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?

[123everton]

Yes Wyz, you're right, one man's meat etc.
I've often heard Jew used as a dirty word, Jewess even moreso.
If you seek offence you'll find it, I shrug off stuff like that, I mean Wyz, I imagine you've been in a few tight spots in your time, would it bother you if someone called you an atheist with some invective?
Or Christian for that matter?
DT, someone once said "people wouldn't talk so much, if they knew how often they're misunderstood."

[DTCwordfan]

very true, everton..........

[naomi24]

I think you misunderstand Everton, but Wyz has it right. The point is the perpetrator intended to insult me by calling me an atheist, not appearing to realise that I don‘t find that offensive in the least.

[123everton]

No, I get the point.
People will often use adjectives to offend, savage, medieval, barbarian, etc.
At least you got over it quickly;-))

[naomi24]

I've already said it doesn't offend me, but he prefers to make assumptions rather than read people's posts, Wyz. It's a bad habit of his which we've discussed many times.

[seadogg]

I tend to think its not altogether about religion versus unbelief. Some people seemed programmed to be intolerant to those who are of opposite views or maybe just easy targets for bullying. Having said that, there's no bigot like a religious bigot

[mibn2cweus]

Is 'Atheist' a dirty word?

Just searched the Bible, it ain't in there, so . . . no.

[woofgang]

are all the dirty words in the bible?

[DTCwordfan]

By God, mibn2cweus, that was a hell of a quick read of the Bible. I am impressed and I am forwarding this to the Guinness Book of Records. I am sure they will be equally impressed and that you will enter the "Hall of Fame"

Congratulations, by the way.

[mibn2cweus]

Just got out of the shower. It's a virtual brothel of expletives in there let me tell yuh.

[naomi24]

You'd better believe it! ;o)

[DTCwordfan]

dirty words and cleansed out by the shower; I am impressed - lol

[naomi24]

Don't be. He showers all the time - and nothing changes. :o)))))))

[wildwood]

Oh yes Naomi. It is a word of substitute by bible bashers who utter the word in a derogative manner because they are desperately trying to justify their religious beliefs. I have always refuted someone being called an atheist with 'you can not be a disbeliever in something that doesn't exist'.

If we all started referring to atheists as realists we can stamp this out.

[naomi24]

If you're founding a club, wildwood, count me in!!

[wildwood]

Perhaps we could apply to the govt. for funding so we can build a church and take collections.