tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275862797940457425.post6080242174249891799..comments2023-06-29T07:42:33.571-04:00Comments on The Atheist Handbook: Why I don't call myself an atheist - By Jim EbsaryGrant LaFlechehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322600090055115479noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275862797940457425.post-353943258586830562009-03-15T11:57:00.000-04:002009-03-15T11:57:00.000-04:00It would be nice if there were no use for the word...It would be nice if there were no use for the word atheist, and that is something I am working toward as well. But for now, there is a need for the word, and a need for it to be an acceptable word. Until then, we have to use it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275862797940457425.post-634393484887390242009-03-11T12:25:00.000-04:002009-03-11T12:25:00.000-04:00Well said. I tend to agree with you because I rea...Well said. I tend to agree with you because I really didn't think my disbelief in gods was a belief, so I always tended to call myself a non-beliver rather than an atheist. The word "atheist" brings too much "shock and awe" type of emotion into those who are still trapped in the fear of beliving in gods; so using "non-believer" seemed more appropriate. However, if someone really persisted in trying to figure out where I stand, I don't mind saying I'm an atheist. But I wouldn't agree that atheisim is a faith - that's quite ridiculous.<BR/>John in CaliforniaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275862797940457425.post-54186151742873670682009-02-15T05:06:00.000-05:002009-02-15T05:06:00.000-05:00Thanks for taking time to write such a thoughtful ...Thanks for taking time to write such a thoughtful and intelligent post. I've wanted to say many of the same things myself, but haven't been able to express them without getting my blood-pressure up to high. <BR/><BR/>I've been using the word "aortheist" for a few years. I made it up, but am pretty comfortable with it. <BR/><BR/>It sort of means, "I'm an <I>a</I>theist <I>or</I> a <I>theist</I>, and it's none of your goddamned business." But of course I don't say that. I just say that "it doesn't matter, and it's not a religion."<BR/><BR/>Of course that doesn't really help, but it frustrates them without putting me on the spot too much. <BR/><BR/>I think you're points are very good. Most people who are labeled "atheists," (or "Atheists") don't define themselves by that. We're trying not to define ourselves by arguments that just don't matter to us, about a subject that is downright silly for adults to spend much time thinking about. <BR/><BR/>Well, enough from me. You've said it much better. I've subscribed to your RSS feed, and look forward to more. <BR/><BR/>Pachalafaka!<BR/><BR/>Brian (a.k.a. Professor Homunculus at <A HREF="http://mathmojo.com/chronicles/" REL="nofollow">The Math Mojo Chronicles</A>)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com