If people are bigots, homophones, Islamophobes, and every other phobia under the sun for their not so subtle prejudices against groups viewed as unjust targets for derision, how is "atheistophobia" not a thing? Every relevant religion that has practically existed since man (or woman) inscribed his first tablet has viewed atheists with hostility, not merely in the condemnation of unbelieving adults and children to perdition but impressing the notion on society that atheists are devoid of foundations for such lofty towers as morality and meaning. Violence against atheists is advocated today across Muslim lands as it was in Christian Europe and Puritan America in times past. Atheists are still the most mistrusted group in the States. How is that not atheistophobic? Every religion of The Book contains atheistophobic propaganda and these are what politicians call "respected religions" and "religions of peace" and every other phrase of adoration. Perhaps we---as in the free thought community---should adopt a page or two from the multiculturalists and LBGT movement?

Too hard to pronounce.

It rolls off the tongue after a few tries. Just atheist - long o - phobia. Say it faster, and it soon takes on a short but beautiful life of its own.

(January 23, 2015 at 6:26 pm)Pickup_shonuff Wrote: Violence against atheists is advocated today across Muslim lands as it was in Christian Europe and Puritan America in times past. Atheists are still the most mistrusted group in the States. How is that not atheistophobic?

It very much is (though not necessarily in a literal sense of being afraid of atheists).

(January 23, 2015 at 6:26 pm)Pickup_shonuff Wrote: Every religion of The Book contains atheistophobic propaganda and these are what politicians call "respected religions" and "religions of peace" and every other phrase of adoration.

It is precisely because "atheistophobia" (that doesn't really roll off the tongue) is so widespread that no one will recognize it. If we confronted old time slave owners and accused them of racism, do you think they would care? (not that slave owning is the same as discrimination atheists face, just using it as an example)

I propose Atheophobia. Or could that be confused with the fear that there is no God?

http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Atheophobia

Ah, maybe I didn't so much propose it as remember it.

Phobia ranks second on my list of overused and/or misused suffixes; gate being the first. I would also be cautious with the idea since Islamaphobia, homophobia, and the like are deployed as ad hominem arguments meant to shut off debate.

Absolutely. I would rank it slightly ahead of "-aholic", personally (what the hell is 'workahol', anyway?)

Ooh! I've got it. My new word is 'secularmist'. A secularmist is anyone who goes bat shit crazy about secularism.