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 What are your thoughts on Neil deGrasse Tyson's quote here? (15)

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animedude639(1575) pic



What are your thoughts on Neil deGrasse Tyson's quote here?

"Its odd that the word atheist even exists. I dont play golf. Is there a word for non-golf players? Do non-golf players gather and strategize? Do non-skiers have a word? Do they come together and talk about the fact that they dont ski?"- Niel

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I just wanted to see what others thought of this quote cause it really caught my eye.

The comparisons are silly. Theism has long been the default state of most of the world, it is the majority stance in most nations, even in the modern world. Most theists take their theism extremely seriously, and the idea that someone could not believe in some kind of God is a bit of a culture shock for so many.

Things like skiing and golf just don't have the kind of global thrall and personal importance that theism implies.

Plus, "atheist" is a very old word that was initially used as an insult by theists. As time went on, it earned its place as a legitimate philosophical doctrine.

5 points

+1

Excellent response as always Mucka.

5 points

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Thank you.

1 point

Most theists take their theism extremely seriously, and the idea that someone could not believe in some kind of God is a bit of a culture shock for so many.

That's probably part of what he is talking about. The fact that someone could not believe something you believe is shocking only when it comes to God. Anything else would be normal for you to not agree.

MuckaMcCaw(1970) Clarified
1 point

I don't know about that, I think its pretty darned common actually. Politics being another example. Even things like sports and music can get bogged down by this. Extremists exist in all topics, I believe.

GhostOfNom(166) Disputed
1 point

The comparisons are silly. Theism has long been the default state of most of the world

So what? That doesn't make the comparisons silly. Most people watch TV. Is there a word for non-TV watchers?

Atheism, in its philosophical light, is much more than the lack of belief in a god or gods. Atheism has classes of thought. Atheists can get together and discuss Atheistic things.

1 point

I couldn't have said it better myself. Neil deGrasse Tyson is my idol. I love this quote.

5 points

+1

He made a good point and I commend him for stating that analogy.

5 points

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1 point

Tyson has the brains of a child. He often says objectively false things.