Not Wishy Washy About It!
Claire Read
From: Claire Read
To: editor@positiveatheism.org <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 1998 10:58 AM
Subject: What is Positive Atheism?
GOSH even nothing is being catagorized these days. NO THING = no god. that's easy but now I have to be either wishy washy about it (positive) or rigid (negative) about it. I'm the latter. After seventy years of paying attention and exploring the alternatives I am certain that we, humans did it. we made god ourselves ... clever aren't we.
Theists tell me I'm being rigid in my BELIEF. I tell them it's not a BELIEF. There is no evidence to the contrary and therefore I think it's a FACT. oh what the hay. it's circular isn't it. Have a good day.
:-} Claire Read
Positive Atheism, in the sense of this magazine and website, is not about the negative or positive definition of atheism, it's about what one does with their atheism.
If you were "wishy washy" about it, as you say, that would make you an atheist of the negative variety.
The main reason for even thinking about positive or negative is to discuss whether the "wishy washy" atheist are really atheists, or to exclude them from this definition. The whole discussion is about what the word atheist means.
It is also handy when pointing out to theists that they need to bring their proofs when making claims. If atheism is simply the lack of a god belief, then its the theist who is making the claim. But, then, who wants to discuss religion with a theist, anyway?
I am all for the inclusive definition (let's hang on to the "wishy washy" atheists, too) because we need all the help we can get in trying to keep our hard-earned tax money out of the collection plate and in the public treasury where it belongs.
Cliff Walker
"Positive Atheism" Magazine
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