• Browse: About; New; Previous; Next
• Return to Letters Index
• Home to Positive Atheism

• Reference: Response To Our December 1999 Column by Michael Shermer
• Reference: Atheism & Fundamentalism by Cliff Walker

From:
To: Positive Atheism <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 16:24:53 EST
Subject: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section

First, I have to say that Michael Sherman said some very enlightening things. I must read his book.

However, I will always refer to myself as an Atheist. I will not entertain a new "label" that is more aesthetically pleasing to heighten how others perceive me. With that said...

To me, an Atheist is just one who has considered the possibilities of a god and has determined the idea to be false. (I probably didn't word that well, but I think you understand what I mean).

However, how one chooses to behave as an atheist is where the difference lies I imagine; which I believe is what Mr. Sherman was describing as how the word atheist has become bastardized.

For some atheists, anyone who has a belief in a god is a fool and unworthy of their friendship or whatever. To me, that is ignorant. As it is for a theist to look down upon us atheists for not believing as they do. While I cannot understand how one can have such a belief in a god or gods, I certainly will not discriminate against them for their beliefs. To use atheism as a militant stance is a foolish idea and does give atheism a bad name.

Anyway, to me atheism is Positive. It's great having people such as Cliff putting this material out here for all to see and ponder. Also for allowing us to voice our opinions also. Since I am half asleep writing this and my words may not be very coherent, you can read my little essay on my ATHEISM site.

Thanks for the soapbox. Keep up the great work, I appreciate your efforts.

Sincerely,
Brian

Material by Cliff Walker (including unsigned editorial commentary) is copyright ©1995-2006 by Cliff Walker. Each submission is copyrighted by its writer, who retains control of the work except that by submitting it to Positive Atheism, permission has been granted to use the material or an edited version: (1) on the Positive Atheism web site; (2) in Positive Atheism Magazine; (3) in subsequent works controlled by Cliff Walker or Positive Atheism Magazine (including published or posted compilations). Excerpts not exceeding 500 words are allowed provided the proper copyright notice is affixed. Other use requires permission; Positive Atheism will work to protect the rights of all who submit their writings to us.