Is 'Atheist' a dirty word?

naomi24 | 13:36 Thu 02nd Dec 2010 | Religion & Spirituality

85 Answers

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?

Is there a first cause? i.e. God?

Faithless Atheism

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wildwood

mibs, I just wanted to point out that losing my sister happened 50 (or so) years ago. But as she sort of half brought me up due to hardship, I was as mad as an 8 year old could be, the world appears different at that age. That was the point when I started to question my catholic upbringing.

I don't hate religions except for the ridiculously tenacious ones where it effects the wellbeing of, or belittles others.

mibn2cweus

Wildwood, I would say she had a positive influence on you based on the results. It appears that you have largely overcome the bitterness that under such circumstances so often plagues one throughout a lifetime. Perhaps in a very real way she is still with you now and would take pride and find joy in the manner in which you came through that very troubling time in your life.

Thanks for sharing this intimate and poignant glimpse into your life story. I’m happy for you that you’ve managed to untangle yourself from your religious roots so valiantly. My own recovery in nearly as many years remains a work in progress in spite of the fact that I haven’t experienced a similar loss. Although I may have been more deeply affected by my experience growing up in a brutally religious environment, I find stories such as yours a source of inspiration and encouragement. Hope I haven’t been too much of a nuisance . . .

naomi24

Question Author

//Hope I haven’t been too much of a nuisance . .//

Ha ha! A pain in the butt at times, but never a nuisance. x

mibn2cweus

A pain in the butt? Naomi, while I may not always get what I'm after, there's a limit, even for me, to taking what I can get!

naomi24

Question Author

Ha ha! I don't doubt it. :o)

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