Reply #119: A Few Responses

[arwalden]

>> -Atheism can be described as a "faith" that there isn't any God. So there. <<

"So there?" :eyes: What are you, twelve?

No, your assertion is incorrect. I do not have "faith" that that deities don't exist. That would be to presume that they do exist, and it would be to presume (incorrectly) that I'm taking it on "faith" or no evidence that they don't exist.

Atheism means that I have NO BELIEF in deities. It's not that I don't "believe in" deities whether or not they exist.

It is plainly and simply... NO BELIEF in deities, at all, period. I see no evidence that deities exist. Nobody has demonstrated to me that deities exist. Therefore I have NO BELIEF that deities exist. Why is this such a difficult concept for so many Christians to wrap their brains around?


>> -I don't believe that atheists should be told to sit down and shut up. I also would ask you to point out where I've said that... <<

The words and sentiments of you and others would easily fit in with the "sit-down-and-shut-up" philosophy. Some things don't need to be said.

They want to frame the debate in terms that benefit them unfairly (such as declaring atheism a "faith" or a "philosophy" or even a "religion") they want to declare certain legitimate words as being off limits because they find them "charged" or offensive (perfectly legitimate words, yet they would prefer to hobble my vocabulary by insisting on the use of "softer" but imprecise words.)

Taking away my ability to use words that accurately express myself and making false analogies and demanding an "extra" bit of deference simply because a Christian is a Christian does indeed have the net cumulative effect of telling someone to sit-down-and-shut-up.

All these things are cheap and obvious ploys.

>> - I wouldn't stop you even if I could from using the word "Myth" to describe Christianity, because I believe in freedom of speech. <<

Well, that's a plus for you. You're unlike many.

>> I do however, think it's insulting or could be insulting, so most people know to refrain from using it in reference to someone's religion because it just makes people angry. : wow : <<

This sounds like they have a personal problem in coping with anyone who has an opinion that's different than their own. I can't be responsible for their personal problems. Folks who are so easily offended should learn to be tougher, or should avoid contact with people who do not believe EXACTLY as they do (and who are willing to talk frankly about it.)

No matter what word you selected for me to use instead of "myth"... if it were to become commonly used by atheists, doubters and other non-believers... I have very little doubt that many delicate (but loud) Christians would start whining about the new word too.

Obviously in the subconscious minds of many they must feel that by eliminating the words they also eliminate the criticism.

Don't you see... it's not the WORD. The WORD itself could be anything. It's what's behind the word.

>> Anyway, onto what I hope is an intelligent discussion. I say atheism is stupid. (No, I don't actually think that, but for the purposes of this excersize, let's say I do). You say... what? <<

I'd say "okay". I certainly would not become outraged, or overwrought, or personally insulted the way that many Christians do. I wouldn't whine and moan and try to prohibit you from using the word "stupid" (if indeed that was the word that you felt was most accurate in describing your perception of atheism.)