Aberingi's long-running topic entitled "Do we need a Universal Atheist Symbol?" leads me to ask "Do we need a Universal Atheist Motto?".

Well, perhaps we don't, or perhaps we could, but some theists might get deservedly irritated if we chose to use something like "In Darwin we trust" at appropriate moments.
These words, suitably translated into other languages, have a basic international atheist appeal with respect to truth and helpful anti-theist sabre-rattling and debating.
e.g. they might look good on the side of a bus/ coach.

Tags: Darwin, bus slogan

Views: 177

Replies to This Discussion

Or may be

IN GOD WE RUST

Er shouldn't we fix the symbol first? Of all the symbols to co-opt, they choose one associated with virginal blood in a negative context, what were they thinking.

Why not the Ace of Cups? A big ol' jewel encrusted gold cup gushing over,surrounded by greenery and happy dancing animals, bright blue sunny skies in the background....

As opposed to a cross, which represents suffering, swords which represent conflict, the star of David which represents being abused for a few millennia because of pride and ridiculous beliefs, etc.
I am firmly of the opinion that this is the last thing we need. Mostly because I am a habitual iconoclast. I cannot stand the elevation of either persons or symbols (or phrases) to the level of knee-jerk adulation. I recognize the need for community, and to posit something in the place of religion to fill that need, but we must be careful not to replace one unthinking system with another. Slogans make me itchy. And I certainly don't recommend associating Darwin with any motto previously associated with religion. This doesn't rebut religion, it merely adds fuel to the religious accusation that recognition of the truth of evolution is tantamount to the worship of Darwin.
I tend to agree with you Quinn, although perhaps if we translated "Slogans make me itchy" into Latin...
I initially agreed with you then I may have talked myself out of it.

So, do you think we should encourage and promote other actions, groups, and philosophies that also lead to an atheist / naturalist conclusion?

Would secular morality, skepticism, science, individualism, free speech and education also suffer from picking up a motto?

If so, is it that just a critique on the effectiveness of mottos? Or do you think atheism is an exception and why?

I do think we should evaluate if a slogan would even be effective or if it would just be counter productive.
I can see the objection that a motto would just give theists another target, something to pick at or ridicule. On the other hand, they do that to atheists/atheism anyway.
slogans are sloppy
I agree with this completely. I am also concerned about the use of the word "trust" in any motto. As atheists, it is not up to us to trust anyone, whether it is Darwin or the Pope. We derive conclusions based on investigation and research, not because someone we trust told us to reach that conclusion.
We already have our own 'subsects' of atheism with their own clear idealogical pathways, I don't see why we need an umbrella over all of that. If anything though, the tagline of the Atheist Bus Campaign would suffice.

And ffs, the whole point of atheism is the rejection of idol worship. If anything it would be "In Science we trust". Which given it's generally factual nature is a logical argument.
I value lack-of-war but that is not a popular outlook all over the planet these days.
More like anti-modernists, I think. They reject the idea that things can be known. Thus giving ammunition to those who like to take things on faith. "Well, since science is meaningless anyway..."
Morons who insist the government/auto industry/the Masons, etc are hiding the evidence/alien bodies/ 300 mpg carburetors, etc ...the list is near endless... are little different from the fundies (and often one in the same). Wacky conspiracy theorist paranoid loons are elevated to the public forum where they contaminate the low information, highly suggestible couch creatures with their base stupidity.
Tolerance for that lot my wrinkled ass - insults and scorn is more than fitting.

RSS

CONNECT WITH ATHEIST NEXUS

Latest Activity

Glenn Friedman posted a status
"http://www.themusicumbrella.net Keep fcentered and always with love.. You can always come back here , if not physically, mentally.. ..."
3 minutes ago
The Flying Atheist replied to booklover's discussion Even More FB Finds...
"Now I know why I always get dirty looks when I dance.  I've been using the length of the World's Smallest Bible as a measuring guide.  There's not much room for the Holy Spirit, especially when I'm excited.   "
7 minutes ago
The Flying Atheist commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
"Angela, we had our torrential rain and thunderstorm last night here in northern Illinois.  Lots of heavy rain and gusty winds.  Pretty intense.  My lights flickered a few times.  I thought I was going to lose power but luckily…"
25 minutes ago
Ruth Anthony-Gardner commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
"I reported the order-of-comments problem to Brother Richard right away, and he fixed it. Glad to hear you’re giving up smoking Ian. Your Mum’s health problem is especially scary to me. I had a similar problem within a few months of…"
37 minutes ago
Idaho Spud commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
"Joan, I'm glad to hear your good news, and hope you don't vomit too much.   That's all I have time for now, as I'm working in the garden most of each day now."
1 hour ago
Angela commented on Randall Smith's blog post The Rednecks are coming, the Rednecks are coming
"LOL"
1 hour ago
Debra Stevenson commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
"Grinning Cat,   AWWW! How precious!   Brandi Amari Williams"
1 hour ago
Debra Stevenson posted a blog post

Some Wiccans and their seeking approval from Christians

One of the many religions that I had once belonged to was Wicca.  It seems to me a lot of Wiccans but not all as well as some members of other Neo-Pagan groups seek the uncritical and unconditional acceptance from Christians and folk of other religions for their beliefs.  This is understandable in its own way but I think you'd be wasting your time with the fundamentalists adherents of any non-neopagan religion.  They don't want to accept or agree with anyone else's religious beliefs other than…See More
1 hour ago

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

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service