(November 28, 2017 at 10:37 pm)Cyberman Wrote:(November 28, 2017 at 5:45 pm)bennyboy Wrote: I'm with you on this one. By their definition, my beagle is an atheist. So's my big toenail.
The problem, though, is that "-ism" is usually used to describe a deliberate position or system of thought, and an "-ist" is usually used to describe someone who holds that position or adheres to that system of thought.
Correct. The suffix "-ism" in this case is attached to the word "theism". The prefix "a-" negates it. Hence "not a theist". But obviously that only means I don't believe the things I thought I do, and do believe those I thought I don't. Thanks for you and CL pointing it out to me; I probably would never have known the contents of my mind without you to guide me.
*exits thread
What the hell did I do?? I said "fair enough". Sheesh.
"Of course, everyone will claim they respect someone who tries to speak the truth, but in reality, this is a rare quality. Most respect those who speak truths they agree with, and their respect for the speaking only extends as far as their realm of personal agreement. It is less common, almost to the point of becoming a saintly virtue, that someone truly respects and loves the truth seeker, even when their conclusions differ wildly."
-walsh
-walsh