Atheism - the word

I must say that I have no problem with the idea of being labelled as a ‘bright’, but I have a problem with the idea of using it as a name for an atheist. (at this point I would like to say sorry for any spelling errors, I am not an experienced typist and all errors should be blamed on that rather than a lack of intelligence)

I prefer the term ‘naturalist’. I am against the supernatural. I do not believe in trolls, ghosts, djinns or gods. It just makes more sense to me than making up a name to try an experiment in memes.

I am just starting to get to know Richard Dawkins work & I can relate to much of it. The Term Atheist is not a Label to me as I present myself as an Atheist & not as Religious. The term religious is a label to promote the product religion. As I do not have religion nor a belief of religion & therefore I introduce myself as BEING an Atheist & not of the belief an Atheist & do not have a core belief to be an Atheist.
I am proud to be an Atheist just as I am proud to be a man.

Unfortunately I don’t think it will catch on, as with the transition of the word “gay” it was a gradual process, starting as a derogatory, or at least non-endearing, term as the stereotype for homosexuals was the classic view of “prancing around with a high voice and acting effeminately”. Although this is indeed a terrible description, it was nevertheless a catalyst for the use of the word gay, as homosexuals were seen to act as if they were constantly gay in its original meaning.

Having been an Atheist for quite a few years now ‘even-though I was christened, that was my parents decision, I was too young to voice my opinion’ Neither of my children have been christened, I left the choice of religion to them. They are both adult Atheists at their own choice. I am proud to call myself an Atheist and don’t see why I should make the word user-friendly calling myself a Bright, in an attempt to make my belief more acceptable to others. Possibly the religious types should be less narrow minded and give the world a chance.

I am very disappointed in the fact that I left a comment on this page yesterday and it was there on the site this morning ‘UK time’ and now it has been removed! and the previous comments, ie Kemeny Feb 10th 2009 are still within the frame? Oddly enough I tend to think that this site is censored! Where do all of the comments go between 10/02/2009 and today? Is this site a complete waste of time? Maybe I should try and contact Richard Dawkins directly through Cambridge?

Hi John,
We do have an approval system on all commenting on t5m, to ensure channels aren’t spammed with abusive comments.
I’m sorry your comment didn’t go live or was removed from the site. You should see all your comments live now.

We have approval over comments but certainly don’t censor debate and discussion; we encourage it!
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Hope you continue to enjoy the Richard Dawkins videos and other channels on t5m.

Hazel
t5m