Renaming Atheism to Misotheism

[Felius]

Well, just a basic a idea here. If I understand correctly, in the setting there isn't much room for doubt in the existence of the gods... The term atheism technically refers only to the lack of belief in the existence of god or gods. With that in mind, I'd like to suggest that the term be changed to misotheism ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misotheism ), which is more appropriate for the belief that while the god exists they are not worth worship, or the hatred of the gods.

Yeah, it's doesn't really matter much for the game purposes, it's just that I feel Atheism is wholly inappropriate here, and also might disseminate a wrong concept of what is atheism (I'll not enter on it right now, as it's not the purpose of the topic, but for now, suffice to say that it's does not make any statement other than the lack of belief in the existence of gods)

[Mordraugion]

If taken in context of PlaneShift I think Atheism is understood by most players. Introducing another new word, especially to the non-native english speakers would be confusing and counter-productive.

As for your second point we are only talking about the PlaneShift definition of atheism, any other meaning is irrelevent, we have a varied and multicultural playerbase and we make no differentiation between creeds.

[Garile]

hmm well I'm not so sure the term is really as well understood as you say Mordraugion seeing how often I have seen people who need to be reminded that an atheist doesn't doubt the existance of the gods in Yliakum.

I really do think it is a good idea to change the term or remove it all together.

I agree however that misotheism is not really a good substitute.

[Prolix]

Call them the misbegodden 

certainly misotheism is an entirely uncommon term.

It would be better to call them the Accursed as that is what, in effect, they will be once it starts to matter.

[Illysia]

This is slightly  but I think there should be a nominal option in addition to atheism as some may somewhat worship and be a little deferential but don't go to the temple regularly, however they would never outright disregard the gods like the atheists.

[Hydrolyzer]

'normal' people.

IE; Agnostic?

I believe agnostic would fit well in the planeshift world. Believing in the presence of god/gods, but not subscribing to any particular religion.

[Jotese Erotere]

Whether or not players actually know the word should not be too relevant. I find that playing RPG's extended my vocabulary. A lot of the words used aren't thought in English class so I had to look up a lot of them and I still have to from time to time. Personally I think this is what gives fantasy RPG's its mystical atmosphere. Thus I'd simply say pick the one that fits best and don't worry about whether people know the word. They can always look it up or you can place a short description next to it.

I second Hydrolyzer and think agnostic is a good alternative. It can go either way: theism or atheism.

[player_of_games]

that is not agnosticism Hydrolizer,

religious agnostics neither believe in nor disbelieve god. As such it is a terribly academic and dreary position
and while it may suit individual characters fine in the game or in real life, implementing it as an option is surely
the most boring category you could think of.

Mostly, I have met religious agnosticism in philosophers and scientists unable to subscribe to atheism
because theoretical notions alone do not warrant stronger version of atheism very well or at all.

[this does not contradict Joteses definition of agnosticism which seems to be in line with the above,
but we seem to disagree on whether this is an interesting addition to the positions you could take towards religion]

To add my own two cents, I like Hydrolizer's idea, I would just recommend to choose a different name,
like 'spiritual' position.
As he said, they would not deny the existence of the deities or disbelieve in magic, but they would,
(for a multitude of possible reasons) refuse to submit to any particular deity of the planeshift universe
and thus probably attract suspicion from all of them.  

It would only be for those stubborn enough and willing to go the hard way, just as atheism is now...

[Mordraugion]

A discussion about the Real World definition is a rather academic and pointless exercise, there is no single word that can define the PS word Atheism.

[player_of_games]

well yes, but the in-game terminology is nevertheless borrowed from real life,
and one can disagree whether the in-game concept of what is now called 'atheism'
is best described by that term in-game.

[Nykolai Raskaniov]

If people are so confused about it, then why change one term with another one which is even less common?

However, there has been a lot of fuss over this word until now. If I may offer a suggestion - perhaps adding another option to character creation saying "No religion" might be a bit more appropriate?

[Bguy]

If people are so confused about it, then why change one term with another one which is even less common?

I fully support Misotheism, as it accurately describes this unusual circumstance. Might I remind you that uncommon terms become more common as their use is needed? Plus, I am certain adapting to one word isn't harder to adapting to any fantasy word like Klyros or Enkindukai.

However, there has been a lot of fuss over this word until now. If I may offer a suggestion - perhaps adding another option to character creation saying "No religion" might be a bit more appropriate?

No religion is way too broad as it it could refer to many definitions, such as actual Atheism, Misotheism, or even Universalism.

[Mordraugion]

Not the first time in this forum that semantic nit picking has found atheism, like godmodding, opensource and other ps words they all take a regular bashing without any compulsive and compelling reason to change.

[verden]

Not to mention that misotheism sounds like some kind of a cult based around soup consumption. Atheism is the proper term to use.

[Bguy]

Not to mention that misotheism sounds like some kind of a cult based around soup consumption.

Why? Do you know of any?

Atheism is the proper term to use.

The point is Atheism is NOT the "proper" term, and Misotheism, having the correct definition, would be appropriate to use as a replacement.