in stead of calling us atheists why don't you just call us realists? i'm so sick of being defined by what i don't believe. i'd rather be defined by what i do believe. i believe in reality, which means anything that doesn't fall into the realm of reality, i.e. ogres, fairies, gremlins, or gods, is not part of my belief system. i don't want to be called an aogreist, an afairieiest, an agremlist, or an atheist. one word sums up all those and so many other disbeliefs in imaginary things that i can't prove don't exist, yet nobody can prove do exist. so from now on, would you please stop referring to me as an atheist?
2007-10-18 04:39:35 · 16 answers · asked by just curious (A.A.A.A.) 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
How 'bout we just call you sane?
2007-10-18 04:42:53 · answer #1 · answered by Ghost Wolf 6 · 2⤊ 6⤋
In the category of "Religion & Spirituality", some would say that you are a pain in the butt. You do not believe in Divinity or Spirits, yet you feel an arrogant confidence about your position. Just how "real" is that?
Atheist (term used for a non-believer in Divinity) is as close as most can come to addressing your position. It is not my term or fault that this is the label that has been used for others in the same position. Realist is not a suitable term or label. There are too many differences in the concept of what is reality.
You seem to believe in the physical portion of the Universe. If it is not physical (a piece of Matter/energy in the Space/time continuum), to you, it is not real. Either this or you believe that you have some special ability to decide what falls into the realm of reality and what does not. Most people do, but few realize that no two individuals will agree on a list of Real vs. Unreal.
Reality has little to do with a belief system except as filters for events in your environment which you then determine how to fit into your mental concepts. You are no more a Realist than anyone else.
If you are offended by being called an Atheist, then post your Questions and Answers in Philosophy. You might even find a label there which is less offensive. I realize that this will also please those who do believe in Divinity and Spirits as part of their Reality, and so you are not likely to do so (or to pick this answer).
2007-10-18 18:08:59 · answer #2 · answered by Richard 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Great observation! I like the "Bright" thing, but it reminds me of Rainbow Bright for some reason... childhood doll. Maybe just go by "Man". In truth, that's what you really are. Everything else just defines what you do or don't partake in, in life. Descriptors, if you will, imposed on us by society to determine which "side" you are on. It is very true though that you don't hear people saying... "I'm an aracist or avegan".... for other "anti" belief systems in society, but let's be truthful... Religions have historically wielded much power and influence and you can see the signs of it everywhere in modern society, even in our calendar (BC and AD).
Others make good points too... reality is effected by the perception of the individual. "Reality is relative". So, anyone can essentially call themselves a realist and it won't hold much significance.
How about mixing "Bright" and "Man".... Bran or Brian! lol
Doesn't really matter what you call yourself. "They" will find a way to make it relate to your disbelief in their religion.
That's why I go by - Pastafarian - now. RAmen.
2007-10-18 12:38:41 · answer #3 · answered by I, Sapient 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's the thing. You are asking to be called a Realist, but you and I have different ideas of what is and is not real. When you say that I can't prove the existence of God, what you really appear to mean is that you reject the evidence that I offer. What you are saying is that you reject my reality and substitute your own. It looks great on a t-shirt or bumper sticker, but it doesn't get us anywhere closer to an agreement on what you should be called.
But then again, who am I to tell you what you should be called. If you want me to call you a Realist, I will do so. If you change your mind later and want to be called a Non-thiest, then let me know and I'll do it. If you decide you'd rather be called Toast On A Stick, or Beverly, or 75, or something from that African language with the clicking sounds, just keep me posted. It doesn't change the fact that you have rejected my reality and substituted your own, but I can't think of a significant reason I shouldn't accomodate you, as long as we both understand that what you are called doesn't change who you are and what you do.
2007-10-18 11:52:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Well, "realists" already has a use in philosophy or psychology (not sure which you'd call it). When someone asks a pessimist whether he's an optimist or a pessimist, he usually answers that he's a realist.
How about Brights? (Careful not to use it as an adjective, but rather as a noun.)
P.S. to the guy above me: Scientist implies a lot of knowledge, perhaps even a profession in the sciences. I don't have that. I like the one that recommended "sane," but then not all of us are, you know. ;-)
2007-10-18 12:27:46 · answer #5 · answered by auntb93 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Scientist.
Atheist means one does not believe there is a God. One may believe in many other things that will be shared with those who do believe in a God or Gods. The only defining separation that can be made is the belief of the absence of God. Since that is the minority, it is the anomaly.
Scientist means someone believes in proven or provable knowledge. If you want to be recognized for believing in things, instead of not believing in things, choose scientist.
2007-10-18 12:08:53 · answer #6 · answered by iooioiioo 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
you raise a great point. there are many things you don't believe in, but you don't define those non beliefs as such. now i must say, there are some things that reality has neither proved or disproved conclusively, so you may be better of calling yourself a logicist because you belief in all things logical.
2007-10-18 11:43:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
yes, but that assumes that the idea of there being no God is a reality. Given that is a false assumption, that name would work no better than an aogreist.
2007-10-18 11:43:46 · answer #8 · answered by Thom 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I suppose I could call you rose, what is in a name anyway?
2007-10-18 13:05:38 · answer #9 · answered by magnetic_azimuth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is a God, then atheism is not real. I like atheist better.
2007-10-18 11:42:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
There isn't a word for people who aren't brainwashed.
How about just don't call us anything and leave us alone?
2007-10-18 11:42:53 · answer #11 · answered by NONAME 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋