Normally we as humans don't define ourselves by what we are NOT. We seem to define ourselves by what we ARE.
And, as an atheist, I do find my honor elsewhere. Giving myself the 'label' of "atheist" is just a symptom, just evidence of that place where I give myself honor.
What's wrong with "Anti acreationist"? As does .I don't know witch is right. But i know i don't believeing god. a Eveloutionist. The thing here is to give God believers nothing. I don't wantto be a member of a group with the same beliefes. They should be choosing their selfs.
Good. Yes. I was about to comment about nonbigfootists in a society where bigfoot believers ruled and claimed they had the copyright on morals and rights. But you already knew what you were saying. Badge of resistance and not of honor. Completely agree.
Just because you talk slow doesn't mean what you're saying is "intelligent". I'm not some preacher saying that you are a fool either. I'm a person with logic that knows with EVERYTHING that is in this world it is obvious that there is a high power.
Are you a believer in the big bang and evolution?
I like the video response,the Bahai Faith likes to use science and reason,so as a Bahai I welcome people who use science and reason,another Bahai principle is Individual Search After Truth!
Good comment about a badge of resistance, not honor, etc... I agree that if it weren't for the fact fact that something like 80% of the population believes in fairy stories, the label atheist would be useless. But, that's how it is.
It is probably true that almost all atheists stand for the values of reason and freethought. I will attempt to put these values in more substantial terms. There is the belief that *inquiry* and *doubt* are essential checks against deception, self deception, and error. There is the belief that *logic* and the *scientific method* is the only way the world can arrive at an agreement on the truth about anything.
And there is the belief that *it is better to be good to each other and to build on what we all agree to be true*, than to insist that we all think alike. The words I have put into italics (asterisks) above are the very things I believe all atheists should stand for.
i have never liked nor have ever grown fond of the term "atheist".
i rarely use it to describe myself and when i do it's always within the context of theists understanding what i am not.
my actions are determined by my beliefs, not my non existent beliefs.
i think rabidape was referring to a strategy for accomplishing our goals in a world run by theists as opposed to holding on to a name for names sake. either way, a rose is a rose.
My great-grandmother was a Spaniard, but she left that identity behind her. I was therefore born a non-Spaniard, but I still hold a soft spot for my Spanish heritage. I'm not agnostispanish by any means, it's just that there are certain things about Spaniards that I simply like.
Why not just accept people as diverse and move on, and share your ideas without resistance? If people don't take what you say seriously, what does it matter? Acceptance of differences is more powerful than resistance and takes more control. It's easy to just dismiss everyone who doesn't believe as you do no matter which side your on.
In my view atheism is the belief there is no God and nothing more. It is not a badge of anything. It is not non-theism, which applies to those who lack a belief in a God. Non-theists describing themselves as atheists don't make them believers that there is no God, and unless you say that, then to me you aren't an atheist to begin with. Label yourself an atheist if you like, but I realize what you mean by atheist is not what I do.
I throughly enjoyed this comment. You have a better understand and a better persona then 'TheAmazingAtheist'. I actually like I've learned from you, even though at the sametime it sounded familiar. I've got to give you some kind of honor video.
That gives me more to look at... I like that. I can't remember if I've tried that or not, suddenly I just want to open a small used book store in a really small town and sit there all day.
"It's a badge of resistance, not a badge of honor. You have to find your honor somewhere else..." Hmm. Change the word "resistance" to any other descriptive and I think you have something that's true no matter what your label. Do tell, O Metabob, is this the end of one of your future screenplays? ;)
"Change the word "resistance" to any other descriptive and I think you have something that's true no matter what your label." --Not sure what you mean by this.
Re my future screenplays, WHAT screenplays? I'm YouTubing when I should be screenplaying!
In reverse order... Yeah, you have a huge pile of stories, it sounds like this saying is the end of a great story... a moral to the story without a story :-0> and maybe youtubing IS screenplaying. Metabob fiddles while youtube burns.
And what I mean is, you could be anything including atheist, theist, humanist, christian, whatever, and the label by itself brings little or no honor. Temporal honor would and should be something else besides a label.
It's been said before, it's worth repeating. The comment system sucks.
It's not world peace, it's... Youtube peace. It is strange indeed. Would that both Atheists and my evangelical brethren would make an attempt at that. It's not the same as giving in, it's just a matter of respect and humility. Would that I possessed these qualities.
Damn! I could have sworn you were a Spaniard. I always thought it was a little less than sane to obsess over something that doesn't exist. Are you going to be head of the non-Spaniard movement?
Well said... although... I have found it difficult to label myself as anything... even things that I should label myself as. Perhaps I should look at that, thanks.
I think for the majority of "YouTube atheists" use the word <i>atheist</i> as code word for a philosophical naturalist. I would love to say naturalist as a substitute and the world know what that means. However, very few would know.
In this (dare I say) common usage of the word, <i>atheist</i> is a term of honor.
I've decided that I'm going to start promoting the term 'natural' as a noun to replace 'bright'. I'm a natural. If you believe in supernatural, you can be a super or a magical or something equally positive. But, myself, I'm a natural.
(Actually, more accurately I'm a physicalist, but that falls under naturalism.)
Bonus: Natural is much easier to explain than bright, and the complementary super is equally easy to explain.
Bob, I enjoyed your Alan Watts video, but have had a hard time sussing out the Atheist-Bob from the Watts-Bob. Essentially, Watts is Zen Buddhist and Taoist. As an Agnostic, I like their systems as Models & Metaphors, Poetry. What similar models do you use? You don't have to invoke Watts, but you seem comfortable with some concepts that hard-line Atheists avoid.
I will try to distill my three (or four?) key points in this area:
1. Trying to impose a single definition of ANY word or label on all minds everywhere is a lost cause. All concepts are slippery; it sucks perhaps, but there it is. I choose the label atheist rather than agnostic for reasons that seem good to me, just as Richard Dawkins (for slightly different reasons, I think) admits that we must all be technically agnostics but nevertheless champions atheism as a practical stance. (more)
2a. I define atheism, for myself, as a rejection of the LITERAL truth of all religions, and a rejection of the supernatural as a working hypothesis (i.e. in principle there is nothing that can't be investigated by science). What atheism is NOT, to me, is a rejection of religious feeling as a naturally occurring human phenomenon. That would be like ranting against the symbiotic bacteria in our guts as alien invaders that must be eradicated so we can be "pure." (more)
2b. Atheism is also, to me, NOT a denial of the possibility that religious feeling may contain apprehensions of realities that science will eventually confirm and clarify. But it IS a rejection, approaching absolute certainty, that science will ever confirm the literal truth of any religious dogma. (more)
3. Alan Watts was, for me, the guide to harmonizing empirical truth as I saw it (scientific atheism) with certain "religious" apprehensions I'd always had, but had previously compartmentalized as "just feelings" or "tricks of the mind." BUT -- and this is key -- Watts did NOT invalidate my atheism as described in 1 and 2 above. <b>There is NOTHING in Alan Watts' message that conflicts with atheism as described above.</b> (more)
4. Alan Watts never claimed to be the originator. He didn't create his own spiritual system. He was an INTERPRETER of spiritual systems, primarily Eastern ideas for Westerners (though he also reinterpreted Christian ideas). But what I took away from Watts was that any truths found in religion can be universalized, absorbed without narrow cultural forms. You don't have to reject the cultural baggage -- as beautiful baggage -- but the labels or badges or styles are not essential.
I've never liked the atheist label even when I called myself one. Not because of its stigma but because atheist means virtually nothing. Its like saying: "I know the nonexistent doesnt exist". Not to mention atheistic apologetics will almost always inspire anti-thiesm in oneself. I leave most of my "discussions" with the religiously theistic ready to fight or at least slap someone.
One day we'll never have to identify as atheists again. It will be the most natural position, it will be tacitly understood that unless stated otherwise, one is an atheist. It's just like saying "I'm a non-Spaniard." Exactly, Bob.
I like the perspective of, "non-Spaniard."
Normally we as humans don't define ourselves by what we are NOT. We seem to define ourselves by what we ARE.
And, as an atheist, I do find my honor elsewhere. Giving myself the 'label' of "atheist" is just a symptom, just evidence of that place where I give myself honor.
cifier 2 years ago
Oh look! Another America-hating self-deprecating American that "happens" to be an Atheist.
Entropy56 2 years ago
What's wrong with "Anti acreationist"? As does .I don't know witch is right. But i know i don't believeing god. a Eveloutionist. The thing here is to give God believers nothing. I don't wantto be a member of a group with the same beliefes. They should be choosing their selfs.
retroHC 2 years ago
Good. Yes. I was about to comment about nonbigfootists in a society where bigfoot believers ruled and claimed they had the copyright on morals and rights. But you already knew what you were saying. Badge of resistance and not of honor. Completely agree.
smaakjeks 3 years ago
Just because you talk slow doesn't mean what you're saying is "intelligent". I'm not some preacher saying that you are a fool either. I'm a person with logic that knows with EVERYTHING that is in this world it is obvious that there is a high power.
Are you a believer in the big bang and evolution?
Koreyrad 3 years ago
Excellent points. Mature perspective. Thank you.
Cimbolic 4 years ago
I like the video response,the Bahai Faith likes to use science and reason,so as a Bahai I welcome people who use science and reason,another Bahai principle is Individual Search After Truth!
jrandall1968 4 years ago
Good comment about a badge of resistance, not honor, etc... I agree that if it weren't for the fact fact that something like 80% of the population believes in fairy stories, the label atheist would be useless. But, that's how it is.
Astrosteed 4 years ago
Last 20sec, brilliant.
traog 4 years ago
I had not seen this before, excellent vid.
oldiousnei 4 years ago
wow, you made this back in APRIL!?
good stuff!
RabidApe 4 years ago
Stay tuned for a couple of new vids just as soon as I can record them.
MetaBob 4 years ago
***new vids to you***
MetaBob 4 years ago
Nice crystal skull!
arlopickens 4 years ago
It is probably true that almost all atheists stand for the values of reason and freethought. I will attempt to put these values in more substantial terms. There is the belief that *inquiry* and *doubt* are essential checks against deception, self deception, and error. There is the belief that *logic* and the *scientific method* is the only way the world can arrive at an agreement on the truth about anything.
eternalundylnglove 4 years ago
And there is the belief that *it is better to be good to each other and to build on what we all agree to be true*, than to insist that we all think alike. The words I have put into italics (asterisks) above are the very things I believe all atheists should stand for.
-Richard Cevantis Carrier, Jr.
eternalundylnglove 4 years ago
i have never liked nor have ever grown fond of the term "atheist".
i rarely use it to describe myself and when i do it's always within the context of theists understanding what i am not.
my actions are determined by my beliefs, not my non existent beliefs.
i think rabidape was referring to a strategy for accomplishing our goals in a world run by theists as opposed to holding on to a name for names sake. either way, a rose is a rose.
the rest is just semantics
eternalundylnglove 4 years ago
My great-grandmother was a Spaniard, but she left that identity behind her. I was therefore born a non-Spaniard, but I still hold a soft spot for my Spanish heritage. I'm not agnostispanish by any means, it's just that there are certain things about Spaniards that I simply like.
CousinoMacul 4 years ago
Why not just accept people as diverse and move on, and share your ideas without resistance? If people don't take what you say seriously, what does it matter? Acceptance of differences is more powerful than resistance and takes more control. It's easy to just dismiss everyone who doesn't believe as you do no matter which side your on.
animateclay 4 years ago
In my view atheism is the belief there is no God and nothing more. It is not a badge of anything. It is not non-theism, which applies to those who lack a belief in a God. Non-theists describing themselves as atheists don't make them believers that there is no God, and unless you say that, then to me you aren't an atheist to begin with. Label yourself an atheist if you like, but I realize what you mean by atheist is not what I do.
gklr 4 years ago
I throughly enjoyed this comment. You have a better understand and a better persona then 'TheAmazingAtheist'. I actually like I've learned from you, even though at the sametime it sounded familiar. I've got to give you some kind of honor video.
Nerdofluck 4 years ago
Well said.
Kailoa36 4 years ago
My badge of resistance is 'atheist'. My badge of honour is 'wonderist', hence the username.
wonderist 4 years ago
That gives me more to look at... I like that. I can't remember if I've tried that or not, suddenly I just want to open a small used book store in a really small town and sit there all day.
AsertyDances 4 years ago
As a Canadian, I often have to say, "I'm not American," just to distance myself from their politics. Makes sense.
wonderist 4 years ago
"It's a badge of resistance, not a badge of honor. You have to find your honor somewhere else..." Hmm. Change the word "resistance" to any other descriptive and I think you have something that's true no matter what your label. Do tell, O Metabob, is this the end of one of your future screenplays? ;)
waltherchemnitz 4 years ago
"Change the word "resistance" to any other descriptive and I think you have something that's true no matter what your label." --Not sure what you mean by this.
Re my future screenplays, WHAT screenplays? I'm YouTubing when I should be screenplaying!
MetaBob 4 years ago
In reverse order... Yeah, you have a huge pile of stories, it sounds like this saying is the end of a great story... a moral to the story without a story :-0> and maybe youtubing IS screenplaying. Metabob fiddles while youtube burns.
And what I mean is, you could be anything including atheist, theist, humanist, christian, whatever, and the label by itself brings little or no honor. Temporal honor would and should be something else besides a label.
waltherchemnitz 4 years ago
Ah. Any disagreement on any of that would be quibbling.
OMG! World Peace breaks out!
MetaBob 4 years ago
It's been said before, it's worth repeating. The comment system sucks.
It's not world peace, it's... Youtube peace. It is strange indeed. Would that both Atheists and my evangelical brethren would make an attempt at that. It's not the same as giving in, it's just a matter of respect and humility. Would that I possessed these qualities.
waltherchemnitz 4 years ago
Hey there. I was wondering what became of you!
MetaBob 4 years ago
Damn! I could have sworn you were a Spaniard. I always thought it was a little less than sane to obsess over something that doesn't exist. Are you going to be head of the non-Spaniard movement?
FantasticBabblings 4 years ago
Nope. Too afraid of the Spanish Inquisition.
MetaBob 4 years ago
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
FantasticBabblings 4 years ago
<=^O
MetaBob 4 years ago
Good points M-Bob. That was badasss!
D4Shawn 4 years ago
Thank you. Although I feel more fatasss than badasss.
MetaBob 4 years ago
Well said... although... I have found it difficult to label myself as anything... even things that I should label myself as. Perhaps I should look at that, thanks.
AsertyDances 4 years ago
I think for the majority of "YouTube atheists" use the word <i>atheist</i> as code word for a philosophical naturalist. I would love to say naturalist as a substitute and the world know what that means. However, very few would know.
In this (dare I say) common usage of the word, <i>atheist</i> is a term of honor.
Castaa 4 years ago
I've decided that I'm going to start promoting the term 'natural' as a noun to replace 'bright'. I'm a natural. If you believe in supernatural, you can be a super or a magical or something equally positive. But, myself, I'm a natural.
(Actually, more accurately I'm a physicalist, but that falls under naturalism.)
Bonus: Natural is much easier to explain than bright, and the complementary super is equally easy to explain.
wonderist 4 years ago
Careful, you'll lose the Shakespeare crowd. "Natural" is Elizabethan for "village idiot."
MetaBob 4 years ago
Bob, I enjoyed your Alan Watts video, but have had a hard time sussing out the Atheist-Bob from the Watts-Bob. Essentially, Watts is Zen Buddhist and Taoist. As an Agnostic, I like their systems as Models & Metaphors, Poetry. What similar models do you use? You don't have to invoke Watts, but you seem comfortable with some concepts that hard-line Atheists avoid.
StevenErnest 4 years ago
I will try to distill my three (or four?) key points in this area:
1. Trying to impose a single definition of ANY word or label on all minds everywhere is a lost cause. All concepts are slippery; it sucks perhaps, but there it is. I choose the label atheist rather than agnostic for reasons that seem good to me, just as Richard Dawkins (for slightly different reasons, I think) admits that we must all be technically agnostics but nevertheless champions atheism as a practical stance. (more)
MetaBob 4 years ago
(con't)
2a. I define atheism, for myself, as a rejection of the LITERAL truth of all religions, and a rejection of the supernatural as a working hypothesis (i.e. in principle there is nothing that can't be investigated by science). What atheism is NOT, to me, is a rejection of religious feeling as a naturally occurring human phenomenon. That would be like ranting against the symbiotic bacteria in our guts as alien invaders that must be eradicated so we can be "pure." (more)
MetaBob 4 years ago
(con't)
2b. Atheism is also, to me, NOT a denial of the possibility that religious feeling may contain apprehensions of realities that science will eventually confirm and clarify. But it IS a rejection, approaching absolute certainty, that science will ever confirm the literal truth of any religious dogma. (more)
MetaBob 4 years ago
(con't)
3. Alan Watts was, for me, the guide to harmonizing empirical truth as I saw it (scientific atheism) with certain "religious" apprehensions I'd always had, but had previously compartmentalized as "just feelings" or "tricks of the mind." BUT -- and this is key -- Watts did NOT invalidate my atheism as described in 1 and 2 above. <b>There is NOTHING in Alan Watts' message that conflicts with atheism as described above.</b> (more)
MetaBob 4 years ago
(con't)
4. Alan Watts never claimed to be the originator. He didn't create his own spiritual system. He was an INTERPRETER of spiritual systems, primarily Eastern ideas for Westerners (though he also reinterpreted Christian ideas). But what I took away from Watts was that any truths found in religion can be universalized, absorbed without narrow cultural forms. You don't have to reject the cultural baggage -- as beautiful baggage -- but the labels or badges or styles are not essential.
MetaBob 4 years ago
theres a lot more intellegence on you tube, than on the television at the moment
chootastic 4 years ago
TRUTH!!!!
DamianKarrasAAP 4 years ago
I can never be an Atheist, even thought that there is nothing more that we already know is horrifying for me.
But in the other way i don't have nothing against atheists, au contraire, I love to listen them, to expand knowledge, simple to be better person ;}
JerbatimSerex 4 years ago
5*'s
I've never liked the atheist label even when I called myself one. Not because of its stigma but because atheist means virtually nothing. Its like saying: "I know the nonexistent doesnt exist". Not to mention atheistic apologetics will almost always inspire anti-thiesm in oneself. I leave most of my "discussions" with the religiously theistic ready to fight or at least slap someone.
TheLoadedQuestion 4 years ago
One day we'll never have to identify as atheists again. It will be the most natural position, it will be tacitly understood that unless stated otherwise, one is an atheist. It's just like saying "I'm a non-Spaniard." Exactly, Bob.
clockworkhorrorshow 4 years ago
Very good video, Bob. You make very stellar points. I never like it when people put themselves as and "Atheist" first and foremost.
happyfinesad 4 years ago
"If your an atheist and you value the truth" then you're on the wrong road. thats is what you should of said. Your beliefs are wrong.
Blake4014 4 years ago
No. Yours are. =D
MetaBob 4 years ago
First Comment and first View!
Blake4014 4 years ago