Difference between revisions of "Atheist vs Secular"
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| − | The words '''atheist''' and '''secular''' can be easy to confuse, but they have subtly different meanings. An atheist is one who does not believe in a god | + | The words '''atheist''' and '''secular''' can be easy to confuse, but they have subtly different meanings. An atheist is one who does not believe in a god and therefore an atheist institution is one that openly holds the position that there is no god. [[Richard Dawkins]] is an atheist, and the "Out Campaign" is an atheist institution. |
| − | Someone who is secular, by contrast, does | + | Someone who is secular, by contrast, does rejects religious influences. The influences can be, for example, in their own lives or an institution (like the public school system). |
| − | Atheism is protected by the [[First Amendment]] as freedom of expression | + | Atheism and secularism is protected by the [[First Amendment]] as freedom of expression. |
Note that many but not all secularists are atheists, and vice versa. | Note that many but not all secularists are atheists, and vice versa. | ||
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==Examples== | ==Examples== | ||
*School prayer: If someone chooses not to participate in [[school prayer]], they might be an atheist. If someone outlaws school prayer for all, they are secular. | *School prayer: If someone chooses not to participate in [[school prayer]], they might be an atheist. If someone outlaws school prayer for all, they are secular. | ||
| − | + | *One who disagrees with religious thought is an atheist. One who attempts to suppress it is secular. | |
| − | *One who disagrees with | ||
[[Category:Atheism]] | [[Category:Atheism]] | ||
[[Category:Secularism]] | [[Category:Secularism]] | ||
Revision as of 15:23, April 27, 2010
The words atheist and secular can be easy to confuse, but they have subtly different meanings. An atheist is one who does not believe in a god and therefore an atheist institution is one that openly holds the position that there is no god. Richard Dawkins is an atheist, and the "Out Campaign" is an atheist institution.
Someone who is secular, by contrast, does rejects religious influences. The influences can be, for example, in their own lives or an institution (like the public school system).
Atheism and secularism is protected by the First Amendment as freedom of expression.
Note that many but not all secularists are atheists, and vice versa.
Examples
- School prayer: If someone chooses not to participate in school prayer, they might be an atheist. If someone outlaws school prayer for all, they are secular.
- One who disagrees with religious thought is an atheist. One who attempts to suppress it is secular.