(December 17, 2012 at 11:19 am)JayZero Wrote:(December 17, 2012 at 10:53 am)Brian37 Wrote: I think you guys are completely missing my point. Words DO have several meanings, I simply avoid that particular word because it is abused. I never denied that it has more than one meaning.
I do not think things like "virgin births", for example, should be "respected" as claims, much less valued as a claim. However we, as atheists show a "lack of respect" when we question it. In that context we are bruising their egos and why should any of us as atheists avoid the truth that it takes TWO sets of DNA to manifest into a baby? Would it be ok to to still go around claiming the sun is a god even though it is not?
The point is the word "respect" is blurred far too often merely so someone can avoid conflict or avoid the prospect that they might be wrong.
I fully understand your view, however the context I am using the term is for the narrow minded. I wasn't going that deep with the meaning since well, I've had to pretty much deal with simpletons to this point. It is refreshing that I can now be intellectually challenged in discussions since here, obviously, the intelligence level is much higher.
So if some of what I post is simplistic, I apologize in advance, just getting used to the surroundings.
No need to apologize. I just make it a habit to focus on that word so that it does NOT get abused, even if the person using it doesn't have the same intent. It still does not change that for the most part people far too often use it as excuse to throw up a wall and not think. I simply think it is better not to employ it.
This was not about you personally, this is more along the lines of a long term issue for humanity in getting the focus on facts and not emotions.