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Does Atheism have a Generally accepted Symbol (and do we need one?)
November 28, 2014 at 4:31 am
I've seen a few symbols used to represent atheism (see below), in the same way a crucifix is generally used for Christianity, a star of David for Judaism, crescent moon and star for Islam , etc.
![[Image: 047-religion-symbols-vector.png]](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=img1.123freevectors.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fnew%2Freligion%2F047-religion-symbols-vector.png)
![[Image: 670pxAtheism_symbol.svg.jpg%3Fwidth%3D50...ight%3D428]](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=api.ning.com%2Ffiles%2FzrUKw6TC8hfDo%2ACMC0jlZ2VI08wXtRuxZe5RYD97LNbrpZgPJmMm-b5Qn1XWmfZnJz%2AxnN5-L8%2A6eCH20pbCrBrUlbFiS6re%2F670pxAtheism_symbol.svg.jpg%253Fwidth%253D500%2526height%253D428)
![[Image: Atheism-symbol.jpg]](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=scrapetv.com%2FNews%2FNews%2520Pages%2Fusa%2Fimages-3%2FAtheism-symbol.jpg)
![[Image: Atheist_symbol.jpg]](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=upload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2F4%2F4b%2FAtheist_symbol.jpg)
There seems to be one for humanism (although I have no idea how generally accepted this is) but I do not consider myself a humanist.
I'm not in particular need of a symbol and I actually prefer not to have one, but I'm curious what other people think.
So there it is, the question as in the title, is there a generally accepted symbol for atheism and do we really need one?
MM
"The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions" - Leonardo da Vinci
"I think I use the term “radical” rather loosely, just for emphasis. If you describe yourself as “atheist,” some people will say, “Don’t you mean ‘agnostic’?” I have to reply that I really do mean atheist, I really do not believe that there is a god; in fact, I am convinced that there is not a god (a subtle difference). I see not a shred of evidence to suggest that there is one ... etc., etc. It’s easier to say that I am a radical atheist, just to signal that I really mean it, have thought about it a great deal, and that it’s an opinion I hold seriously." - Douglas Adams (and I echo the sentiment)
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RE: Does Atheism have a Generally accepted Symbol (and do we need one?)
November 28, 2014 at 5:01 am
I think the first one is pretty known and generally accepted .
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RE: Does Atheism have a Generally accepted Symbol (and do we need one?)
November 28, 2014 at 5:04 am
(November 28, 2014 at 5:01 am)Marsellus Wallace Wrote: I think the first one is pretty known and generally accepted .
That's interesting, I only saw that one for the first time today. When you say generally accepted, where have you seen it before?
MM
"The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions" - Leonardo da Vinci
"I think I use the term “radical” rather loosely, just for emphasis. If you describe yourself as “atheist,” some people will say, “Don’t you mean ‘agnostic’?” I have to reply that I really do mean atheist, I really do not believe that there is a god; in fact, I am convinced that there is not a god (a subtle difference). I see not a shred of evidence to suggest that there is one ... etc., etc. It’s easier to say that I am a radical atheist, just to signal that I really mean it, have thought about it a great deal, and that it’s an opinion I hold seriously." - Douglas Adams (and I echo the sentiment)
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RE: Does Atheism have a Generally accepted Symbol (and do we need one?)
November 28, 2014 at 5:06 am
(This post was last modified: November 28, 2014 at 5:08 am by Alex K.)
There's the AA symbol, which is similar, no?
Why did they put the hanukkah lights as the jewish symbol, is that correct?
The fool hath said in his heart, There is a God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Psalm 14, KJV revised edition
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RE: Does Atheism have a Generally accepted Symbol (and do we need one?)
November 28, 2014 at 8:16 am
(November 28, 2014 at 5:04 am)ManMachine Wrote: (November 28, 2014 at 5:01 am)Marsellus Wallace Wrote: I think the first one is pretty known and generally accepted .
That's interesting, I only saw that one for the first time today. When you say generally accepted, where have you seen it before?
MM
Google atheism images, atheism FB page , I don't remember where else, but I saw it quite a few times .
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RE: Does Atheism have a Generally accepted Symbol (and do we need one?)
November 28, 2014 at 8:59 am
I don't think we need a defining symbol anymore than we need to advertise the fact we breathe oxygen. I also don't think it's a bad idea for those that choose to advertise that facet of their person; to each her own. I do have a t-shirt that I have no problem wearing in public that reads, "God's busy, may I help you?", containing a picture of the devil.
There are many things about me that cannot possibly be known without conversation. If the topic of religion comes up in conversation, people will understand soon enough and with no doubt that I am atheist.
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RE: Does Atheism have a Generally accepted Symbol (and do we need one?)
November 28, 2014 at 11:03 am
(This post was last modified: November 28, 2014 at 11:05 am by The Grand Nudger.)
The "symbol" for atheism is, rather appropriately, non-existent.....as far as all of those other symbols go, pretty sure there's a clear correlation between idiots and doodling.
I am the Infantry. I am my country’s strength in war, her deterrent in peace. I am the heart of the fight… wherever, whenever. I carry America’s faith and honor against her enemies. I am the Queen of Battle. I am what my country expects me to be, the best trained Soldier in the world. In the race for victory, I am swift, determined, and courageous, armed with a fierce will to win. Never will I fail my country’s trust. Always I fight on…through the foe, to the objective, to triumph overall. If necessary, I will fight to my death. By my steadfast courage, I have won more than 200 years of freedom. I yield not to weakness, to hunger, to cowardice, to fatigue, to superior odds, For I am mentally tough, physically strong, and morally straight. I forsake not, my country, my mission, my comrades, my sacred duty. I am relentless. I am always there, now and forever. I AM THE INFANTRY! FOLLOW ME!
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RE: Does Atheism have a Generally accepted Symbol (and do we need one?)
November 28, 2014 at 11:24 am
I've no use for symbols, they only generate more urge to conformity.
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RE: Does Atheism have a Generally accepted Symbol (and do we need one?)
November 28, 2014 at 11:44 am
(November 28, 2014 at 11:24 am)Parkers Tan Wrote: I've no use for symbols, they only generate more urge to conformity.
So you'd like the Carlin quote "Symbols are for the symbolminded" 
The fool hath said in his heart, There is a God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Psalm 14, KJV revised edition
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RE: Does Atheism have a Generally accepted Symbol (and do we need one?)
November 28, 2014 at 11:47 am
(November 28, 2014 at 8:59 am)Cato Wrote: I don't think we need a defining symbol anymore than we need to advertise the fact we breathe oxygen. I also don't think it's a bad idea for those that choose to advertise that facet of their person; to each her own. I do have a t-shirt that I have no problem wearing in public that reads, "God's busy, may I help you?", containing a picture of the devil.
There are many things about me that cannot possibly be known without conversation. If the topic of religion comes up in conversation, people will understand soon enough and with no doubt that I am atheist.
Has your rather fetching sounding T-Shirt ever sparked a conversation?
MM
"The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions" - Leonardo da Vinci
"I think I use the term “radical” rather loosely, just for emphasis. If you describe yourself as “atheist,” some people will say, “Don’t you mean ‘agnostic’?” I have to reply that I really do mean atheist, I really do not believe that there is a god; in fact, I am convinced that there is not a god (a subtle difference). I see not a shred of evidence to suggest that there is one ... etc., etc. It’s easier to say that I am a radical atheist, just to signal that I really mean it, have thought about it a great deal, and that it’s an opinion I hold seriously." - Douglas Adams (and I echo the sentiment)
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