I don't like the idea that it sounds like a Theist, which we are not.

I find the term means, anti-Christian. I am fine with folks believing whatever they want, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus.......whatever. I except the beliefs of others, and would like others to accept my beliefs.

Since I live in a pretty Christian area, I'm still not comfortable actually coming out and calling myself an atheist. If religion comes up in conversation, I just say I was raised Catholic, but am now non religious. Though, since I'm on Facebook, and follow and share things from Atheist pages, those close to me have to be aware.

Unfortunately, just with the act of communicating we have to have a word or phrase when the majority would otherwise think we're with them. If it comes to the place where we're majority, then they'll start identifying as theist.

Very.

Amazingly comfortable....

A label tells you what to expect, a way of making sure your in the right place. I don’t like that we need a label but since we do I’m glad we have it.

In a world where people do believe in gods its good for me to have a word than explains myself as not being one of their club- Atheist is a good word for me it explains myself and has the added advantage of scaring people off the subject with me - If it were a natural state for everyone fine! till then I'll use any words that work to get people out of my face with their 'god bless you's'.

It's just a label.

An atheist is in a position of faith that there is no god. Just like a theist they have no proof that reality is not intentional

An atheist is in a position of faith that there is no god. Just like a theist they have no proof that reality is not intentional

I have no problem with using athiest. Being an atheist is quite liberating. I'm no longer tied to bs religion views on the world, sexulity,etc.

I have identified publicly as an athiest for years. (I'm 78.) I'd be more embarrassed to say I believe in fairies or imaginary (white) men in robes controlling us! Is a god possible? Perhaps. But every mainstrean religion is based on a pagan religion from centuries ago - long before there was any scientific study. So, not probable.

Thank you for the question I think it's a good question. Personally I can say that I definitely don't fear the word atheism or atheist however to be an atheist, and I can't believe I'm actually saying this at this point in my life, also requires faith probably the same amount of faith that believing in God requires. Having said that I personally I'm not comfortable with labeling myself atheist. Because neither party has any proof one way or the other which is why it's more accurate to label oneself as agnostic.

Not concerned with labels

I am Ok with the A- word because those other-s you mentioned santa and tooth fairy arent quite so all powerful and all consuming as god and angels which appear in conversations very often - A child losing a tooth is a pretty family sort of affair not involving a god and santa is usually seen off by the age of seven or eight with no hard feelings because most kids actually know it is mum and dad- But god is actually very present for many many people we are exposed to and so while I agree with you about that state being the norm it is constantly under pressure no one really proseletyses about santa or tooth fairies its in the hands of the parent s but people go on and on and on about god its on the radio every day etc. I like 'atheist' as it shuts people up and you only need to use it once (where I come from). My friend always says - 'Dont let them start!'

I like the word, and I'd say it describes my (lack of) belief well, however, I don't always use it. I'm a professor, and one of my classes specifically covers arguments for/against gods' existence. Since (as mentioned by others in above posts) I'm not 100% certain of gods' (grammar nerds: I'm intentionally referring to plural "gods" so please lay off the apostrophe comments!) non-existence, so I call myself an agnostic. I've been teaching this class for over 25 yrs, and I've found that a large portion of my students will close themselve off to anything I say if I label myself as atheist, but very few will if I label myself agnostic. As a good case can be made that either term could apply to me, I go with what will allow me to reach and teach the greater number.

Personally I prefer Humanist or Secular Humanist. Sam Harris often speaks about Atheism/Atheist as being a word we do not need, just as you have mentioned. His words: we don't need to be identified as Anti-Astrologers if we don't believe in astrology or labeled Non-Racist if we do not believe in slavery. look for some of his videos on Youtube.

As an agnostic, I’m not willing to wear the label “atheist,” though I have no problem with those who do.

You did not learn classical Greek , right? I recommend Wikipedia.

I don't have a problem with being called an atheist or describing myself as such but I'm much more of a humanist.

I used to be atheist but now or "graduated" to agnostic because the more i live the more i learn and my views have changed slightly. I feel we are all animals with large problem solving brains and imposable thumbs!

I am totally comfortable with it. I also am fine with making sure people understand that belief in or the indoctrination of children with Santa or the tooth fairy is just as absurd as indoctrination of belief in God before they can even reason on their own.

More comfortable than the Christian Bigots who so piously refer to themselves as Christians.

Atheist is my second name. Totally cool and PROUD of it