Atheist Nexus

The World’s Largest Coalition of Nontheists and Nontheist Communities!

If I debate with theists, I tend to use "your god" or "the god of christianity". This way, I can avoid making them think that I acknowledge that their god "is THE God", but that I am just denying it. I de-throne their god and toss it into a clusterf*ck of other mythological beings.
I notice sometimes that other atheist debaters capitalize the word god, and I feel that the theists believe that this only confirms their gods' status. If we confirm their gods' status, then we are just rebels. How do you use the word "god"?

Views: 13

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

My bad online grammar finds me switching between "god" and "God."

I usually tend to use the word loosely to describe any deity.
Should only use capitals when it starts a sentence. Same with islam. You only capitalise words that deserve respect.
I follow the standard usage: a god, the god of Christians, God as a character. In the latter case, I capitalize it for the same reason I write Santa Claus and Bozo instead of santa claus and bozo.
inconsistently but little 'g' god usually. Pisses 'em off something fierce.
I don't capitalize it, and I say "your god" as well. When asked if I believe in god, I say "I don't believe in any gods."
I use the term "creator-god being" to dissociate the mythological concept from being a purely xtian one.
I suggest that, while it may feel good to make their most cherished idea look like a curse word, theists will see only that you are mocking them and whatever you have to say will be ignored, at best. There is certainly a time to mock things but, in my opinion, bastardizing words in common usage just makes you look petty and immature.
I'm pissed that my spell checker keeps challenging my uncapitalized use of the word 'christian' (fer chrissake, can anybody tell me how I can convince this damned thing that it has me confused with someone who gives-a-shit?).
"Me and 90% of Atheist's, if I shared my personal life story behind my loathing of xtianity you'd probably have replied in a different manner"

I really doubt your experience has been worse than my own, but my suggestion is not dependent on the behavior of theists. I personally don't care how you refer to the Christian god or any other. However, it seems like common sense to me that if you wish to engage in civil discussion with a theist then using the vitriolic descriptions above are not likely to help you make your point. I wasn't suggesting that you not be angry, or that you should desire to make a point. Take it how you wish.
Yeah... whether we want to sound respectful or not is another subject...
I prefer specifying "the Christian god" when appropriate. Theists have tunnel vision and pointing out that their god is only one of many instantly weakens whatever position they have.
I generally write either "god/gods" or "god(s)."

RSS

Support Nexus

Click to Buy Amazon items and help A|N

Advertisements

Heathen's Guide

Your Ad Here

Helpful Items

 

Search Atheist Nexus:
Translate page:
 
Social Networking Links:
 

Latest Activity

jay H replied to Dr. Allan H. Clark's discussion Unforessen consequence of Obamacare
9 minutes ago
Steph S. commented on Steph S.'s group Wildlife
11 minutes ago
jay H replied to Dr. Allan H. Clark's discussion Unforessen consequence of Obamacare
12 minutes ago
Loren Miller commented on Napoleon Bonaparte's video
14 minutes ago
Napoleon Bonaparte posted a video

The womb is a weapon - BBC podcast

26:43
''Across the world, and increasingly in Europe and the UK, a unique Christian evangelical movement is growing. Cat McShane meets the British families who believe that almost all forms of birth control and contraception are an abuse of the gift of…
23 minutes ago
Steph S. commented on Jonathan Simeone's status
32 minutes ago
Rick Goodner posted a video

Priest Off

The sexual abuse of children by ordained clergy can now be easily combated by using this simple spray repellent.
46 minutes ago
Aimee Evans liked Kris Leeds's blog post Morality
56 minutes ago
Debra Stevenson commented on Debra Stevenson's blog post American Bible Challenge show
1 hour ago
Jonathan Simeone posted a status
"Sad to see that this sight is still not very accessible."
1 hour ago
Debra Stevenson commented on Rachel Riley's blog post RAGE! (What I want to say but won't on FB)
1 hour ago
Debra Stevenson posted blog posts
1 hour ago
Loren Miller replied to Jessica's discussion Just an interesting observation
1 hour ago
Loren Miller commented on Rachel Riley's blog post RAGE! (What I want to say but won't on FB)
1 hour ago
Dr. Allan H. Clark replied to Dr. Allan H. Clark's discussion Unforessen consequence of Obamacare
2 hours ago
jay H commented on Donald R Barbera's blog post Coming to a Head?
2 hours ago
Tony Carroll commented on Steph S.'s group Wildlife
2 hours ago
Donald R Barbera posted a blog post
2 hours ago
Steph S. commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
3 hours ago
Steph S. commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
3 hours ago

© 2013   Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: Brother Richard.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service