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NubiWan
Skeptic Friend
USA
424 Posts |
 Posted - 10/05/2003 : 16:05:10
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A little surprised that this story hasn't yet been commented on, SFN seems the purfect venue to discuss it. Especially with the radical right in control of things.
"'Bright' Rights Is a Movement to Fight for the Non-Religious a Bright Idea or Merely a 'Bright' One?
What do you call someone who is not religious? Is there a need for a new name for such people? And should not politicians acknowledge them?"
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/WhosCounting/whoscounting.html
http://www.the-brights.net/
Edit to add Link and Spelling, sigh
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Edited by - NubiWan on 10/05/2003 16:17:17
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Bradley
Skeptic Friend
USA
147 Posts |
 Posted - 10/05/2003 : 21:15:46 [Permalink]
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quote:
What do you call someone who is not religious?
How about "unreligious?"
Though I can't speak for all who are not religious on this forum or elsewhere, I'm quite comfortable with terms like "Atheist," "gawdless," or even "naughty person." Hey, we're the ones who know how to live and have fun. Compare time spent at events like the gawdless Americans March on Washington, the American Atheists National Convention, or a meeting of a local Atheist/freethought group with time spent at a typical religious service, and then YOU tell ME which is more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.
I recently read a good quote from Chapman Cohen, the gist of which was that "Atheist" is an honest and unambiguous word. Since I don't have it handy, I'll post it when I find it. Now before anyone jumps on and flames me, allow me to say that I realize that not all those who are not religious are Atheists. I DID say above that I can't speak for all who are not religious.
Speaking for myself, "bright" strikes me as too positive/feel-good/warm-fuzzy/new-agey, and I wouldn't feel comfortable with it at all.
[shoves right index finger down throat and leans over waste basket] |
"Too much doubt is better than too much credulity."
-Robert Green Ingersoll (1833 - 1899) |
| Edited by - Bradley on 10/05/2003 21:39:12 |
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Tim
SFN Regular
USA
775 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2003 : 02:52:16 [Permalink]
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You know, Nubi, I sympathize with those people calling themselves 'Brights,' but I don't see myself getting involved with these folks, or identifying with the label. I'm not much for labels anyway. But, I've got to agree with Bradley. You can call me any of the discriptive words that exist for those without a theistic bent. I don't really care.
However, the term 'Bright' does not seem to discribe my belief system. It reminds me of being illuminated...enlightened. I would feel much like someone suffering from a revealed religion. Plus, 'Bright' also has connotations of intelligence, and can come off as condescending to others.
The group seems to have some merrit, but I really think they would have been better off with an anagram or something for a label. |
"We got an issue in America. Too many good docs are gettin' out of business. Too many OB/GYNs aren't able to practice their -- their love with women all across this country." Dubya in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, 9/6/2004
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Gorgo
SFN Die Hard
USA
5310 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2003 : 02:58:41 [Permalink]
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| Yet another term to try to solve the problem of too many terms. I am an atheist and a skeptic. Move on. Impeach Bush. |
I know the rent is in arrears
The dog has not been fed in years
It's even worse than it appears
But it's alright-
Jerry Garcia
Robert Hunter
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Kil
Evil Skeptic
USA
13477 Posts |
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NubiWan
Skeptic Friend
USA
424 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2003 : 11:36:14 [Permalink]
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Duh..! Yep, missed it completely. 
'Bright' does seem a bit uppity, though do like its connection to 'enlightened.' Am not an atheist, just a skeptical pantheist. The only positive that I see to the distinction, is to counter balance the "Religious Right." They seem to be gaining more and more polictal sway, at least under Republican governance.
OK, now let's move on and impeach Bush... |
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Paladin
Skeptic Friend
USA
100 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2003 : 17:10:19 [Permalink]
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| I don't care much for the name, either. It seems a bit artificial to me. I'm quite content to stick with the atheist label for now. :) |
Paladin |
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