Comments on: The Problem of the Word Atheist http://andrewclapper.wordpress.com/2008/02/29/the-problem-of-the-word-atheist/ Andrew Clapper discusses his views on many different topics. Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:32:30 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: lifelessonsfromwriting http://andrewclapper.wordpress.com/2008/02/29/the-problem-of-the-word-atheist/#comment-17 lifelessonsfromwriting Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:38:17 +0000 http://andrewclapper.wordpress.com/?p=13#comment-17 In an ideal world, there would indeed be no need for the 'word' atheist. I suppose people have differing opinions on what an 'ideal world' is, but I'm talking about a world in which religion is relegated to the status of UFOlogy or scientology - in other words, one where disbelief is the norm rather than belief. Unfotunately, belief is the norm for most people, which is why not believing is always going to set us apart. Personally, I have no problem with the word atheist. I'd be more inclined to ammend it with something like 'antitheist', but I know that's not a common position even among atheists (unfortunately). In an ideal world, there would indeed be no need for the ‘word’ atheist. I suppose people have differing opinions on what an ‘ideal world’ is, but I’m talking about a world in which religion is relegated to the status of UFOlogy or scientology – in other words, one where disbelief is the norm rather than belief.

Unfotunately, belief is the norm for most people, which is why not believing is always going to set us apart. Personally, I have no problem with the word atheist. I’d be more inclined to ammend it with something like ‘antitheist’, but I know that’s not a common position even among atheists (unfortunately).

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