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

[Anonymous]

Although several posters have said this phrase is insulting, they really don't say why.
Some have asserted, on their behalf apparently, that the word "mythical" means "false," and therefore it challenges their most cherished beliefs.
Fair enough.
But the only alternative could be God is actually real, and that's the most fundamental question in theology dating back to Aristotle.
Maybe that's really what the thread is about: Why do you believe God is not myth? No one has ever been able to prove otherwise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Although several posters have said this phrase is insulting, they really don't say why.
Some have asserted, on their behalf apparently, that the word "mythical" means "false," and therefore it challenges their most cherished beliefs.
Fair enough.
But the only alternative could be God is actually real, and that's the most fundamental question in theology dating back to Aristotle.
Maybe that's really what the thread is about: Why do you believe God is not myth? No one has ever been able to prove otherwise.

There is more than one definition. This is the one relevant to this thread:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myth
myth noun ˈmith
1a
: a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Although several posters have said this phrase is insulting, they really don't say why.
Some have asserted, on their behalf apparently, that the word "mythical" means "false," and therefore it challenges their most cherished beliefs.
Fair enough.
But the only alternative could be God is actually real, and that's the most fundamental question in theology dating back to Aristotle.
Maybe that's really what the thread is about: Why do you believe God is not myth? No one has ever been able to prove otherwise.

There is more than one definition. This is the one relevant to this thread:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myth
myth noun ˈmith
1a
: a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon

^ yes, that would seem to be a fairly neutral use of the word. No reason for it to give offense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Atheist here. I think it's insulting to refer to a god (any god) that someone believes in as a myth when talking to that person.

What about in a forum like this when you are talking to virtually everyone?

hmm that is when it gets a little hairy. I dont think so b/c take the sentiment above- that some people believe that there were other spiritual beings "demons" or what have you that were worshipped inappropriately. As a Muslim person- I kind of sigh and say no, no that is not true. There are no demons, no angels rebelled against heaven etc etc. In one way it is "offensive" to the one- ness of God which is important to me but in public fora where people are discussing religion and belief and different systems it isn't appropriate to get offended b/c no offense is meant. I dont refer to the stories in the Old and New Testament as myth but I do refer to hindu cosmology as myth but that is also b/c I am following the lead of followers of said religions. if a buddhist person referred to western myths about Abraham and his progeny, I wouldn't be offended b/c to that person that is what they are even though I find them to be sacred truths. I actually believe there was a fire of flame that Abram pubs was thrown in and that they felt cold to his touch and did not hurt him but I also accept that many people would find that impossible and a myth. You cannot have a healthy discussion if you are ascribing ill intent and becoming offended since you are already aware that the person you are speaking with has different belief systems than you do and even atheist have a belief system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Atheist here. I think it's insulting to refer to a god (any god) that someone believes in as a myth when talking to that person.

What about in a forum like this when you are talking to virtually everyone?

hmm that is when it gets a little hairy. I dont think so b/c take the sentiment above- that some people believe that there were other spiritual beings "demons" or what have you that were worshipped inappropriately. As a Muslim person- I kind of sigh and say no, no that is not true. There are no demons, no angels rebelled against heaven etc etc. In one way it is "offensive" to the one- ness of God which is important to me but in public fora where people are discussing religion and belief and different systems it isn't appropriate to get offended b/c no offense is meant. I dont refer to the stories in the Old and New Testament as myth but I do refer to hindu cosmology as myth but that is also b/c I am following the lead of followers of said religions. if a buddhist person referred to western myths about Abraham and his progeny, I wouldn't be offended b/c to that person that is what they are even though I find them to be sacred truths. I actually believe there was a fire of flame that Abram pubs was thrown in and that they felt cold to his touch and did not hurt him but I also accept that many people would find that impossible and a myth. You cannot have a healthy discussion if you are ascribing ill intent and becoming offended since you are already aware that the person you are speaking with has different belief systems than you do and even atheist have a belief system.

Muslims have djinn though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Although several posters have said this phrase is insulting, they really don't say why.
Some have asserted, on their behalf apparently, that the word "mythical" means "false," and therefore it challenges their most cherished beliefs.
Fair enough.
But the only alternative could be God is actually real, and that's the most fundamental question in theology dating back to Aristotle.
Maybe that's really what the thread is about: Why do you believe God is not myth? No one has ever been able to prove otherwise.

There is more than one definition. This is the one relevant to this thread:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myth
myth noun ˈmith
1a
: a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon

Given some atheists have openly admitted to using "myth" pejoratively, you look a little silly (some would say dishonest) cherry-picking a lone positive definition. When you googled "myth" did you just skip over the first set of definitions that comes up?

noun: myth; plural noun: myths
1. a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.
2. a widely held but false belief or idea.
"he wants to dispel the myth that sea kayaking is too risky or too strenuous"
Similar:
misconception
fallacy
mistaken belief
false notion
misbelief
old wives' tale
fairy story
fairy tale
fiction
fantasy
delusion
figment of the imagination
invention
fabrication
falsehood
untruth
lie
trumped-up story
fake news
alternative fact
story
tall story
tall tale
fib
cock and bull story
kidology
a misrepresentation of the truth.
"attacking the party's irresponsible myths about privatization"
Similar:
misconception
fallacy
mistaken belief
false notion
misbelief
old wives' tale
fairy story
fairy tale
fiction
fantasy
delusion
figment of the imagination
invention
fabrication
falsehood
untruth
lie
trumped-up story
fake news
alternative fact
story
tall story
tall tale
fib
cock and bull story
kidology
a fictitious or imaginary person or thing.
"nobody had ever heard of Simon's mysterious friend—Anna said he was a myth"
an exaggerated or idealized conception of a person or thing.
"the book is a scholarly study of the Churchill myth"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Although several posters have said this phrase is insulting, they really don't say why.
Some have asserted, on their behalf apparently, that the word "mythical" means "false," and therefore it challenges their most cherished beliefs.
Fair enough.
But the only alternative could be God is actually real, and that's the most fundamental question in theology dating back to Aristotle.
Maybe that's really what the thread is about: Why do you believe God is not myth? No one has ever been able to prove otherwise.

There is more than one definition. This is the one relevant to this thread:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myth
myth noun ˈmith
1a
: a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon

^ yes, that would seem to be a fairly neutral use of the word. No reason for it to give offense.

Some of you have admitted you want to give offense--that's what the Website Feedback thread is all about. But sure, no reason for anybody to take offense.

None of your mushy rationales or cherry-picked definitions matter, though. The moderator has spoken, and he thinks you atheists have no business deciding whether something is offensive.

From now on I'll just report your offensive posts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Although several posters have said this phrase is insulting, they really don't say why.
Some have asserted, on their behalf apparently, that the word "mythical" means "false," and therefore it challenges their most cherished beliefs.
Fair enough.
But the only alternative could be God is actually real, and that's the most fundamental question in theology dating back to Aristotle.
Maybe that's really what the thread is about: Why do you believe God is not myth? No one has ever been able to prove otherwise.

There is more than one definition. This is the one relevant to this thread:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myth
myth noun ˈmith
1a
: a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon

Given some atheists have openly admitted to using "myth" pejoratively, you look a little silly (some would say dishonest) cherry-picking a lone positive definition. When you googled "myth" did you just skip over the first set of definitions that comes up?

noun: myth; plural noun: myths
1. a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.
2. a widely held but false belief or idea.
"he wants to dispel the myth that sea kayaking is too risky or too strenuous"

OK. I will rephrase. This is the only definition that *I* have used when discussing modern and ancient myths/mythologies.
myth noun ˈmith
1a
: a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon

Timestamps for the posters "who openly admitted to using "myth" pejoratively". Perhaps you are (intentionally) misinterpreting their words.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Although several posters have said this phrase is insulting, they really don't say why.
Some have asserted, on their behalf apparently, that the word "mythical" means "false," and therefore it challenges their most cherished beliefs.
Fair enough.
But the only alternative could be God is actually real, and that's the most fundamental question in theology dating back to Aristotle.
Maybe that's really what the thread is about: Why do you believe God is not myth? No one has ever been able to prove otherwise.

There is more than one definition. This is the one relevant to this thread:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myth
myth noun ˈmith
1a
: a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon

^ yes, that would seem to be a fairly neutral use of the word. No reason for it to give offense.

Some of you have admitted you want to give offense--that's what the Website Feedback thread is all about. But sure, no reason for anybody to take offense.

None of your mushy rationales or cherry-picked definitions matter, though. The moderator has spoken, and he thinks you atheists have no business deciding whether something is offensive.

From now on I'll just report your offensive posts.

What do you consider "offensive"? Posting a link to a book by a biblical scholar?

Seems like you're trying to be offended.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Although several posters have said this phrase is insulting, they really don't say why.
Some have asserted, on their behalf apparently, that the word "mythical" means "false," and therefore it challenges their most cherished beliefs.
Fair enough.
But the only alternative could be God is actually real, and that's the most fundamental question in theology dating back to Aristotle.
Maybe that's really what the thread is about: Why do you believe God is not myth? No one has ever been able to prove otherwise.

There is more than one definition. This is the one relevant to this thread:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myth
myth noun ˈmith
1a
: a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon

^ yes, that would seem to be a fairly neutral use of the word. No reason for it to give offense.

Some of you have admitted you want to give offense--that's what the Website Feedback thread is all about. But sure, no reason for anybody to take offense.

None of your mushy rationales or cherry-picked definitions matter, though. The moderator has spoken, and he thinks you atheists have no business deciding whether something is offensive.

From now on I'll just report your offensive posts.

Too fragile IMHO

[Anonymous]

Silencing people you disagree with - that has brought us "cancel culture" and is very distasteful and dangerous.

And yes, I think people who I disagree with - to the point where I find their positions offensive - should be extended the right to post. There are many posts here I find offensive, in this forum, and in the politics forum, and others. Even the college forum!

There are many ad hominem posts that are personally insulting, name calling "idiot", "moron", "can you read" etc... I don't report those.

Why not just ignore things you don't like? "Turn the other cheek" so to speak? This also will decrease the battling and incendiary responses. I can't imagine that is a result you would not prefer. I know I would.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Silencing people you disagree with - that has brought us "cancel culture" and is very distasteful and dangerous.

And yes, I think people who I disagree with - to the point where I find their positions offensive - should be extended the right to post. There are many posts here I find offensive, in this forum, and in the politics forum, and others. Even the college forum!

There are many ad hominem posts that are personally insulting, name calling "idiot", "moron", "can you read" etc... I don't report those.

Why not just ignore things you don't like? "Turn the other cheek" so to speak? This also will decrease the battling and incendiary responses. I can't imagine that is a result you would not prefer. I know I would.

Claiming this is cancel culture is distasteful and sort of victim-ish.

Address people with respect. Don't insult them. In other words, people aren't trying to cancel you, instead they're trying to get you to act like a mature adult.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Silencing people you disagree with - that has brought us "cancel culture" and is very distasteful and dangerous.

And yes, I think people who I disagree with - to the point where I find their positions offensive - should be extended the right to post. There are many posts here I find offensive, in this forum, and in the politics forum, and others. Even the college forum!

There are many ad hominem posts that are personally insulting, name calling "idiot", "moron", "can you read" etc... I don't report those.

Why not just ignore things you don't like? "Turn the other cheek" so to speak? This also will decrease the battling and incendiary responses. I can't imagine that is a result you would not prefer. I know I would.

Claiming this is cancel culture is distasteful and sort of victim-ish.

Address people with respect. Don't insult them. In other words, people aren't trying to cancel you, instead they're trying to get you to act like a mature adult.

I understand you find calling it "cancel culture" is distasteful. I agree it is a distasteful thing. And it is my sincere opinion that your constant threat of reporting posts is designed to do exactly that.

If you find it distasteful, maybe don't do it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Silencing people you disagree with - that has brought us "cancel culture" and is very distasteful and dangerous.

And yes, I think people who I disagree with - to the point where I find their positions offensive - should be extended the right to post. There are many posts here I find offensive, in this forum, and in the politics forum, and others. Even the college forum!

There are many ad hominem posts that are personally insulting, name calling "idiot", "moron", "can you read" etc... I don't report those.

Why not just ignore things you don't like? "Turn the other cheek" so to speak? This also will decrease the battling and incendiary responses. I can't imagine that is a result you would not prefer. I know I would.

Claiming this is cancel culture is distasteful and sort of victim-ish.

Address people with respect. Don't insult them. In other words, people aren't trying to cancel you, instead they're trying to get you to act like a mature adult.

Start at home, dear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Silencing people you disagree with - that has brought us "cancel culture" and is very distasteful and dangerous.

And yes, I think people who I disagree with - to the point where I find their positions offensive - should be extended the right to post. There are many posts here I find offensive, in this forum, and in the politics forum, and others. Even the college forum!

There are many ad hominem posts that are personally insulting, name calling "idiot", "moron", "can you read" etc... I don't report those.

Why not just ignore things you don't like? "Turn the other cheek" so to speak? This also will decrease the battling and incendiary responses. I can't imagine that is a result you would not prefer. I know I would.

Claiming this is cancel culture is distasteful and sort of victim-ish.

Address people with respect. Don't insult them. In other words, people aren't trying to cancel you, instead they're trying to get you to act like a mature adult.

I understand you find calling it "cancel culture" is distasteful. I agree it is a distasteful thing. And it is my sincere opinion that your constant threat of reporting posts is designed to do exactly that.

If you find it distasteful, maybe don't do it?

whooooosssshhhhhh... the sound of the point going over your head