Re: Hello fellow posters~

[SoTheyTellMe]

Just joined because I haven't been part of a forum in quite some time and you guys seemed fairly active.

I'm Shelly and I'm about to start my 4th semester of college this fall. I was raised in a conservative Christian environment and officially threw off my Christian title about 2 years ago, though the process was much longer than that. I've only recently (and somewhat begrudgingly) accepted the term Atheist, though I'd rather just say that I don't have a religion.

I look forward to meeting you all~

[Davin]

Then just say that you're not religious, you don't have to force a label onto yourself. If you don't like calling yourself an atheist you don't have to.

Welcome to the forums.

[SoTheyTellMe]

Oh, I don't. I just don't let myself get upset when my boyfriend insists that I am one.

I just see Atheist as a title that I would take if I absolutely had to in order to explain to someone who's religion what my beliefs (or lack thereof) are.

[Whitney]

I don't respond atheist if asked my religion (only if asked if I believe in god); I use the term freethinker to describe my views towards religion.  You could also identify as a skeptic, secular humanist, bright or whatever else you feel comfortable with.

I'm not saying that people should hide their being an atheist (unless being open is dangerous)...but lack of belief in god simply doesn't give the full picture of our views towards religion like many more narrow labels can.  That said, there are those who think we should always respond atheist to make sure others know there are a lot of us out there; I don't personally think that's always productive since sometimes the word shuts people down before they even get a chance to realize you are a good person.

[SoTheyTellMe]

I agree, Whitney, and generally I would like for people not to judge me just by a label. But if that label pretty accurately describes what I believe and they'll judge me just because of a stereotype or preconceived notions, I wouldn't mind not associating with that person at all. I generally don't get along with people who are closed-minded.

[Maria]

Hello Shelly.
Welcome to HAF.

[xSilverPhinx]

Welcome!

I think that most people who don't believe in god(s) prefer not to use the word 'atheist', because of the stereotype and preconceived (and generally false) notions.

I recently begun posting on a catholic forum and prefer to use 'non religious' as my tag there to because it's generally less threatening and I think people respond more open mindedly than if I were to use the synonymous-with-evil label atheist'.   

[Cecilie]

Welcome.

[Stevil]

Welcome!

I think that most people who don't believe in god(s) prefer not to use the word 'atheist', because of the stereotype and preconceived (and generally false) notions.

I recently begun posting on a catholic forum and prefer to use 'non religious' as my tag there to because it's generally less threatening and I think people respond more open mindedly than if I were to use the synonymous-with-evil label atheist'.   

I feel there is much benefit in promoting the label Atheist. Most people don't know what it means. It is not something to be ashamed of, actually, now that I fully understand it, it fits like a very nice warm snug comfy glove.

I am happy to promote it and feel that somewhat it is my duty. Not to convert people to my way of thinking, but to show by example what an Atheist is. The perception out there is understandable since not many people claim to be Atheists. I've been one my whole life but never knew what the label meant until a few months ago. I would say that most Atheists don't realise that they are Atheists.

All it means is "lack of belief in god/s". That's not so scary is it?

[Tank]

Hi shelly

There is a children's TV programme in the UK called Blue Peter, they have a number of pets  



http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/bluepeter/presenters-pets/shelley/

I think shelly is rather cute 

Welcome to HAF!

Regards
Chris

[Cooper20]

Welcome! 

[xSilverPhinx]

Welcome!

I think that most people who don't believe in god(s) prefer not to use the word 'atheist', because of the stereotype and preconceived (and generally false) notions.

I recently begun posting on a catholic forum and prefer to use 'non religious' as my tag there to because it's generally less threatening and I think people respond more open mindedly than if I were to use the synonymous-with-evil label atheist'.   

I feel there is much benefit in promoting the label Atheist. Most people don't know what it means. It is not something to be ashamed of, actually, now that I fully understand it, it fits like a very nice warm snug comfy glove.

I am happy to promote it and feel that somewhat it is my duty. Not to convert people to my way of thinking, but to show by example what an Atheist is. The perception out there is understandable since not many people claim to be Atheists. I've been one my whole life but never knew what the label meant until a few months ago. I would say that most Atheists don't realise that they are Atheists.

All it means is "lack of belief in god/s". That's not so scary is it?

I agree that those who want to should be promoting what an atheists are as opposed to what religious leaders say they are, but I think that at least for now, I would rather not use the label 'atheist' because just the word works against people actually hearing out what you want to say. Not to generalise of course, but some find the fact that atheists exist to be threatening, since they add all the false baggage to it.

There's a fundamental misunderstanding of atheism and what it means, that's for sure. 

[thedport]

Welcome, until people get to now me I tell them I am a moralist. It encompasses the ideas I live by, love unconditionally, give freely, and spread as much well being as I can before I die.