Accepting/Rejecting "Atheism" as a label.

[Violet]

I don't subscribe to the isms and skisms.

I don't subscribe to Playboy and Time Magazine... but if I had the money, I'd probably blow it on a Game Informer.

[naimless]

[Violet]

[naimless]

Please don't out-creep me...

Making others feel awkward is all I have left.

[Violet]

Please don't out-creep me...

Making others feel awkward is all I have left.

If I didn't out-creep you... what kind of zerg player would I be?

You can't make me feel awkward, I roll with the punches far too readily

But I do small time fun, people understand it. Sometimes.

[Golbez]

Atheism only refers to disbelief in one position therefore I reject it as a label because it doesn't tell what I do believe; it has no power to describe my values.

I don't think this is accurate. It rejects religious dogma. Therefor it values the absence of religious dogma. Which, I guess technically it's an implication, but the lack of appreciation of religious dogma suggests an appreciation for something more substantial, usually evidence and science. Although inferred, that implication has real value for me. I don't want to be lumped in with the mindless zombies that are some 80% of the rest of America. I'm happy to have a label that says "not part of the indoctrinated 80%." Technically, the label says no more. But I haven't met an atheist that didn't have a strong appreciation for science, or at least a strong sense of ridicule for the complete lack of solid evidence to suggest there is a supernatural creator.

I also like the idea of reappropriation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reappropriation#Religion

[Ben Davis]

It rejects religious dogma.

Not necessarily. Consider the Buddhists. Most Buddhists are atheist but they have religious dogma. Many paganisms are also atheist but have dogma. Think of the Raellians!

Therefore it values the absence of religious dogma. Which, I guess technically it's an implication, but the lack of appreciation of religious dogma suggests an appreciation for something more substantial, usually evidence and science.

And this is my point; you have to use supposition, assumption & inferrence to try and assertain someone's values. Why not try asking them what they do value, instead of guessing from what they don't/may not?

Although inferred, that implication has real value for me. I don't want to be lumped in with the mindless zombies that are some 80% of the rest of America. I'm happy to have a label that says "not part of the indoctrinated 80%."

Then why not find a label that also dissassociates you from the irrational atheists? Wouldn't that be more useful?

Technically, the label says no more. But I haven't met an atheist that didn't have a strong appreciation for science, or at least a strong sense of ridicule for the complete lack of solid evidence to suggest there is a supernatural creator.

I've met plenty. Irrationality is not a uniquely theistic trait.

I also like the idea of reappropriation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reappropriation#Religion

Indeed but disassociation is more powerful. For example, in the UK afro-carribean community, those who are most strident in their opposition to racism reject use of the n-word entirely and criticise those who use it for perpetuating negative stereotypes. In a 'community' as diverse as 'atheists', the group power of associative reappropriation is drastically diluted.

[TromboneAtheist]

Yeah, I have a feeling you know what I mean. The difference between their belief and my "belief" is huge. Maybe you're just trying to piss me off. I don't know.

[Mister Agenda]

You're the one who thinks one dictionary says it all, and that the terms are mutually exclusive.

From Collins:

atheism (ˈeɪθɪˌɪzəm )
Definitions
noun
rejection of belief in God or gods

I was replying to what Aardverk said in Post 82 of this topic.

I know, and you and I are in agreement on this matter. I just left your reply to Aardverk in for context, my comment was aimed at Aardverk.

[Violet]

Yeah, I have a feeling you know what I mean. The difference between their belief and my "belief" is huge. Maybe you're just trying to piss me off. I don't know.

Well, then it looks like your ESP is in need of retuning. No, your belief and theirs is *identical*, the only difference being directional.

Maybe I'm just trying to learn you a thing or two about philosophy... but you can't teach those unwilling to learn. Reminds me of trying to teach some theists I used to know.