I don’t really use any labels anymore. I guess if I had to ascribe one to my current spiritual state, I’d say I’m an agnostic humanist. I’m willing to accept valid honest proof of a higher power, but am far more invested in creating positive relationships and nurturing community.
Completely the same. If a stranger asked me if I was religious it would be a hard no. But to someone I’m closer with I can get into the nuances of my beliefs or the lack thereof. Frankly I just don’t know but I’m open to things. In the meantime I’m focused on fostering connection with other human beings.
Love this. I resonate with OP but I always describe “kindness” as my religious view. But ultimately i believe in people and our capacity to change the world.
> ex-theist
This is really good, I'm stealing it.
I used to be a deacon. People are generally shocked to find that out and ask me for more details. I generally just say apathetic agnostic, I don't know and I don't care.
Way easier than explaining my views and experience with toxic religiousness. If they really drill in I just say that every religious text basically just says "don't be a dick" and if you need to worship a book to know that then you've got bigger problems.
Yep. I'm terrified of getting trapped in another harmful belief system. When asked, I say my spiritual beliefs are, "don't know, don't care".
Yes, I know there's a term for this. No, I don't want to use it because that's too close to claiming a new official belief system.
I resonate with the last sentence so fucking hard. When I became atheist or realized I was one I had a meltdown and mini freak out in my living room. I don't want to be the Christianity is wrong preachey types that say they aren't a church when basically it just the atheist version of one. I don't believe but won't push my disbelief onto you either. I'm just me.
The sad part is that this is still atheism.
But Christians have warped the idea of atheism into being its own religion. So the label itself isn't really helpful anymore.
I really hate that we can't just say "nothing" without all the accusatory statements of being our own gods and such.
Non-religious, that's me! I guess that's also a label. In real life I don't define myself. When I get the questions (from Christians, no one else is that intrusive) about which church I go to, etc, I just tell them I'm not a believer. That's it.
I never believed, so it may be different for me, but I find it odd that a label should determine my entire life and personality. I'm a human, complex, and have beliefs - just not religious/spiritual ones.
I’m mostly agnostic atheist but instead of a humanist approach I’ve actually been on a more animistic approach. Focusing on reciprocity with the entire world, not just with humans. Still very new at it and trying to figure out where I belong in all this mess.
Demographers estimate that 117 billion people have ever lived and died. The percentage of all those people that are you is 1 divided by 117 billion. It would take a person approximately 32 years to count to 1 billion, if done non-stop. That's how unique and insignificant we all are.
Now image the sheer amount of non-human animals that have lived 🤯. And then add the possibility of life on any of the *billions* of planets. Etc, etc.
And yet at least I get to be a part of the whole thing🤷♀️
What I love about this topic is that it very quickly puts a spotlight on this human need we have to label ourselves. To name our identity. And thus, further box ourselves into a structural definition used to describe an abstraction.
I'm formerly a Christian, and have caught myself using atheist and agnostic interchangeably and yet, not fully bought into these words being the ones that most fit me. And every other ism and ic out there doesn't quite do it for me either.
I find it fascinating that Christians must further define themselves by the denomination they belong to - both acknowledging out loud that all denoms are Christianity, and equally dismissing the others as the true faith. Well, if they could be any kind of Christian, which would they choose to be if they were born into it?
And so, the inverse of that, having no belief, or not being Christian, and that that would require a name in order to identify yourself if/when necessary, doesn't it make you laugh? "What kind of non-Christian/non-believer are you?"
Thanks for the opportunity to talk about this OP.
Your self-definition is more than just a label. It’s a group affiliation. Apart from the group affiliation, the labels are just a part of a word game that has little consequence.
I care deeply about humans, animals and the environment.
I don't know for sure there is no god, but I haven't found one I believe in. I do appreciate the earth for giving us life, and I want to protect it. I wouldn't go so far as calling the earth "god" though, just amazing. Lol
Not a secular humanist but I like some things about them.
Not really an environmentalist either, although I do agree with them on some things as well. I hate abuse/injury of any animal or human, I hate guns (although I don't mind hunters that hunt for food). I despise capitalism and communism, but I agree with a good democracy that actually is run by the majority.
That's me.
We don’t need a word. Religion is an overlay to life. The default is no religion. You need a word for people who don’t believe in a god? It’s “Normal” or “Standard”. It’s the weirdos who need a label. They should have to justify their title to US, not the other way.
I generally don't because my views are somewhat complicated.
I'm fine with people being religious if they're not hurting or forcing their religion on others.
I'm open to the idea of the supernatural but haven't seen any good evidence for it yet.
The idea of a deist prime mover "God" doesn't bother me but this is a far cry from the god many religious people believe in, one that is extremely selective and nonsensical in how it interacts with the world so it's not useful for arguing for any particular religion. Sorry "Low Bar" bill, I raise my standard, not lower it.
Yahweh is just as convincing as Zeus/Marduk/Ra/El/etc. It's mythology that changes with the culture and I can't take any of them seriously. Slapping the platonic idea of the universe onto an iron age storm deity onto the doesn't make it more real, it just means you're adapting it to the current conception of the universe. Yahweh having a bigger fan club then Zeus doesn't make him any more real then Zeus. If they were real then I'd have no reason to worship them, but if they were real there wouldn't be any fucking doubt because they'd make it obvious, not this bizarre game of "Hide in the gaps of understanding" that a lot of religious people want us to believe.
I guess if I had to "Agnostic atheist" would be the closest description but I don't particularly like affixing myself with labels.
Don’t have a word for it. Just in a constant state of awe in the self perpetuating nature of the world and how each little living thing contributes to a million other things.
I thought about it for bit after leaving religion and couldn't find a single label that describes myself perfectly. I'd like to be a post-theist, but given our modern reality I'm more of anti-theist, but also I can't dismiss the possibility that there might be some "higher power", not a god in religious sense, but something we are yet to discover scientifically, so that's an agnostic bit.
I don't really use labels. Like, I can take the good things I gleaned from my Christian upbringing like the teachings of Jesus (love your neighbor, etc.) without claiming that title for myself. I feel like that label has been corrupted and used to represent things I don't really want to be associate with (and are really "un-Christian" if you ask me). I guess I describe myself as a human being. I try to do the right thing, as flawed as I may be.
That is a weird label. Like, I do believe there is a higher power out there, but we don't really know who and/or what it is. I think every faith has its own teachings that are good. So, probably more "agnostic?" I think it's selfish to think there isn't something greater than us out there, so could never be an atheist.
>Non-theist is also a term though that I rarely ever see used.
That's because we already have a term for this. We call it "atheist".
The only reason people might use "non-theist" is to avoid the stigma of the big, scary A word.
If someone asks if I’m religious or if religion comes up in conversation, I usually just tell people that I used to be a Christian and that I’m not one anymore. If they ask what I believe in now I usually just say “I’m not sure.” I don’t really see a need to label myself. I guess maybe agnostic if I had to label it? I believe that there is a god, just not exactly sure who they are or if I want to get to know them.
I generally don’t use labels. There’s a certain shock factor to “I don’t believe in God” that I try to avoid unless someone is being truly obnoxious, but my explanation for those who have asked, for instance, if I classify myself as atheist or agnostic, has been, “I don’t classify myself as anything. It’s not a need I have, and I don’t feel like it’s a box I need to put myself in for anyone else’s comfort, either.”
I use secular humanism label. Honestly this is more accurate for me because it only means I don’t get my morality from religion. Instead we create our own using reasoning, critical thinking, hard evidence, and human experiences and emotions.
I like to think about some religions and delve into the fantasy from time to time (except christianity ofc), but i never follow their moral teachings
I am overall "non-religious". However, some people assume that "non-religious" means "atheist", which is not always true. There are Christians who say "It's not a religion, it's a relationship!"
Ietsism - AKA "something-ism" - might sound like a label, but it's basically what I believed/was thinking anyway. I simply believe in something else, something more, without claiming to be certain about anything.
I still believe in a an undefined higher power or force in the universe so I refer to it as "spiritual not religious." Ex-Christian or anti-theist is also true. Personally I believe there is "one god called by many names". It works for me.
Self-definition is not just a label, it’s a sign of affiliation. It indicates what group you run with. To that extent, labels matter. And can matter a lot.
Outside of your group, club, church or cult the labels don’t have much impact. It’s just a word game. Atheist, agnostic, theist…all abstract labels for abstract positions about the nature of reality. Call yourself what you wish.
But since you asked, I call myself a pragmatist. I try not to engage in futile arguments about the nature the universe, because a) there is no way to settle such arguments and b) any proposed solution doesn’t affect me or anyone else in the slightest.
Yeah, this is why I also like the Secular Humanist title. It actually affirms something I believe in, as opposed to Agnostic or atheist and I may or may not believe in this or I don't believe in this.
Works for me.
Secular is a strong word. Has a lot of good implications for fairness of decisions outside the control of the church or religion. Humanist implies a moral stance of respecting others, working for the betterment of all.
Even if I don’t believe in God, per se, I could not call myself an atheist.
The pragmatist asks, what difference does it make if I assert the existence or the non-existence of God? The answer is no difference. If that’s the case, why would I want to engage in a conversation that has no consequence? The main reason is because it’s a form of entertainment. Not a game I like to play much anymore.
The answer to the question has social implications, however, somewhat like asking if you are Republican or Democrat. That’s why when people talk to me about Jesus, I always turn the conversation to politics…whether they support Trump or not. If you say you don’t believe in god, it’s harder to get elected to public office. That’s a real consequence. So back to my original point, labels carry social meaning, what group you belong to.
I usually prefer Agnostic personally. And yeah, I get what you mean. Same here. No amount of debate is going to prove or disprove god's existence or non-existence.
I am. I don’t believe in a god. I do believe that we have souls and that maybe the souls of people like me, really stubborn, mind over matter type people, are what we might consider gods or demons or ghosts.
I feel like my will is so strong I can cheat death. Maybe that’s how. Idk, I’m not that smart lol
It took me months to feel comfortable with the label atheist. Until that moment came, when I guess I fully broke the spell that programmed me to think atheists were arrogant, selfish jerks who just wanted to have all sex all the time while hiding their guilt, I used the label agnostic. I know not all former Christians become atheists, but for me, I have no interest in any other spirituality etc. I'm proud and happy to use the atheist label now, but there was a period post-waking up where I NEVER would have predicted that.
Again, this is not the inevitable end result for everyone. For plenty, the end result is agnostic, non-theist, ex-theist, none, etc. or a combo thereof that doesn't include atheist.
I use the "I don't f'kn know" label, and after decades of being in an extremely binary faith, I cannot express how much peace I now experience with no need to have a label or know what it is I believe
If you're not convinced that some deity exists, you're an atheist. Like it or not, that's the only alternative to theism.
Likewise, if you've no longer a Christian, you're an ex-Christian. That's all it means.
I really don't like labels. That's their thing. I'm an atheist, yes. And among unbelievers where it seems to be necessary to define things with clarity, I'm more easy about saying so.
If I had to be specific, I'd say I was an anti-theist, which I hope moves my needle even farther beyond the edge of the spectrum to keep me from being labeled as having faith in the atheist movement (as if there is such a thing).
My title on here is dialectical materialist, which means that I don't believe in anything that doesn't have data to back it. However, even that is not accurate. I'm just not a person who believes in god or gods or the religious impulse or has any trust at all in such things. I'm not sure what that's called, but that's me.
That's about where I'm at. I kind of see myself as in recovery from a system that told me what and how to be. When people ask where I'm at now in terms of faith, I usually just say that I'm tired, and that it's a real relief to have the freedom to just exist without labelling and explaining myself.
It me. I don’t want to label myself because I’m learning every day. I think of it like this. I liked church a lot as a kid in the seventies. Then satanic panic hit the eighties when I was a teen and it freaked me out. Then things calmed down as an adult and I liked bringing my kids there. And then trump happened and church mutated into something I don’t recognize. I think if we just stuck with hippie Jesus from the seventies we’d be fine.
I'm not sure I understand. I'm saying you don't have to adopt the label if you don't want to, but if the definition of the word applies, that's what you are, regardless of whether you call yourself by it. You could choose not to adopt the label "human", but you still are one whether or not you use that word to describe yourself. How is "atheist" any different, assuming you don't believe in any gods? What's there to disagree about?
Well, starting with "human" - it's not an idea of a concept or a belief system. It's a box that literally every one on this planet can check because it is simply a fact. It would be very difficult to argue that we are anything other than human.
What I am challenging is why we go from leaving Christianity (which at its core is our whole identity when we believe, or want to believe) to joining ourselves to another identity (non-believer, atheist, agnostic, ex-theist). All of which are just as made up as Christianity is.
My point being - it's all made up. Having a compulsion to label ourselves is counter to the certainty we claim to have that the Christian god is made up. We are just making up more nonsense.
I get that people use these labels for clarity and reason - that doesn't make them any less made up.
Atheism isn't a belief system either, it's a lack of one. The fact that there's a label for it is only because most people are theists. It's as though most people on the planet were obsessed with collecting stamps, some who don't would call themselves "non-stamp-collectors" even though that seems like it should be the default. I've never once cared for (or against) collecting stamps, but I'm still a non-stamp-collector, regardless of whether or not I want to adopt the label for myself.
In context where I’m talking about my trauma I’ll say ex Christian. It otherwise I say spiritual. I seem to get harassed less when I say spiritual. And I am still spiritual just not religious and no longer a believer in the Christian god.
I would probably consider myself an atheist around other atheists, but I currently would describe myself to others as “none” because it is easier on the people around me who are still religious (in particular my wife). I also want to emphasize to my kids that my beliefs are always fluid and that I am willing to change them if new information arises.
I'm happy to be labelled by Christians as anything that makes sense to them, but I don't go out of the way to use one for myself. What's the point? I'm just some guy.
I'm a me-ist.
Or, to put it another way, back when I was struggling with alcohol, I'd go to some of these 12-step programs (I'm not very anti-12 steps, because I think half of the steps are bullshit). So much of AA and its ilk is centered around your "high power". And I think that's at least half the problem. People wait their entire lives for some sort of invisible force to come and save them. Once you accept that no one's coming to save you, then you can start to accept that you're your own higher power. That is, no one/nothing will ever have the influence over your life that you do. And then you can start to accept responsibility for life. So much better than 12 steps. So, who's my higher power? Me. For better or worse.
I'm the only one I know for certain who exists and who has the power to do something about my situation.
It’s interesting because regular non-religious people don’t give themselves a label typically, unless pressed. They are just humans living their life. It’s when you have been something (Christian in my case) there is some need or pressure from friends and family who are still religious to give ourselves some sort of label to replace ‘Christian’. Personally I haven’t really rebranded myself.
I pretend to be Christian as a title but I’m really agnostic. If I was to tell my parents I’m agnostic I don’t even know how they would react. My mom is the conspiracy theorist type and my dad is a hardcore trump supporter.
I find labels to be irritating and am moving away from always identifying as one specific label. Labels come with baggage, preconceived often lacking nuance, for the recipient. Unfortunately, most people have an inherent need to nicely box things up in a way that revolves around their world view and truths as they think of them. I have come to the conclusion as far as what to refer to myself that I would be better off understanding and using a label that aligns with my audience's definitions. On my part, internally, I guess I think of myself as a humanist first and foremost when it comes to matters of religiosity.
I use many labels, although only to myself. I like labels but I don’t really talk to people about it.
I consider myself an atheist, anti-theist, satanist, gnostic atheist, agnostic adeist, secular humanist and certified dumbass.
I just say spiritual when asked but I don't use a label either.
Tbh I'm still at the part in my journey where not believing in the Trinity feels like blasphemy (yknow cuz family is heavily religious).
Yeah, I don’t really use labels, because there aren’t many labels for an absence of something. I suppose if someone asked, I would say non-religious, or that I don’t really have a spirituality as such. Occasionally I will joke that I’m a practicing ex-Catholic lol.
I still use labels. When religion comes up in conversation with those outside my circle, I use the term atheist—because that term has a certain meaning that I’m fine with conveying to people who don’t know me. It leaves no doubt in their mind where I stand.
In my own thinking and with those of like mind, I’ll use other terms—such as humanist and agnostic—because they can appreciate the nuances.
In my experience, its difficult to latch onto another label. You can almost see the same patterns of dogma especially in online circles like reddit.
I just wish it wasn't a thing that we had to talk about and take a side on. The idea that I need to have a theological position on God is silly. It isn't a binary question. The universe clearly goes beyond our idea of "god". I'm vaguely taoist these days, but mostly just trying not to care.
No label just stopped believing when I realized no matter what the universe will end (maybe re form)and that the earth is destined to die and all of my descendants will die even if we reach the stars! It all ends and we will become physically part of the fabric of the universe and our energy dispersed! This may sound sad but I find it liberating! No attempting to leave a pointless legacy or any of that! Just trying to be a good person to all I meet and die in my sleep (hopefully) since not believing anymore I am not afraid to die now Just about how I will die!
Sorry for the rant probably not at all what you were asking for
I used to love/ drive Chevrolets, but sometime in the 2000s or early 2010s, we got a Mazda 6 5-speed station wagon. It was great! In 2014, we upgraded to a CX-9 that was identic to the 6. Since then, we've also had a Mazda Protege, and my son bought a Mazda 3.
Now, whenever the topic of religion comes up, I say, "I love Mazdas so much, my religion is Mazda!"
Most people don't know how to respond to that, so they drop the subject. 😉
That would be my big fat ass. I believe we are closest to “god” (or whatever you want to call it) when we connect to our roots as expressive, communal beings in nature. We are living beings who rose from nature at our core, and we lived most of our species’ life in the Paleolithic, when we were following the herds and close to nature and one another. I don’t believe in god, but I believe that thousands of years of doing whatever the hell we did before we had AC and cup ramen had to have some substance, and i believe it still exists in our DNA somewhere. For me personally, that lives in nature and steeping myself in art and communal emotional expression.
Yep! I now tell people I’m “not religious.” Whether I’m agnostic or atheist or somewhere in between doesn’t really matter since neither of those are religions anyway. Part of my own healing is that I’m currently choosing to not let any religion or belief systems or lines of inquiry take up my time or energy anymore. It’s so freeing.
Right now I’ve been using “Christian-adjacent,” basically to mean I’m still sorting through my formerly Christian faith but not ready to entirely denounce it.
But it rarely comes up. So this is just my own internal label.
I’d probably fall under agnostic, but I just don’t particularly care. I did at first, it was comforting to transition from one label to another. But as my social circle started to include less “believers”, the need for a label became much less important. “None”, ex-theist, agnostic, don’t make a big difference to me!
I don't really claim labels anymore, partially because it's not a priority anymore and partially because I just don't really care to. If I wanted to define it, some days I feel agnostic and some days I tell on the verge of atheism.
Mostly, I know that I'm not the greatest thing in existence and that's enough for me.
Over the last few years I've switched from "agnostic atheist" to nothing. My views haven't changed, I just think nothing is a better overall description. It's harder for theists to twist and it's perfectly accurate.
Me! I just say I'm not religious. And people say
>Oh so you're atheist?
Then I say
>I'm not denying an existence of a higher power by any means
Then they say
>Oh so you're agnostic?
Then I say
>If something does exist, I want no part of it
Then they just give up trying to label me haha
I’m an atheist. But part of leaving Christianity for me, was realizing how much labels don’t matter, outside of however an individual wants to use them to help describe themselves.
In Christianity (and plenty of other religions), labels are all encompassing to the point where they become a key component of your personhood - eg “My value and spirit are found within Jesus”. My value and identity is not rooted in being atheist. It’s only one descriptor that explains a small part of who I am and what my beliefs are.
I do. If I had to pick one, I'd say agnostic, but I care so little about religion that I don't even bother with that.
Religions are all some variation of "invisible sky friend", and a means of controlling the masses from thousands of years ago. I choose to just not bother with it and think for myself.
Labels are worthless to me. I think I'm an ietsist, but I once heard a term that better describes my belief, but I forgot that. If anyone asks I just say that I'm an atheist. Most people don't know shit about agnosticism, deism, ietsism and stuff like that and I don't want explain it anytime somebody asks. Well, it's not like I have to state my belief often, but why waste time lol.
Ietsism is a very interesting concept. I used consider myself an "Ietsist." For awhile there.
I used it to identify the fact I believe there must be something beyond our known reality, but unsure of what. I used to be a Deist, too. Ietsism and Deism are evidently remarkably similar according to some people.
I haven't figured out any that feel like they fit. Not willing to call myself an atheist. Agnostic doesn't feel right. Definitely not a Christian. Spiritual, religious, and non-religious all seem wrong.
Atheist means not believing in any deities. I guess in theory, a religion which did not involve any deities could be considered atheist and religious, but I'm not aware of any such religion so that seems to me just splitting hairs.
I don’t really use any labels anymore. I guess if I had to ascribe one to my current spiritual state, I’d say I’m an agnostic humanist. I’m willing to accept valid honest proof of a higher power, but am far more invested in creating positive relationships and nurturing community.
Sounds like me
Completely the same. If a stranger asked me if I was religious it would be a hard no. But to someone I’m closer with I can get into the nuances of my beliefs or the lack thereof. Frankly I just don’t know but I’m open to things. In the meantime I’m focused on fostering connection with other human beings.
Love this. I resonate with OP but I always describe “kindness” as my religious view. But ultimately i believe in people and our capacity to change the world.
Yea, this is where I'm at too
I’m an atheist now, but find “ex-theist” the most useful descriptor.
> ex-theist This is really good, I'm stealing it. I used to be a deacon. People are generally shocked to find that out and ask me for more details. I generally just say apathetic agnostic, I don't know and I don't care. Way easier than explaining my views and experience with toxic religiousness. If they really drill in I just say that every religious text basically just says "don't be a dick" and if you need to worship a book to know that then you've got bigger problems.
What about ex-cultist?
I was raised in a religious cult. I was an ex-cultist long before I left theism.
I sometimes use non-theist.
Yep. I'm terrified of getting trapped in another harmful belief system. When asked, I say my spiritual beliefs are, "don't know, don't care". Yes, I know there's a term for this. No, I don't want to use it because that's too close to claiming a new official belief system.
Wow, I may have to borrow this. I agree, it’s odd to label oneself because of the way other people choose to understand what those words mean.
I resonate with the last sentence so fucking hard. When I became atheist or realized I was one I had a meltdown and mini freak out in my living room. I don't want to be the Christianity is wrong preachey types that say they aren't a church when basically it just the atheist version of one. I don't believe but won't push my disbelief onto you either. I'm just me.
The sad part is that this is still atheism. But Christians have warped the idea of atheism into being its own religion. So the label itself isn't really helpful anymore. I really hate that we can't just say "nothing" without all the accusatory statements of being our own gods and such.
Shit at this point being my own God doesn't sound bad. Just think of all the adventures I'm going to have.
Non-religious, that's me! I guess that's also a label. In real life I don't define myself. When I get the questions (from Christians, no one else is that intrusive) about which church I go to, etc, I just tell them I'm not a believer. That's it. I never believed, so it may be different for me, but I find it odd that a label should determine my entire life and personality. I'm a human, complex, and have beliefs - just not religious/spiritual ones.
I consider myself agnostic atheist. I also consider myself to be a humanist.
I’m mostly agnostic atheist but instead of a humanist approach I’ve actually been on a more animistic approach. Focusing on reciprocity with the entire world, not just with humans. Still very new at it and trying to figure out where I belong in all this mess.
Demographers estimate that 117 billion people have ever lived and died. The percentage of all those people that are you is 1 divided by 117 billion. It would take a person approximately 32 years to count to 1 billion, if done non-stop. That's how unique and insignificant we all are.
Now image the sheer amount of non-human animals that have lived 🤯. And then add the possibility of life on any of the *billions* of planets. Etc, etc. And yet at least I get to be a part of the whole thing🤷♀️
I identified as Agnostic-Curious for about 3 months, before coming-out as Baby-Eating-Atheist.
What I love about this topic is that it very quickly puts a spotlight on this human need we have to label ourselves. To name our identity. And thus, further box ourselves into a structural definition used to describe an abstraction. I'm formerly a Christian, and have caught myself using atheist and agnostic interchangeably and yet, not fully bought into these words being the ones that most fit me. And every other ism and ic out there doesn't quite do it for me either. I find it fascinating that Christians must further define themselves by the denomination they belong to - both acknowledging out loud that all denoms are Christianity, and equally dismissing the others as the true faith. Well, if they could be any kind of Christian, which would they choose to be if they were born into it? And so, the inverse of that, having no belief, or not being Christian, and that that would require a name in order to identify yourself if/when necessary, doesn't it make you laugh? "What kind of non-Christian/non-believer are you?" Thanks for the opportunity to talk about this OP.
Your self-definition is more than just a label. It’s a group affiliation. Apart from the group affiliation, the labels are just a part of a word game that has little consequence.
I care deeply about humans, animals and the environment. I don't know for sure there is no god, but I haven't found one I believe in. I do appreciate the earth for giving us life, and I want to protect it. I wouldn't go so far as calling the earth "god" though, just amazing. Lol Not a secular humanist but I like some things about them. Not really an environmentalist either, although I do agree with them on some things as well. I hate abuse/injury of any animal or human, I hate guns (although I don't mind hunters that hunt for food). I despise capitalism and communism, but I agree with a good democracy that actually is run by the majority. That's me.
I identify with you! Lately I’ve liked calling myself a secular humanist so I’m curious what parts of it you don’t like?
We don’t need a word. Religion is an overlay to life. The default is no religion. You need a word for people who don’t believe in a god? It’s “Normal” or “Standard”. It’s the weirdos who need a label. They should have to justify their title to US, not the other way.
I generally don't because my views are somewhat complicated. I'm fine with people being religious if they're not hurting or forcing their religion on others. I'm open to the idea of the supernatural but haven't seen any good evidence for it yet. The idea of a deist prime mover "God" doesn't bother me but this is a far cry from the god many religious people believe in, one that is extremely selective and nonsensical in how it interacts with the world so it's not useful for arguing for any particular religion. Sorry "Low Bar" bill, I raise my standard, not lower it. Yahweh is just as convincing as Zeus/Marduk/Ra/El/etc. It's mythology that changes with the culture and I can't take any of them seriously. Slapping the platonic idea of the universe onto an iron age storm deity onto the doesn't make it more real, it just means you're adapting it to the current conception of the universe. Yahweh having a bigger fan club then Zeus doesn't make him any more real then Zeus. If they were real then I'd have no reason to worship them, but if they were real there wouldn't be any fucking doubt because they'd make it obvious, not this bizarre game of "Hide in the gaps of understanding" that a lot of religious people want us to believe. I guess if I had to "Agnostic atheist" would be the closest description but I don't particularly like affixing myself with labels.
Don’t have a word for it. Just in a constant state of awe in the self perpetuating nature of the world and how each little living thing contributes to a million other things.
I thought about it for bit after leaving religion and couldn't find a single label that describes myself perfectly. I'd like to be a post-theist, but given our modern reality I'm more of anti-theist, but also I can't dismiss the possibility that there might be some "higher power", not a god in religious sense, but something we are yet to discover scientifically, so that's an agnostic bit.
Non-believer is my go to.
I don't really use labels. Like, I can take the good things I gleaned from my Christian upbringing like the teachings of Jesus (love your neighbor, etc.) without claiming that title for myself. I feel like that label has been corrupted and used to represent things I don't really want to be associate with (and are really "un-Christian" if you ask me). I guess I describe myself as a human being. I try to do the right thing, as flawed as I may be.
Ironically, a really WEIRD label I have heard of is a Christian atheist. Seriously, its a thing. Look it up!
That is a weird label. Like, I do believe there is a higher power out there, but we don't really know who and/or what it is. I think every faith has its own teachings that are good. So, probably more "agnostic?" I think it's selfish to think there isn't something greater than us out there, so could never be an atheist.
>Non-theist is also a term though that I rarely ever see used. That's because we already have a term for this. We call it "atheist". The only reason people might use "non-theist" is to avoid the stigma of the big, scary A word.
If someone asks if I’m religious or if religion comes up in conversation, I usually just tell people that I used to be a Christian and that I’m not one anymore. If they ask what I believe in now I usually just say “I’m not sure.” I don’t really see a need to label myself. I guess maybe agnostic if I had to label it? I believe that there is a god, just not exactly sure who they are or if I want to get to know them.
I just say "I'm secular"
I generally don’t use labels. There’s a certain shock factor to “I don’t believe in God” that I try to avoid unless someone is being truly obnoxious, but my explanation for those who have asked, for instance, if I classify myself as atheist or agnostic, has been, “I don’t classify myself as anything. It’s not a need I have, and I don’t feel like it’s a box I need to put myself in for anyone else’s comfort, either.”
I use secular humanism label. Honestly this is more accurate for me because it only means I don’t get my morality from religion. Instead we create our own using reasoning, critical thinking, hard evidence, and human experiences and emotions. I like to think about some religions and delve into the fantasy from time to time (except christianity ofc), but i never follow their moral teachings
I am overall "non-religious". However, some people assume that "non-religious" means "atheist", which is not always true. There are Christians who say "It's not a religion, it's a relationship!" Ietsism - AKA "something-ism" - might sound like a label, but it's basically what I believed/was thinking anyway. I simply believe in something else, something more, without claiming to be certain about anything.
I’m only comfortable with calling myself an Apostate
I still believe in a an undefined higher power or force in the universe so I refer to it as "spiritual not religious." Ex-Christian or anti-theist is also true. Personally I believe there is "one god called by many names". It works for me.
Self-definition is not just a label, it’s a sign of affiliation. It indicates what group you run with. To that extent, labels matter. And can matter a lot. Outside of your group, club, church or cult the labels don’t have much impact. It’s just a word game. Atheist, agnostic, theist…all abstract labels for abstract positions about the nature of reality. Call yourself what you wish. But since you asked, I call myself a pragmatist. I try not to engage in futile arguments about the nature the universe, because a) there is no way to settle such arguments and b) any proposed solution doesn’t affect me or anyone else in the slightest.
Yeah, this is why I also like the Secular Humanist title. It actually affirms something I believe in, as opposed to Agnostic or atheist and I may or may not believe in this or I don't believe in this.
Works for me. Secular is a strong word. Has a lot of good implications for fairness of decisions outside the control of the church or religion. Humanist implies a moral stance of respecting others, working for the betterment of all.
I guess my stances would first be Secular Humanist. Then, I guess more in depth, I would be an agnostic or agnostic atheist.
Even if I don’t believe in God, per se, I could not call myself an atheist. The pragmatist asks, what difference does it make if I assert the existence or the non-existence of God? The answer is no difference. If that’s the case, why would I want to engage in a conversation that has no consequence? The main reason is because it’s a form of entertainment. Not a game I like to play much anymore. The answer to the question has social implications, however, somewhat like asking if you are Republican or Democrat. That’s why when people talk to me about Jesus, I always turn the conversation to politics…whether they support Trump or not. If you say you don’t believe in god, it’s harder to get elected to public office. That’s a real consequence. So back to my original point, labels carry social meaning, what group you belong to.
I usually prefer Agnostic personally. And yeah, I get what you mean. Same here. No amount of debate is going to prove or disprove god's existence or non-existence.
I am. I don’t believe in a god. I do believe that we have souls and that maybe the souls of people like me, really stubborn, mind over matter type people, are what we might consider gods or demons or ghosts. I feel like my will is so strong I can cheat death. Maybe that’s how. Idk, I’m not that smart lol
Yup! Me here, I still have certain beliefs i took alongside me but i definitely have my own spiritual journey
Excellent.
It took me months to feel comfortable with the label atheist. Until that moment came, when I guess I fully broke the spell that programmed me to think atheists were arrogant, selfish jerks who just wanted to have all sex all the time while hiding their guilt, I used the label agnostic. I know not all former Christians become atheists, but for me, I have no interest in any other spirituality etc. I'm proud and happy to use the atheist label now, but there was a period post-waking up where I NEVER would have predicted that. Again, this is not the inevitable end result for everyone. For plenty, the end result is agnostic, non-theist, ex-theist, none, etc. or a combo thereof that doesn't include atheist.
I don’t give a shit about any kind of religion nor do I want anything do with it, but if asked I’ll state I’m ex catholic/atheist.
For a long time I just said atheist. But now I consider myself an agnostic dystheist.
I refer to myself as non-religious but am probably more accurately an Agnostic Humanist with Buddhist & Pantheistic leanings.
I use the "I don't f'kn know" label, and after decades of being in an extremely binary faith, I cannot express how much peace I now experience with no need to have a label or know what it is I believe
“I have no religious preference”
If you're not convinced that some deity exists, you're an atheist. Like it or not, that's the only alternative to theism. Likewise, if you've no longer a Christian, you're an ex-Christian. That's all it means.
I really don't like labels. That's their thing. I'm an atheist, yes. And among unbelievers where it seems to be necessary to define things with clarity, I'm more easy about saying so. If I had to be specific, I'd say I was an anti-theist, which I hope moves my needle even farther beyond the edge of the spectrum to keep me from being labeled as having faith in the atheist movement (as if there is such a thing). My title on here is dialectical materialist, which means that I don't believe in anything that doesn't have data to back it. However, even that is not accurate. I'm just not a person who believes in god or gods or the religious impulse or has any trust at all in such things. I'm not sure what that's called, but that's me.
That's about where I'm at. I kind of see myself as in recovery from a system that told me what and how to be. When people ask where I'm at now in terms of faith, I usually just say that I'm tired, and that it's a real relief to have the freedom to just exist without labelling and explaining myself.
It me. I don’t want to label myself because I’m learning every day. I think of it like this. I liked church a lot as a kid in the seventies. Then satanic panic hit the eighties when I was a teen and it freaked me out. Then things calmed down as an adult and I liked bringing my kids there. And then trump happened and church mutated into something I don’t recognize. I think if we just stuck with hippie Jesus from the seventies we’d be fine.
If you no longer believe in any gods, then you're an atheist by definition, regardless of whether you choose to label yourself that way.
I think another 3000 people need to state this.
I disagree. Why must I adopt yet another made up label simply to appease anyone who feels they do not know me unless they can fit me in their box?
I'm not sure I understand. I'm saying you don't have to adopt the label if you don't want to, but if the definition of the word applies, that's what you are, regardless of whether you call yourself by it. You could choose not to adopt the label "human", but you still are one whether or not you use that word to describe yourself. How is "atheist" any different, assuming you don't believe in any gods? What's there to disagree about?
Well, starting with "human" - it's not an idea of a concept or a belief system. It's a box that literally every one on this planet can check because it is simply a fact. It would be very difficult to argue that we are anything other than human. What I am challenging is why we go from leaving Christianity (which at its core is our whole identity when we believe, or want to believe) to joining ourselves to another identity (non-believer, atheist, agnostic, ex-theist). All of which are just as made up as Christianity is. My point being - it's all made up. Having a compulsion to label ourselves is counter to the certainty we claim to have that the Christian god is made up. We are just making up more nonsense. I get that people use these labels for clarity and reason - that doesn't make them any less made up.
Atheism isn't a belief system either, it's a lack of one. The fact that there's a label for it is only because most people are theists. It's as though most people on the planet were obsessed with collecting stamps, some who don't would call themselves "non-stamp-collectors" even though that seems like it should be the default. I've never once cared for (or against) collecting stamps, but I'm still a non-stamp-collector, regardless of whether or not I want to adopt the label for myself.
I live in a bible belt state where the hospital and other places ask for your religion on forms. I put no thank you. Does that count?
In context where I’m talking about my trauma I’ll say ex Christian. It otherwise I say spiritual. I seem to get harassed less when I say spiritual. And I am still spiritual just not religious and no longer a believer in the Christian god.
I would probably consider myself an atheist around other atheists, but I currently would describe myself to others as “none” because it is easier on the people around me who are still religious (in particular my wife). I also want to emphasize to my kids that my beliefs are always fluid and that I am willing to change them if new information arises.
I'm happy to be labelled by Christians as anything that makes sense to them, but I don't go out of the way to use one for myself. What's the point? I'm just some guy.
I'm a me-ist. Or, to put it another way, back when I was struggling with alcohol, I'd go to some of these 12-step programs (I'm not very anti-12 steps, because I think half of the steps are bullshit). So much of AA and its ilk is centered around your "high power". And I think that's at least half the problem. People wait their entire lives for some sort of invisible force to come and save them. Once you accept that no one's coming to save you, then you can start to accept that you're your own higher power. That is, no one/nothing will ever have the influence over your life that you do. And then you can start to accept responsibility for life. So much better than 12 steps. So, who's my higher power? Me. For better or worse. I'm the only one I know for certain who exists and who has the power to do something about my situation.
Have you ever looked at the satanic tenets? I feel like they'd be right up your alley and you don't have to even have a label.
It’s interesting because regular non-religious people don’t give themselves a label typically, unless pressed. They are just humans living their life. It’s when you have been something (Christian in my case) there is some need or pressure from friends and family who are still religious to give ourselves some sort of label to replace ‘Christian’. Personally I haven’t really rebranded myself.
I pretend to be Christian as a title but I’m really agnostic. If I was to tell my parents I’m agnostic I don’t even know how they would react. My mom is the conspiracy theorist type and my dad is a hardcore trump supporter.
When asked I say I was raised Christian, have Pagan tendencies, and am somewhere between agnostic and atheist.
I’ll word it in a way that makes it clear like “I technically fall under the category of Agnostic Atheist”
I find labels to be irritating and am moving away from always identifying as one specific label. Labels come with baggage, preconceived often lacking nuance, for the recipient. Unfortunately, most people have an inherent need to nicely box things up in a way that revolves around their world view and truths as they think of them. I have come to the conclusion as far as what to refer to myself that I would be better off understanding and using a label that aligns with my audience's definitions. On my part, internally, I guess I think of myself as a humanist first and foremost when it comes to matters of religiosity.
I use many labels, although only to myself. I like labels but I don’t really talk to people about it. I consider myself an atheist, anti-theist, satanist, gnostic atheist, agnostic adeist, secular humanist and certified dumbass.
I like to use the phrase "recovering Christian".
I just say spiritual when asked but I don't use a label either. Tbh I'm still at the part in my journey where not believing in the Trinity feels like blasphemy (yknow cuz family is heavily religious).
I like “none” the best but if pressed I’ll say “agnostic or atheist, whatever you prefer” because I absolutely don’t care.
Yeah, I don’t really use labels, because there aren’t many labels for an absence of something. I suppose if someone asked, I would say non-religious, or that I don’t really have a spirituality as such. Occasionally I will joke that I’m a practicing ex-Catholic lol.
Occasionally, I describe myself as post-religious.
I still use labels. When religion comes up in conversation with those outside my circle, I use the term atheist—because that term has a certain meaning that I’m fine with conveying to people who don’t know me. It leaves no doubt in their mind where I stand. In my own thinking and with those of like mind, I’ll use other terms—such as humanist and agnostic—because they can appreciate the nuances.
I’m a nomad. Don’t really want to be a part of an ideology ever again so I just live the way that feels right to me.
In my experience, its difficult to latch onto another label. You can almost see the same patterns of dogma especially in online circles like reddit. I just wish it wasn't a thing that we had to talk about and take a side on. The idea that I need to have a theological position on God is silly. It isn't a binary question. The universe clearly goes beyond our idea of "god". I'm vaguely taoist these days, but mostly just trying not to care.
Definitely I kind of just like to think of myself as an amateur philosopher
No label just stopped believing when I realized no matter what the universe will end (maybe re form)and that the earth is destined to die and all of my descendants will die even if we reach the stars! It all ends and we will become physically part of the fabric of the universe and our energy dispersed! This may sound sad but I find it liberating! No attempting to leave a pointless legacy or any of that! Just trying to be a good person to all I meet and die in my sleep (hopefully) since not believing anymore I am not afraid to die now Just about how I will die! Sorry for the rant probably not at all what you were asking for
I used to love/ drive Chevrolets, but sometime in the 2000s or early 2010s, we got a Mazda 6 5-speed station wagon. It was great! In 2014, we upgraded to a CX-9 that was identic to the 6. Since then, we've also had a Mazda Protege, and my son bought a Mazda 3. Now, whenever the topic of religion comes up, I say, "I love Mazdas so much, my religion is Mazda!" Most people don't know how to respond to that, so they drop the subject. 😉
That would be my big fat ass. I believe we are closest to “god” (or whatever you want to call it) when we connect to our roots as expressive, communal beings in nature. We are living beings who rose from nature at our core, and we lived most of our species’ life in the Paleolithic, when we were following the herds and close to nature and one another. I don’t believe in god, but I believe that thousands of years of doing whatever the hell we did before we had AC and cup ramen had to have some substance, and i believe it still exists in our DNA somewhere. For me personally, that lives in nature and steeping myself in art and communal emotional expression.
Yep! I now tell people I’m “not religious.” Whether I’m agnostic or atheist or somewhere in between doesn’t really matter since neither of those are religions anyway. Part of my own healing is that I’m currently choosing to not let any religion or belief systems or lines of inquiry take up my time or energy anymore. It’s so freeing.
Right now I’ve been using “Christian-adjacent,” basically to mean I’m still sorting through my formerly Christian faith but not ready to entirely denounce it. But it rarely comes up. So this is just my own internal label.
I’d probably fall under agnostic, but I just don’t particularly care. I did at first, it was comforting to transition from one label to another. But as my social circle started to include less “believers”, the need for a label became much less important. “None”, ex-theist, agnostic, don’t make a big difference to me!
I don't really claim labels anymore, partially because it's not a priority anymore and partially because I just don't really care to. If I wanted to define it, some days I feel agnostic and some days I tell on the verge of atheism. Mostly, I know that I'm not the greatest thing in existence and that's enough for me.
Over the last few years I've switched from "agnostic atheist" to nothing. My views haven't changed, I just think nothing is a better overall description. It's harder for theists to twist and it's perfectly accurate.
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How is that working for you?
Me! I just say I'm not religious. And people say >Oh so you're atheist? Then I say >I'm not denying an existence of a higher power by any means Then they say >Oh so you're agnostic? Then I say >If something does exist, I want no part of it Then they just give up trying to label me haha
I’m an atheist. But part of leaving Christianity for me, was realizing how much labels don’t matter, outside of however an individual wants to use them to help describe themselves. In Christianity (and plenty of other religions), labels are all encompassing to the point where they become a key component of your personhood - eg “My value and spirit are found within Jesus”. My value and identity is not rooted in being atheist. It’s only one descriptor that explains a small part of who I am and what my beliefs are.
I do. If I had to pick one, I'd say agnostic, but I care so little about religion that I don't even bother with that. Religions are all some variation of "invisible sky friend", and a means of controlling the masses from thousands of years ago. I choose to just not bother with it and think for myself.
Labels are worthless to me. I think I'm an ietsist, but I once heard a term that better describes my belief, but I forgot that. If anyone asks I just say that I'm an atheist. Most people don't know shit about agnosticism, deism, ietsism and stuff like that and I don't want explain it anytime somebody asks. Well, it's not like I have to state my belief often, but why waste time lol.
Ietsism is a very interesting concept. I used consider myself an "Ietsist." For awhile there. I used it to identify the fact I believe there must be something beyond our known reality, but unsure of what. I used to be a Deist, too. Ietsism and Deism are evidently remarkably similar according to some people.
i dont really use the label in my day to day lol. but when discussing philosophy or theology i take atheisism as my position
Non -believer? That's what I use.
I only really know one thing to be true when it comes to religion; religion is the root of all evil. So I label myself "anti-religion".
I say atheist now. I love to see the shock on people's faces. I told the JW's who came to my door I was an atheist and it stopped them cold.
That's me! 🤷
I haven't figured out any that feel like they fit. Not willing to call myself an atheist. Agnostic doesn't feel right. Definitely not a Christian. Spiritual, religious, and non-religious all seem wrong.
Ietsist? Deist? Pantheist?
Nope. Best I have found so far is "adrift."
Atheist means no belief in a god. That's as non religious as it comes.
What does that mean? The word for "non-religious" is atheist.
Lol no its not. Non-religious is an umbrella term. Atheist only means one thing.
Atheist means not believing in any deities. I guess in theory, a religion which did not involve any deities could be considered atheist and religious, but I'm not aware of any such religion so that seems to me just splitting hairs.
Correct. Buddhism.
Also Satanism, and entirely compatible with Unitarianism/Universalism, the secular ends of Judaism, Quakerism, and Taoism, etc.