You're Not Agnostic, You're An Atheist

[cbayer]

74. I think there are things you can do.

I think that "christian" has become the c-word because it was co-opted by the religious right and that the religious left needs to take it back.

Perhaps the same thing has happened with atheism?

The argument is often made there that people claim to be agnostic because they don't want to be seen as an atheist. There are two reasons for that I can see. The first is that there is prejudice and lack of tolerance towards atheists in some areas of this country and being known as one could have significant consequences. But another is that some people don't want to be associated with some of the people who are seen as the primary spokespeople for atheism (the four horsemen, specifically).

BTW, I don't think NDT chooses not to be labeled as an atheist for either of those reasons. I think he makes a good case for agnosticism. I know it resonates with me. I do agree that it is unfortunate if he has added to the stigma. I would wonder if that was his intent (I doubt it).