spiritually inclined
Active Member
For a long time I have rejected traditional god concepts and have come to the conclusion that the word "god" is not an appropriate word to describe anything I believe in. I have ceased to identify insights and even profound experiences (some may say spiritual?) with the word "God" because typically that entails that such human experiences are derived from somewhere outside of the human brain.
However, when I don't know someone well -- or I just don't want to argue with a troll -- I find myself softening the word "atheist" with agnostic, or non-theist, or even post-theist, which are all appropriate words, yet atheist seems like the easiest way to define my views. Often-times I avoid the discussion altogether.
As non-theists, do you hide your non-beliefs from certain people or all people? Or soften the issue by avoiding the word "atheist"? Or, like I often do, try to stay out of it (at least with family)? How ethical is it to do this?
Are there significant differences in how individuals define the words atheist, non-theist, or post-theist?
Thanks,
James
However, when I don't know someone well -- or I just don't want to argue with a troll -- I find myself softening the word "atheist" with agnostic, or non-theist, or even post-theist, which are all appropriate words, yet atheist seems like the easiest way to define my views. Often-times I avoid the discussion altogether.
As non-theists, do you hide your non-beliefs from certain people or all people? Or soften the issue by avoiding the word "atheist"? Or, like I often do, try to stay out of it (at least with family)? How ethical is it to do this?
Are there significant differences in how individuals define the words atheist, non-theist, or post-theist?
Thanks,
James