Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jason Spicer on September 19, 2009 at 1:00pm

In a sane world, yes, we wouldn't even be talking about it. Unfortunately, since the majority are believers, they set the tone. In that scenario, we pretty much have to insist on a label for ourselves in order to be seen as distinct by the opposition. I don't think that means atheists must declare themselves as such. People are free to choose their own labels. But personally, I think it's a much more powerful statement to embrace the negative term. It's kind of a dare. "That's right, I'm an atheist. What are you gonna do about it?" Risky, I know, because they could, in fact, do something about it. But it's a risk I feel I have to take in order to get the point across.

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Permalink Reply by René Hjortborg Bjørnskov on September 19, 2009 at 1:14pm

Not only to get the point across, but also to get atheists out of the cupboard, we have for way to long been a silent minority.

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Permalink Reply by Pastor0fMuppets on September 19, 2009 at 2:01pm

Yea I think this is more of an uprising to the uprising; I'm bitter about having to have a label, but at the same time I will label myself to believers should they feel the need to approach me about religion. I do, however, explain to them that "while you may label me an atheist, this is the default position and you were here until 'The Stupid' got you, as well"...

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Permalink Reply by René Hjortborg Bjørnskov on September 19, 2009 at 1:15pm

Hi hi I understood the base possition as that of your son.

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Permalink Reply by Peg K on September 19, 2009 at 6:50pm

I have never once been asked "so, you don't know there's a god?" I am only ever asked, "so you don't believe in god?" At that point, I have to answer "no, I don't hold any belief in any gods," which in turn would automatically make me atheist. Who asks about knowledge regarding gods? (Always of course with their own particular god the only one they seem to care about). The discussion often times turns into, "so how do you know there is no god?" Which I then have to further explain, I didn't say "I know," no one "knows," I can only tell you what I do or do not believe.

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Permalink Reply by Robert A. Torti IV on October 17, 2011 at 6:53pm

The word originated 5th century BCE in Greece. It's a real word with a real meaning whether there's people that want to admit it or not. I agree with you though, definitely.

* αθεοι (atheoi) meaning "without god" or "godless."

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Permalink Reply by sarah mike-thomas on May 30, 2012 at 3:56pm

As long as people don't mistake it for a religion , (like the term "Darwin-ism" ...agguhh!), that I'm devoting my life (ie, wasting my valuable non-afterlife time) to "destroying the Christian faith",and as long as I'm free from all the warped religious right Forced-"gender role"-Handmaidens-Tale-Hell( like those creepy full quiver people *shiver*), I don't care what I'm called! But I really like the term "free thinker" ^_^ or better yet, "rationalist" I think these are umbrella terms, but I don't care. It's not because don't care if people think I believe in deities or not (I don't) it's I just don't care about theism at all, or anything to do with it except when they try to make their obsolete garbage government  mandated (u know who u are)  ....then we got a problem.

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Permalink Reply by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 30, 2012 at 4:52pm

Here's another list that says, Atheist.http://www.celebatheists.com/wiki/Main_Page

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Permalink Reply by Spitter on May 31, 2012 at 12:43am

Personally, I don't see the problem with the change.  I'm not sure I understand what the fuss is about here.  If people who were on the list are no longer there, then I understand the problem.  Otherwise, who cares.

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