Lariat Letter: I’m not atheist, I’m nonreligious. And I’m a Baylor student.

[rug]

By Eileen Eichenauer
Pineville, La., freshman
International Studies major

October 29, 2014
23:03

I am from a little city in the heart of Louisiana that is dominated by Baptists and Pentecostals. I was baptized Episcopal and attended church for years.

I decided to leave the church when I was 12.

I have never gone back.

When people ask me about my religious affiliation, I say I am nonreligious. I despise the word “atheist”, but that is a personal preference.

http://baylorlariat.com/2014/10/29/lariat-letter-im-not-atheist-im-nonreligious-and-im-a-baylor-student/

Baylor describes itself as a Christian university founded by Baptists in 1844. It has an unrecognized, unofficial student group for atheists and agnostics. http://godlessatbaylor.wordpress.com/

[Gothmog]

1. Good letter

[Goblinmonger]

2. She doesn't like the word atheist

because it was used against her as an attack.

I think that is something that a lot of people could gain from learning here on DU as well as in the world.

[cbayer]

3. There are many reasons that some people don't like the label atheist

and her experience is clearly not at all uncommon.

I don't think anyone here on DU would deny that. I think what they would deny is that her experience happens here.

[MineralMan]

4. There is a difference between being nonreligious and

being an atheist. The two things are not the same. She is what she says she is, as are we all. She is nonreligious. I am an atheist. She's as welcome to her characterization of herself as I should be in my characterization of myself.

We are what we declare ourselves to be, pretty much.

[Fumesucker]

5. I don't think everyone on DU would say that

Else there would have been no impetus for a protected group for atheists, one of the busier groups by DU "off the main page" standards.

[cbayer]

7. Having a protected group does not necessarily mean that the group needs protection.

Sometimes it just means that someone wants to have a clubhouse where they make the rules. It can also mean that they can have a playhouse where they can attack other members with impunity.

Busy doesn't mean much, imo.

[AtheistCrusader]

6. "I despise the word “atheist”, but that is a personal preference."

Well that's just peachy.