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Why can't we be allowed to define atheism
November 29, 2013 at 7:33 pm
What I'm wondering is why do some theist(queue derpy batman avatar) users make such a big deal out of the definition of atheism. They are allowed as a group to define whatever religion they follow, so why can't we as atheists be allowed to define the term we use to describe our position? And even if they won the whole argument then what? The position is unaltered, just under a different name (likely agnostic).
So why should we not be allowed to define the terms we use to identify ourselves, and what is the ultimate point of having said argument in the first place?
To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
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RE: Why can't we be allowed to define atheism
November 29, 2013 at 7:45 pm
I'm not sure why we couldn't. Though it can be hard to define something outside of broad strokes. Lots of people have different views about their group, including christians. What do you define atheism as, aside from just not believing in the existence of deities?
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RE: Why can't we be allowed to define atheism
November 29, 2013 at 7:47 pm
because atheist was a word before it was used (as you want to use it, i suppose) to define a group. You can't change the meaning of a word because you don't fit into it's definition, you pick another word for your position.
Although the gay movement did manage to change the meaning of gay I suppose. But with atheism I don't think you'll be able to, realistically speaking.
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RE: Why can't we be allowed to define atheism
November 29, 2013 at 7:51 pm
(This post was last modified: November 29, 2013 at 8:03 pm by Captain Colostomy.)
Those that try to define atheists 'their way' are trying to simplify the process of condemning it. Acceptance of an alternate(read:proper) definition only confuses them and/or weakens their arguments.
Seems to me, anyway...
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RE: Why can't we be allowed to define atheism
November 29, 2013 at 7:54 pm
Religion limits ones ability to think for oneself. If we changed the name for 'religious' to
something like 'limited thinkers' then we would be able to call ourselves 'free thinkers' 
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RE: Why can't we be allowed to define atheism
November 29, 2013 at 8:01 pm
Really, though, does it matter? We, not words, define ourselves, especially when describing something as inherently simple as atheism. "Oh, our definitions of atheism don't match? OK, I'm a non believer in God or Gods." Trying to pick the right version of the definition of "atheism" is an unnecessary semantic battle.
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RE: Why can't we be allowed to define atheism
November 29, 2013 at 8:01 pm
(This post was last modified: November 29, 2013 at 8:09 pm by Captain Colostomy.)
(November 29, 2013 at 7:47 pm)pineapplebunnybounce Wrote: Although the gay movement did manage to change the meaning of gay I suppose. But with atheism I don't think you'll be able to, realistically speaking.
If the change in meaning is widely announced and accepted by the group directly related, sure. It makes less sense when it's a change thrust upon by an opposing group. But I suspect this exactly what religious types are attempting. Maybe they hope to see atheists 'give in' to their interpretation.
(November 29, 2013 at 8:01 pm)rexbeccarox Wrote: Really, though, does it matter? We, not words, define ourselves, especially when describing something as inherently simple as atheism. "Oh, our definitions of atheism don't match? OK, I'm a non believer in God or Gods." Trying to pick the right version of the definition of "atheism" is an unnecessary semantic battle.
Welcome to the wonderful world of labels. For every question they answer two more arise. They come in handy, though, as an expedient.
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RE: Why can't we be allowed to define atheism
November 29, 2013 at 8:12 pm
(November 29, 2013 at 8:01 pm)Captain Colostomy Wrote: They come in handy, though, as an expedient. Plus they make it quicker and simpler.
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RE: Why can't we be allowed to define atheism
November 30, 2013 at 6:44 am
(November 29, 2013 at 7:33 pm)Lemonvariable72 Wrote: What I'm wondering is why do some theist(queue derpy batman avatar) users make such a big deal out of the definition of atheism. They are allowed as a group to define whatever religion they follow, so why can't we as atheists be allowed to define the term we use to describe our position? And even if they won the whole argument then what? The position is unaltered, just under a different name (likely agnostic).
So why should we not be allowed to define the terms we use to identify ourselves, and what is the ultimate point of having said argument in the first place? Because "a-" and "theist" already mean something. You could call a bunny a rock if you wanted to, but why?
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RE: Why can't we be allowed to define atheism
November 30, 2013 at 9:22 am
I have yet to meet an atheism I didn't like. 
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