Is it "insulting" to refer to god as "mythical"?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Is saying “God is a myth” different than “god is mythical”? I would think the first is offensive, the second not so much.

Is this a joke?

Not a joke at all. I think they have different meanings. Something can be “mythical”, but still “true”, no?

"Myth" is a noun and "mythical" is an adjective.

Again we enter the realm of some words having multiple meanings. If you say God is mythical, you might be referring in admiration to his "mythical powers" by which you mean his "great powers." But we all know you don't mean that.

But many others would be very right in thinking that what you actually mean is that God is a myth.

Again, don't be deliberately offensive. Context, tone, and good faith matter.

It's perfectly good faith to point out that if the Greek gods are myths, and the Babyloni and and Egyptian gods are myths, then the God in the Bible is equally mythical. I mean, really what's the difference?

Many people still believe in the god of the Bible.

So it's based on the number of believers (since it was shown earlier plenty of people still believe in those pagan gods). What is the number,. exactly, up to where people can call it a myth?

DP. No, it’s based on aggressively confronting people who believe in any faith to tell them their God is a myth.

If you meet someone who believes in Zeus and you tell them their belief is a crock, that’s nasty too.

And the same, I should add, for anybody who confronts an atheist without provocation.

It’s called being a decent human being. You should try it.

I wouldn't go up to someone I know is a true believer (and many of them are quite decent folks) and say your god is a myth. I agree that's just rude.

But some good theological conversations can be had with even with preachers, rabbis, pastors - intelligent people who went to seminary or equivalent and know what they're talking about -- and even occasionally (rarely) someone on the internet like DCUM religion forum - who can explain why there's any reason these ancient stories are deemed myths by the God in the OT isn't. C'mon, they're all creations of humans

I agree these conversations can be really interesting. I'm all for thoughtful, respectful discussions between members of different religions, and between people of faith and atheists.

We're not talking about discussions with your neighbor's priest over a glass of wine at a BBQ, though.

We're talking about DCUM's two atheists who enter threads about religion ("Feeling Disconnected From God") to tell the OP her God is a myth. And who are basically trolls and impersonators, but that's a different topic.

Right, so why do you keep bringing it up? (Don't worry, I won't report you for "hijacking" the thread. ).

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Is saying “God is a myth” different than “god is mythical”? I would think the first is offensive, the second not so much.

Is this a joke?

Not a joke at all. I think they have different meanings. Something can be “mythical”, but still “true”, no?

"Myth" is a noun and "mythical" is an adjective.

Again we enter the realm of some words having multiple meanings. If you say God is mythical, you might be referring in admiration to his "mythical powers" by which you mean his "great powers." But we all know you don't mean that.

But many others would be very right in thinking that what you actually mean is that God is a myth.

Again, don't be deliberately offensive. Context, tone, and good faith matter.

It's perfectly good faith to point out that if the Greek gods are myths, and the Babyloni and and Egyptian gods are myths, then the God in the Bible is equally mythical. I mean, really what's the difference?

Many people still believe in the god of the Bible.

So it's based on the number of believers (since it was shown earlier plenty of people still believe in those pagan gods). What is the number,. exactly, up to where people can call it a myth?

DP. No, it’s based on aggressively confronting people who believe in any faith to tell them their God is a myth.

If you meet someone who believes in Zeus and you tell them their belief is a crock, that’s nasty too.

And the same, I should add, for anybody who confronts an atheist without provocation.

It’s called being a decent human being. You should try it.

I wouldn't go up to someone I know is a true believer (and many of them are quite decent folks) and say your god is a myth. I agree that's just rude.

But some good theological conversations can be had with even with preachers, rabbis, pastors - intelligent people who went to seminary or equivalent and know what they're talking about -- and even occasionally (rarely) someone on the internet like DCUM religion forum - who can explain why there's any reason these ancient stories are deemed myths by the God in the OT isn't. C'mon, they're all creations of humans

I agree these conversations can be really interesting. I'm all for thoughtful, respectful discussions between members of different religions, and between people of faith and atheists.

We're not talking about discussions with your neighbor's priest over a glass of wine at a BBQ, though.

We're talking about DCUM's two atheists who enter threads about religion ("Feeling Disconnected From God") to tell the OP her God is a myth. And who are basically trolls and impersonators, but that's a different topic.

That OP did say she was looking for ways to reconnect with God -- but I don't see why it's improper to tell her there's no "there" there, and her efforts are probably futile and to look elsewhere. But that's a different topic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Atheist editor here. Just for everyone’s information— someone (probably OP) has impersonated me at least twice in the last 48 hours on this thread. I posted to the same reported those posts and all related posts were promptly deleted.

To avoid any confusion and to make OP’s continued sock-puppeting more obvious, this is my last post in the thread. Any further claims to be me will be … wait for it … posts in bad faith. Shocking that OP would behave that way, I know. /s

Busted

[Anonymous]

I'm an atheist, sure, but if Jesus converted water into wine, then props - that's pretty cool
It's probably just a myth though. What's the difference really between "miracles" and "myths." Not too much I don't think.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm an atheist, sure, but if Jesus converted water into wine, then props - that's pretty cool
It's probably just a myth though. What's the difference really between "miracles" and "myths." Not too much I don't think.

Congrats, you're DCUM famous. https://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/2023/07/03/update070323

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an atheist, sure, but if Jesus converted water into wine, then props - that's pretty cool
It's probably just a myth though. What's the difference really between "miracles" and "myths." Not too much I don't think.

Congrats, you're DCUM famous. https://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/2023/07/03/update070323

Your comment, as usual is off topic.
But I do wonder if he's referring to my posts as "boorish"? If so, I will stop posting. I don't wish to be a boor, really
Take care all!

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Is saying “God is a myth” different than “god is mythical”? I would think the first is offensive, the second not so much.

Is this a joke?

Not a joke at all. I think they have different meanings. Something can be “mythical”, but still “true”, no?

"Myth" is a noun and "mythical" is an adjective.

Again we enter the realm of some words having multiple meanings. If you say God is mythical, you might be referring in admiration to his "mythical powers" by which you mean his "great powers." But we all know you don't mean that.

But many others would be very right in thinking that what you actually mean is that God is a myth.

Again, don't be deliberately offensive. Context, tone, and good faith matter.

It's perfectly good faith to point out that if the Greek gods are myths, and the Babyloni and and Egyptian gods are myths, then the God in the Bible is equally mythical. I mean, really what's the difference?

Many people still believe in the god of the Bible.

So it's based on the number of believers (since it was shown earlier plenty of people still believe in those pagan gods). What is the number,. exactly, up to where people can call it a myth?

DP. No, it’s based on aggressively confronting people who believe in any faith to tell them their God is a myth.

If you meet someone who believes in Zeus and you tell them their belief is a crock, that’s nasty too.

And the same, I should add, for anybody who confronts an atheist without provocation.

It’s called being a decent human being. You should try it.

But I have not "met" anyone here, and have no idea what people believe or who is looking. That's a bad metaphor. This is an open forum. Do you know what that means?

Tell us you're hiding behind anonymity without telling us you're hiding behind anonymity.

Seriously? You think good behavior varies with the platform?

Case in point. You atheists whine constantly that DCUM strangers insult atheists (their behavior, not atheism per se, but that's a digression). What makes you think it's fine to do the same to others?

You are being disingenuous and you know the difference. Those complaints are about face-to-face meetings. This is an anonymous forum. I don’t know if you ever have face-to-face meetings or talk to people but it’s very different.

And by the way, if I’m having a discussion with someone about my beliefs, are, I tell them the truth. And yes, it happens and yes, it is occasionally awkward, but it doesn’t bother me anymore than if someone says Episcopalian or Scientologist in return. It’s what it is.

If you get to say what you believe here I get to say what I believe here also. That’s the beginning, middle and end of the discussion.

[Anonymous]

The moderator made some comments about the reasonable value of the OPs initial question

Is there any chance we can get back to that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is saying “God is a myth” different than “god is mythical”? I would think the first is offensive, the second not so much.

Is this a joke?

Not a joke at all. I think they have different meanings. Something can be “mythical”, but still “true”, no?

"Myth" is a noun and "mythical" is an adjective.

Again we enter the realm of some words having multiple meanings. If you say God is mythical, you might be referring in admiration to his "mythical powers" by which you mean his "great powers." But we all know you don't mean that.

But many others would be very right in thinking that what you actually mean is that God is a myth.

Again, don't be deliberately offensive. Context, tone, and good faith matter.

It's perfectly good faith to point out that if the Greek gods are myths, and the Babyloni and and Egyptian gods are myths, then the God in the Bible is equally mythical. I mean, really what's the difference?

Many people still believe in the god of the Bible.

So it's based on the number of believers (since it was shown earlier plenty of people still believe in those pagan gods). What is the number,. exactly, up to where people can call it a myth?

DP. No, it’s based on aggressively confronting people who believe in any faith to tell them their God is a myth.

If you meet someone who believes in Zeus and you tell them their belief is a crock, that’s nasty too.

And the same, I should add, for anybody who confronts an atheist without provocation.

It’s called being a decent human being. You should try it.

But I have not "met" anyone here, and have no idea what people believe or who is looking. That's a bad metaphor. This is an open forum. Do you know what that means?

Tell us you're hiding behind anonymity without telling us you're hiding behind anonymity.

Seriously? You think good behavior varies with the platform?

Case in point. You atheists whine constantly that DCUM strangers insult atheists (their behavior, not atheism per se, but that's a digression). What makes you think it's fine to do the same to others?

You are being disingenuous and you know the difference. Those complaints are about face-to-face meetings. This is an anonymous forum. I don’t know if you ever have face-to-face meetings or talk to people but it’s very different.

And by the way, if I’m having a discussion with someone about my beliefs, are, I tell them the truth. And yes, it happens and yes, it is occasionally awkward, but it doesn’t bother me anymore than if someone says Episcopalian or Scientologist in return. It’s what it is.

If you get to say what you believe here I get to say what I believe here also. That’s the beginning, middle and end of the discussion.

Once again: the discussion is about HOW you say what you believe. Nobody cares what you believe, or when you say it in a thoughtful, respectful way.

You pretending that it's OK to insult people behind the veil of anonymity is probably exactly what the moderator meant when he called you "boorish." He also wrote, "They are as persistent in their proselytization as the most fundamentalist of believers."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The moderator made some comments about the reasonable value of the OPs initial question

Is there any chance we can get back to that?

He never used the word "reasonable" and instead he wrote, "I'm not sure that this is the "gotcha" that the original poster seems to believe it is."

OP is asking about behavior. We've discussed your behavior ad nauseam and even the moderator thinks you're boorish. We're done here.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Religion is based on faith. I can completely respect that. But as Richard Dawkins so astutely said, you don't need faith if you have evidence. Or to put it the other way, if you have any evidence to support your beliefs why would you need "faith."?

This isn't a thread to discuss Richard Dawkins or your atheism. [b]It's a thread about your behavior.

Who are you talking to? What behavior? Be specific please so I know what you are talking about.

Are you a troll? OP asked "Is it 'insulting' to refer to god (sic) as 'mythical'?" That's about behavior.

What's that got to do with me? That question arose on the other thread, and the OP followed up here when someone said to start a new thread. I get it that many people are in fact offended -- but reasonable minds can differ as to whether they should be.

"Should be" was not the question. Many people have offered reasons why they would or wouldn't be offended by someone using the word "myth" to describe their religion or their god (lower case here, because I'm not just referring to the OT/NT God, but any god). These reasons were based on tone and context, respect and good faith, and more. Just because you think people "shouldn't be" offended, or the reasons offered for why people are offended aren't good enough in your estimation doesn't mean people haven't answered the question.

+1. Calling religion a "myth" is offensive to some people. So why do it unless you're deliberately trying to be offensive?

Is evangelizing someone on the street offensive? asking them if they've been saved? Telling people that Jesus Christ is their savior? Asking them where they go to church, with an assumption that they go to church? I think so

Yes, and I think most people do, religious or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The moderator made some comments about the reasonable value of the OPs initial question

Is there any chance we can get back to that?

He never used the word "reasonable" and instead he wrote, "I'm not sure that this is the "gotcha" that the original poster seems to believe it is."

OP is asking about behavior. We've discussed your behavior ad nauseam and even the moderator thinks you're boorish. We're done here.

I hope you mean it when you say you’re done so maybe the grown-ups can get back to the questions that the OP has.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have asked these questions every time someone claims a non-believer is "insulting" and no one replies. Another PP suggested its own thread so here it is:

1. Is it "insulting" to refer to god as "mythical"? Why?

2. Is it insulting to compare a god to another god or mythical being knowing people who believe in one don't believe in the other? Why?

3. Those of you who believe in one god: do you think the other gods are "mythical"? Why?

Thoughtful replies only, please. If you don't like the questions you don't have to respond at all. However all views are welcome as long as they are thoughtful and not trolls or insults.

1. It is not insulting to me, but it reveal your level of knowledge.
2. Not insulting, as Jesus himself told us to seek and we will find him. Seeking the God may take a person various passes, including learning and comparing different religions.
3. No, I never thought about them as mythical. More like you will not find the evidence that they are real God. But the definition of mythical will appropriate if you chose to use it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have asked these questions every time someone claims a non-believer is "insulting" and no one replies. Another PP suggested its own thread so here it is:

1. Is it "insulting" to refer to god as "mythical"? Why?

2. Is it insulting to compare a god to another god or mythical being knowing people who believe in one don't believe in the other? Why?

3. Those of you who believe in one god: do you think the other gods are "mythical"? Why?

Thoughtful replies only, please. If you don't like the questions you don't have to respond at all. However all views are welcome as long as they are thoughtful and not trolls or insults.

1. It is not insulting to me, but it reveal your level of knowledge.
2. Not insulting, as Jesus himself told us to seek and we will find him. Seeking the God may take a person various passes, including learning and comparing different religions.
3. No, I never thought about them as mythical. More like you will not find the evidence that they are real God. But the definition of mythical will appropriate if you chose to use it

So you don't use the word mythical, then, even in an academic style re: Zeus and Odin? I give you credit for consistency.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is saying “God is a myth” different than “god is mythical”? I would think the first is offensive, the second not so much.

Is this a joke?

Not a joke at all. I think they have different meanings. Something can be “mythical”, but still “true”, no?

"Myth" is a noun and "mythical" is an adjective.

Again we enter the realm of some words having multiple meanings. If you say God is mythical, you might be referring in admiration to his "mythical powers" by which you mean his "great powers." But we all know you don't mean that.

But many others would be very right in thinking that what you actually mean is that God is a myth.

Again, don't be deliberately offensive. Context, tone, and good faith matter.

It's perfectly good faith to point out that if the Greek gods are myths, and the Babyloni and and Egyptian gods are myths, then the God in the Bible is equally mythical. I mean, really what's the difference?

Many people still believe in the god of the Bible.

True, we do agree on that - but other than the passage of time, I mean those civilizations are no longer around, there's really no difference

DP: Do you think people studying for a PhD in Theology at Princeton are studying the same thing as people studying for a PhD in Folklore and Mythology at Harvard?