Is 'Atheist' a dirty word?

[naomi24]

At least twice on AB recently, on threads quite unrelated to religion, I been accused of being an atheist. I say 'accused' because the word was spat out as an accusation clearly as a last resort in order to muster support from others for the accuser's floundering argument. Whilst I found the superstitious naivety of it somewhat amusing - it reminded me of the witch-hunters of the 17th century - actually in this day and age it's quite worrying that apparently intelligent people believe that absence of faith can justifiably be used as a weapon. So, is atheist a dirty word, and if so why?

[naomi24]

*have been

[ummmm]

Not to me...

I only know one Atheist. He just happens to be the only person that I know that has read the Bible cover to cover.

From reading the views of Atheists on here I'm of the opinion that they tend to know more about religion than the believers. So I have respect for them.

[ummmm]

My Mum is a born again Christian. I understand where you're coming from :-(

[cupid04]

whats wrong with live and let live if it's not doing any harm.Most of you seem to be up
in arms just because others have different views or [or dare I say beliefs] to you.

[andy-hughes]

I am an atheist but I attend mass every Sunday because my family are Catholic.

I am firmly of the 'live and let live' pursuasion, but in my experience, Christians tend to adopt the 'you are missing something' line - which doesn't work obviously, since you cannot miss what isn't there.

I don't believe anyone should use personal belief - or lack or it - as a weapon in conversation, it's not nice.

[society]

Naomi, I find you to be quite knowledge in the religious category, and others too, and can carry a good debate. Some folk are just trying to beat you down, don't let them get to you.

[NOX]

If you think being an atheist is bad try being a Pagan, people assume you're an out and out nutter and try to save you from the Devil at every opportunity despite the fact that I don't actually subscribe to the belief in him. Essentially to a lot of Christians anyone who isn't is missing something and their beliefs can be held against them, twisted around, deliberately misunderstood and it's totally permissible to talk down to you ' cos you're not in their little club..

[cupid04]

I never meant to upset anyone, and I'm sorry if I did. Carry on your debate and I'll
keep out of it. I hope you all find whatever is you are seeking.

Regards Cupid04.

[R1Geezer]

No it's not, I take it as a compliment, i can't see how anyone intellegent isn't an atheist.

[ummmm]

All the mistakes I make in life is because of the devil....I'm not praying enough and the devil has got in.

Nothing to do with the fact that I actually decided to make my mistakes...some of them were fun :-)

[NOX]

You haven't upset me cupid and my remarks were not directed at you, rather some very self righteous lady who said she'd ' pray for my children' since I was bringing them up to have no particular opinion on religion until they were old enough to decide for themselves.

[ummmm]

Of my 3 kids. The eldest believes...middle, couldn't care less, youngest is very religious.

[flip_flop]

Bloody hell NOX, if somebody said that to me I think I'd struggle not to stab them in the face with a rusty spoon!

[NOX]

who said I didn't flip-flop? ;-)

[shaneystar2]

I have no religious beliefs .I've seen too much in life to think that could be a God .
I go with the flow ,do my bit at a wedding ,funeral and as a godparent etc because that's courteous to those who do believe .Go through the motions in other words.
.
I also never post in here . But ....I do read a lot of very erudite conversation that goes on .
I think that are some religious Aber's but they are frightened to put their point across for fear of being shouted down by the non believers .

Their simple beliefs are criticised and picked to the ultimate nit .
If people find comfort in a religion ,then that's up to them .
In other words ...what Andy said :)
As someone who has no beliefs I would find reading the Bible and other religious tomes just to disprove those who do believe tedious in the extreme :)

[ummmm]

Well said Shaney....