Why militant?

[Tsuyoiko]

It would seem that "militant" conveys the impression of being closed-minded—no matter what one is militant about. It is of course debatable whether or not that is what militancy means; nevertheless, that is the impression it gives. To be militant about a view is to hold that view come what may. And some people (like my dad, who is a militant atheist) certainly intend this meaning.

I don't think it's inherent in the definition of the word "militant" that a person will "hold that view come what may". "Militant" just means "to aggressively and actively support a cause", and I think it's possible to aggressively and actively support a cause without being bigoted about it. It's certainly possible, even necessary sometimes, for a person to be militant and to listen to opposing views, even to the point of changing their minds. Unionism is a good example. My dad was a militant unionist when I was a kid, but in negotiations it was necessary for him to listen to management and alter his demands accordingly.

[Purple Rabbit]

Here is a question that occurs to me: If you are militant about some view and engage people with differing views, are you not shoving your beliefs down their throat? Or are you merely exposing yourself to the ironic hypocrisy of thinking that they should be open to questioning their beliefs and ideas?

The word militant is not a word I would use to label my point of view although some may perceive it as such. My impression is that militant atheism is a term that is invented in religious circles to label opponents of theism who publicly speak up. Ten years ago it was not common in big parts of the western world to speak publicly about atheism but with proponents like Dennett, Dawkins, Harris and Hitchens it became clear that there was an undeniable voice of atheism that publicly was heard. I don’t think that any of those proponents are militant in any literal sense or that it was intended as such by its inventors. All they use is words and argumentation, no bullets, no force and no suppresion. But the labeling is not a big deal, really. It is a very human way to respond and I probably do it all the time myself. One more reason to always keep questioning the validity of views that we hold dear. Also some atheists nourish such labels to rebrand them from their slightly offensive undertone into labels of proud atheism. In dutch there is a word for a label with negative connotation that is rebranded into a label with an explicitly positive connotation: ‘geuzennaam’.

Closed-mindedness can be found on both sides of the line. Some even prefer to live inside a securely closed bubble of undeniable, untouchable, unprovable and unchangeable personal beliefs never to be questioned.

[Pippy]

Hey,

That is a very good point Arcanus. One of the bases of discussion and debate is the definitions of the concepts in question... I find it useful to then question 'militancy', and attempt to see if everyone means the same thing. I have a feeling I don't mean I am a militant theist in the same light that some of these guys mean they are militant in their beliefs. I was born in this really messed up country, and if they tried to take anything seriously it was their military. So, as clarification, I personally mean militant to describe a level of devotion to ideals, but also a level of personal commitment and conduct. I am militant about all of my world views because I feel they I keep them at that level of organization, priority and honor. I am not at all fond of the modern military, or it's actions and institutions, I only use it as a powerful descriptor. It is all tiny references to my past, we do as we learn to. Remember the "massive militant poet"? Or was he the "anti-myth rhythm rock shocker"?

I don't think militancy as an adjective is necessarily close minded. I surely see where and how it could be. I like to tell myself I pull off the balance, because I have mentioned here before my love for being proven wrong. I could not agree with your iteration of such any more. To hate being proven wrong (unless you have been right your entire life, and hadn't had to learn anything) is similar to hating death. It is foolish, unhealthy and represents broken logic. I just need a much more convincing argument now that I am older, and have made my choice about most everything. I maintain open to change, as is a rule of life, but I also tell a lot more people they are acting stupidly these days...

Too much questioning, especially questioning everything stops being useful and starts being dangerous as you grow, I find. You need to put your feet down at some point and declare "I think such, and will not question it lightly, and only if necessary,". I do so only for my mental health. It is a balance between that, and the long list of things I happily admit I don't know.

Sorry to be so long winded all, just a sharp question got me going. Thank you for listening.
"I'm gonna invent a new kind of hat",
-Pip