I think it all boils down to a matter of personal conscience. Regardless of whether an individual chooses to identify himself or herself as a beleiver in a given religious faith, an agnostic, or an atheist, my approach is to accept that person at their word. Who am I to tell someone else how they should identify their faith and/or ideological beliefs?
I agree with Gringo. None us can know conclusively whether there is a god, or goddess or a pantheon of creators, etc. And whatever the current understanding of anyone, it does not preclude the person in question from possessing qualities of warmth, concern, caring, and respect for other people.
One of the kindest most caring people I know is a gentleman in my congregation who defines himself as an athiest. He is more than happy to explain his understandings to anyone who wishes to know, but I have never seen him insist others had to see things his way. I would much rather have him watching my back in a pinch than someone who thinks they have all the answers and everybody else in the world is wrong. |