Go Ahead and Embrace the Word Atheist (Even If You Prefer a Different Label)

[NeoGreen]

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2017/07/30/go-ahead-and-embrace-the-word-atheist-even-if-you-prefer-a-different-label/

Go Ahead and Embrace the Word “Atheist” (Even If You Prefer a Different Label)
July 30, 2017 by Hemant Mehta

Should you use the word “atheist” to describe yourself even if “Humanist” describes you more thoroughly or “Agnostic” seems more philosophically honest?

David Silverman, President of American Atheists, (obviously) says yes. But it’s not just for self-serving reasons.

YouTuber Alex J. O’Connor (a.k.a. CosmicSkeptic) recently met Silverman and describes the conversation they had on this very topic. He also talks about how Silverman managed to convince him that the “atheist” label should be embraced even if people who fit the description would rather use another term.

There are no doubt atheists who believe the word carries too much stigma or who feel we shouldn’t have to use the word at all (since it’s not like we have a-unicornists). This video rebuts those points and more.

I love the point at the end: “Call yourself an atheist today, so you won’t have to tomorrow.”

For my part, I prefer Realist as opposed to Atheist, primarily due to the word Atheist being dependent on existence of the theist point of view, the ambiguity of just which deity(ies) is/are being discounted (everyone is an Atheist, since no-one believes in all the gods, past present or future) and the negative connotation and subtext as derived from the "A" theism.

However, I agree that from an umbrella marketing/popularization point of view, the word has value when embraced.

Oh, and another reason I don't like the word Atheism...that whole i before e / e before i difficulty (you know, spelling).

[Duppers]

1. You've a good point!

The word Atheist is "dependent on existence of the theist point of view," thereby, in a sense, seceding ground.

However, most theists will not have a clue what the term Realist means. I often just like saying I'm an atheist as a way to say, "I think you're wrong." It's convenient for ending pushy religious conversations.

[aka-chmeee]

2. I absolutely embrace the word.

Realist is great, and accurate; except many if not most religious consider themselves realists. Atheist then, to me, makes it clear in which regard you are a realist.