What is in a label?

[puglover]

A part of the reason why I don't like forums is because it is hard to tell how things are being expressed without tone etc.
For this reason I would really appreciate that you express your emotions in words and be cautious when using sarcasm.
I enjoy reading both of what Kyu and Purple Rabbit have to say on the issue of labels.

And also I do have other silly beliefs that aren't necessarily 'religious' so I have always said that I am 'spiritual'.
I belief in some things that are yet to be proven by science.. however, i do see it as a strong possibility that they will
be in the future. But Kyu, what makes you assume that because I say I am spiritual that my beliefs link to some form of religious teaching?

[leo-rcc]

Well, that's your choice Kyu, go on defining yourself as you like, an anti-KKK, a non-vegetarian, a non-totalitarian dictator, a non-asshole if you like, but I was speaking for myself. If it doesn't bother you, that's fine with me.

Perhaps you could define yourself as not-the-asshole-Kyu-maybe-thinks-you-are too?

Kyu

A bit uncalled for Kyu. PR does have a point, it is not very natural to label yourself as something you are not. If it wasn't for the fact the majority of the world is religious in some way and being non-religious the exception, we wouldn't have to define ourselves as atheists. I am not labeling myself as a non-vegetarian or apink-unicornist, but somehow I need to label that I am an atheist to make my stance known to others. There is a double standard in that.

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A part of the reason why I don't like forums is because it is hard to tell how things are being expressed without tone etc.

Thats why these things are invented:

And also I do have other silly beliefs that aren't necessarily 'religious' so I have always said that I am 'spiritual'.

That may well be the case, but it's a definition not usefull to me at all.

You are "spiritual". What does that mean? You believe in spirits? What is your definition of spirits, and what is the basis for your belief in them?

I belief in some things that are yet to be proven by science..

Is science investigating these things you believe in? If so, who and where?

however, i do see it as a strong possibility that they will
be in the future.

Maybe, but I'm a bit more skeptical about that.

[puglover]

I accept your skepticism and appreciate your non-judgement.
It is possible that I have the literal definition of 'spirituality' wrong.
I believe in the connectedness of mind, body and soul etc.
I think for a lot of things .. I have seen the proof for it starting the emerge.
Or at time I can only go by the personal accounts of close friends or my own.
I do hope to learn about the meanings of these words and a whole lot more.. that is one of the reasons why I joined the forum!
I really enjoy when you guys ask tricky questions that make me think and question myself.. I really learn from that.
So, thanks!
Haha.. and yes thanks for reminding me I need to start using those emoticons a bit more! Is it possible that the forum could get some more emoticons?

[Eilonnwy]

You say you've seen proof of "spitituality" emmerging. Can you point to an example? I'm just curious what they may be.


I used to think I was spiritual, but I kind of shurgged it off the more skeptical I became. I relized my connection to "spirituality" was wishful thinking on my part to a benign afterlife in the absense of believing in a god.

[Purple Rabbit]

Well, that's your choice Kyu, go on defining yourself as you like, an anti-KKK, a non-vegetarian, a non-totalitarian dictator, a non-asshole if you like, but I was speaking for myself. If it doesn't bother you, that's fine with me.

Perhaps you could define yourself as not-the-asshole-Kyu-maybe-thinks-you-are too?

Kyu

Well it does bother you I reckon, and I'm fine with that too.

[Kyuuketsuki]

Well it does bother you I reckon, and I'm fine with that too.

You can reckon as you wish mate but until I confirm it you're just guessing ... and yeah ...
{ devil }
... I'm fine with that too

Kyu

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A bit uncalled for Kyu. PR does have a point, it is not very natural to label yourself as something you are not. If it wasn't for the fact the majority of the world is religious in some way and being non-religious the exception, we wouldn't have to define ourselves as atheists. I am not labeling myself as a non-vegetarian or apink-unicornist, but somehow I need to label that I am an atheist to make my stance known to others. There is a double standard in that.

Why? He's the one who used the word first.

Kyu

[leo-rcc]

What word?

[Kyuuketsuki]

What word?

Asshole.

Kyu

[leo-rcc]

You thought I was going to be bothered about a swearword? I wasn't even talking about that. I was referring too the fact you had to resort to ridiculing the argument made instead of addressing it. Plus saying "well he started it" a a bit juvenile don't you think?

[Purple Rabbit]

What word?

Asshole.

Kyu

I used the word "non-asshole".

Now it seems you are suggesting that atheism is theism, thereby refuting your own argument about labeling. Very strange this universe we're in.