Greetings

[gilbertc06]

Funny thing - I only became aware that some people see negative connotations to the word atheist on this forum.

I've always called myself an atheist with no qualms whatsoever.

Welcome to the forum.

Besides being a heathen to theists everywhere,

Most people think that being Atheist assumes the position of "No god(s) exist at all" and that all Atheists are positive Atheists or Gnostic Atheists.

People then who are actually Atheists fancy themselves as strictly Agnostic because of the stereotype.

[max-greece]

"Besides being a heathen to theists everywhere,"

But how is that different from their reaction to followers of another faith?

My alternative is Jewish and that's not always been a massively popular option either.

[LastPoet]

Heh, I never had problems to say I'm an atheist either if asked. Around here people are more worried about economy and survival than those silly things, despite the great majority saying they are catholics. labels, meh.

[gilbertc06]

"But how is that different from their reaction to followers of another faith?"

Not much difference, but they are accepted by people of the same faith. Whereas Atheists are generally not accepted by any theists at all.