would like to drop labels all together, and why not just say, I don't believe in God, if asked, but I think society is to dependent on labels.
I would like to see a new term developed for atheists, that isn't based on what they DON'T believe, and doesn't sound arrogant either.
I would also like to see the day, when a person was judged soley on their ACTIONS and not their beliefs. There are some in the scientfic community who think that weather or not a person is religious is in part caused by how their brains are wired. I have only been on this board for three days, and I am appalled by the hatred I see from ALL sides towards people with different beliefs. I would like to see the day when religous bigotry becomes as unacceptable as racism. (although I am appalled at some of the racism a few jerks on this board seem to like to spew)
2007-06-18 04:32:26 · answer #2 · answered by queenthesbian 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I find the idea of somehow atheists having more credence than say christians the height of arrogance. I have many differences with many religious people on here, but the behaviour of people who arrogantly strut around on a Religion and Spirituality site attacking the spiritual/religious beliefs of others as if they have something to seriously offer other people, is the epitome of self - delusion and arrogance. Before too many people protest at what I have said I don't think that atheists should be banned from the site and I wholeheartedly recognise the contributions that many of you make. It is questions like this one I am targetting
2007-06-18 13:52:06 · answer #3 · answered by steve w 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Atheist is just a word to describe someone who doesn't believe in God. Why would dropping the word give more credence to religion? You either belive in God or you don't.
2007-06-18 06:16:56 · answer #4 · answered by morning star 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an atheist i have decided and I'm only thirteen. I'd rather be called an atheist so people know I'm serious. Santa is not real anyway because there is no one in the world who is completely good so if there was a Santa then he would be very thin.
I have no idea why I'm talking about this and none of this probably makes sense but that's me for you!
2007-06-18 05:28:48 · answer #5 · answered by Mary M 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A difficult proposition. The word was attempted to be dropped in the late 90's when the term "Brights" came to be. Didn't catch on though. No matter how much we try, Atheist is going to stick around because we are in the minority, and the majority refuses to give creedence to our position by defining us as anything but in their terms (hence the word "Theos").
2007-06-18 04:26:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have a problem being "labeled" an Atheist.
I also don't have a problem with believers.....the world is large enough to allow everyone to follow their own drummer.
We're not all the same and shouldn't be expected to believe or not believe the same.
2007-06-18 04:32:39 · answer #7 · answered by daljack -a girl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the word seems to put athiests down, then sure, but i dont see any harm in using it. So far as religion goes, this will always exist.
2007-06-18 04:27:07 · answer #8 · answered by Honey 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No.It says exactly what it means.
A No
Theos God
Possibly the fear of Santa is claustrophobia!
2007-06-18 04:25:32 · answer #9 · answered by alan h 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Very good point, but unfortunately we will not be ready for such a thing until the number of theists is much smaller.
2007-06-18 04:31:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋