Should the term Atheist be scrapped?

[Raven]

I understand where you are coming from, but for myself, I don't rightly care. I've been called a lot worse. "Ungodly", that has to be my favorite dumb thing to call me. I know where they're going with that, but truly, it is rather meaningless. I've been called "heathen" (mostly by my mom), who expected me to be insulted by it. It did not work. That's such an old-fashioned word, don't you think. I'll stick with atheist, if for no other reason,than as has been said, because it ticks them off.

[One Above All]

I don't think we should eliminate a term just because it has some negative connotations. Then again, we might be more accepted by theists (maybe even fundies) if we start using another term.

"Atheist" is, by its very definition and etymology, the best term (or at least the best one I can think of) to describe lack of belief in deities. Other terms, like "rationalist" and its derivatives, are kind of egocentric, IMO. I don't think we should call ourselves "rationalists" just like the anti-abortionists shouldn't call themselves "pro-lifers". While it is true that theists are irrational (at least when it comes to religion), implying that from the get-go serves no purpose other than to piss them off, IMO, which will result in them not paying attention to anything we have to say.

[Minimalist]

Then again, we might be more accepted by theists (maybe even fundies) if we start using another term.

Um, they hate each other because they use different terms. "Catholic," "Baptist," "Pentecostal," "Episcopal," etc.

[One Above All]

Um, they hate each other because they use different terms. "Catholic," "Baptist," "Pentecostal," "Episcopal," etc.

I don't think it's that simple. Among other things, they hate each other because they don't believe in the same things.

[Kayenneh]

In my native tongue I'm a "gudloysingur"

Now that's a cool word! Much better than "gudalös". Or maybe I should go with the Finnish "jumalaton"..?

[NomenMihiNon]

If the topic comes up I'll usually just tell people I'm an atheist, because it's commonly used and everyone pretty much knows what it means. To be honest I would rather say that I'm an empiricist...

I'm the same way with the term naturalist, though most people hear it and think of someone who studies plants and animals...or worse, mishear it as "naturist" (I actually quite prefer to wear clothing outdoors, thankyouverymuch). But simply put, I'd prefer be described by what I am than what I'm not. I don't call myself a non-athlete because I'd rather play music than sports; rather, I call myself a musician. And of course, not all atheists are naturalists, just as not all freethinkers are atheists, and so on.

But alas, atheist is the word people know. Any other term concocted to describe someone who lacks belief in a deity will ultimately acquire the same negative connotations to those who think atheists are evil, and the same indifference from those who don't give a shit if you believe in a god or not.

[Terr]

So are we arguing from the perspective of stigmatism or accuracy?

My vote is that you Terr, are arguing from the perspective of stigmatism.


Not unlike Homosexual or Transsexual and Transgender also carry certain societal stigmas.

Fair comment, just sick of the "you people" response, thanks.

[Minimalist]

Um, they hate each other because they use different terms. "Catholic," "Baptist," "Pentecostal," "Episcopal," etc.

I don't think it's that simple. Among other things, they hate each other because they don't believe in the same things.

Actually, they all believe in the same silly crap. It's all about market share with these clowns.

[Terr]

Thanks for the feedback people, just wanted another opinion, (don't tell anyone this, but sometimes I'm wrong, sssh). The term is accurate, which almost begs arother question, atheist vs' humanism. I had a choice of joining either Atheist Ireland of Humanist Ireland, I chose the former as it best described me. I am not adverse to the term in any way, just it's dual meaning.

[Sal]

Thanks for the feedback people, just wanted another opinion, (don't tell anyone this, but sometimes I'm wrong, sssh). The term is accurate, which almost begs arother question, atheist vs' humanism. I had a choice of joining either Atheist Ireland of Humanist Ireland, I chose the former as it best described me. I am not adverse to the term in any way, just it's dual meaning.

Humanism, as the name entails is about human values on the onset, but it's so much more than just that:

http://www.americanhumanist.org/Humanism...ifesto_III