I don't identify as such I have never been able to take religion seriously. I can appreciate the attraction and concede that there is value to it. But it's not for me.
A Birdie with a yellow bill Hopped upon my window sill, Cocked his shining eye and said "Ain't you 'shamed, you sleepy head!" Hal
Give us a brief explanation of how you're using the term, please, Lou. Before I read this list I'd have described myself as at least humanist leaning. Now I'm not so sure. Is strict atheism a requirement? Count me out, then.
Well, even if not using the label 'atheist', whom you describe as Humanists (the capital 'H' needed? ) seem to have that belief system quantified in the list. I'm a little surprised, btw, that such a list even exists. Is 'Humanist' such a formal category then, needing such a requirements list? My own belief system, or lack of one, I've never seen as belonging to any formal, larger group, but just sort of floating out there by its own (and my own) lonesome. While it might be comforting to be part of a group who shares your ideas, I'd never be tempted by such. I don't think its healthy that too many people share my rather futile worldview. I'd rather most people have faith in something greater than themselves, as contradictory as that sounds.
a person who rejects accepted opinions, especially those concerning religious belief. synonyms: nonconformist · individualist · independent · maverick · dissenter · heretic · libertine · agnostic · atheist · nontheist · nonbeliever · unbeliever · disbeliever · sceptic · doubter · doubting Thomas · apostate · humanist · pagan · heathen · infidel · paynim · renegade · nullifidian
Free thinkers don't hate anyone for thinking for themselves, that's what we do. I don't hate anyone for what they believe but am often amazed at some of the things people do believe. Especially when large masses of people believe things that make no sense. I believe most have never really give much thought just believe what they were told.
I am a free thinker, but most of what I hold as true has withstood the rigors of my investigations and tests. I get ideas, I do the research, I do testing. I am constantly amazed at the great stupidity of our species, but I understand that so many simply accept what they're told, even in the face of clear evidence that what they are told is definitely not what exists.