We don't have a word for non-believers of Santa Claus or non-believers of The Tooth Fairy, yet we live in a world where those who don't believe in God(s) or supernatural religious philosophies are labelled Atheists. I think that the state of non-believing is the normal state of things as it doesn't need to be taught, unlike religions. I am consequently uncomfortable with using the word and I feel that I concede grounds to their insanity when I use it. What are your thoughts?
I don't mind it, but rational or free-thinker are good words that fit all fantasy beliefs.
I am mostly comfortable with the word, and I use it to describe myself when the occasion calls for it...when someone asks, or the subject of religion comes up.
I'm not at all comfortable with the term. I'd rather not apply labels to myself at all, because it puts me at risk of being held to account both by others who wear the same label and those who don't, and because it can suggest faithfulness to a particular viewpoint for the sake of maintaining the reputation of that viewpoint and those who claim to hold it rather than merely being convinced of that viewpoint for the time being. In the case of 'atheism' that viewpoint would presumably be that there are no gods—whatever gods are—making it appear to be as much a "faith" as any other.
I'm not comfortable with the word because I can't prove that God doesn't exist.
I think pretty much everyone prays for help from time to time - just in case.
I am perfectly comfortable with the term. I don't care for the phrase godless heathen, but that's just me.....now that I think about it......Godless heathen seems to be a more accurate description of my situation. Either way, they are just terms to differentiate between believers and non believers. We do need some way to tell us apart. They could just as well call us Georges and themselves Jims. It wouldn't make much difference to me. Let's just agree to allow the Jims their fairy tales, while us Georges follow reasonable thought
Completely, but it is not fully Apt.
These days I use the term Ignostic, which serves two purposes.
Just as comfortable with the word "fuck". I find that it is human nature to label things, people and places. If you don't believe in a God of any sort then I suppose Atheist is as good a label as any. If you truly have no clue as to how we got here and where we're going, like myself, then Agnostic is the word to use. They're all just labels and have different meanings for different folk. Just be good, kind and loving and don't worry about the labels. Just tell them you are human...no other explanation is necessary.
I like it. I think the word atheist, a-theist, is a simple and concise way to tell people how I view the world, in general terms. Living near Charlotte in NC, "The buckle on the Bible Belt", the word is also a quick way to differentiate between the knee-jerk reactionary religious fundamentalist types from those who are capable of independent thought. Some people get very angry when I say I am atheist. Others refuse to believe it and claim I am agnostic because I can't prove there is no God and because they don't understand the meaning of the word agnostic.
I am much more comfortable with it than the people who I tell it to. Some are schocked others say I will pray for you some actually accept it. At times it generates discussion which have been very entertaining. Many times I am able quite quickly to place a logical question that befuddles them and normally end sthe conversation.
Yes, conversations about God on the spot are fun! I used to avoid them out of frustration but I grown quite used to it by now.