A skeptic is a thinker, not a blind believer, but you already know that.
I laugh when ‘they’ use the word -or the term- to characterize someone who happens to have a different opinion, or point of view from them. It’s obvious, that is the whole purpose of this, isn’t it? Seize the definition, and then prove it wrong.
It’s wonderful to be a Skeptic, but who isn’t? Unfortunately, far too many, who farm out and subcontract others to do their thinking for them. But fortunately, we still have the right to think whatever we want, whatever we like, whatever we wish, the most wonderful nonsense, the most brilliant ideas.
We need to continue to fight for the right to be skeptics. So, dear journalists and assorted religious nuts, you’d better use some other words. Like “controversialist,” “dissenter,” “arguer,” “questioner,” etc.
Freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of religion – including freedom FROM religion, freedom of action – as long as it harms no-one else. As Braveheart, William Wallace, said, FREEDOM. I am not skeptical about that.
Just be careful not to topple over the edge to Cynic. I’ve seen some militant Atheists – actually anti-Theists – interviewed, and asked, “If you were presented with proof of the Christian God, would you believe?” And they answer, “NO!” That is just foolish, rebellious cynicism. Believe what you want, but have a good reason for it.
Archon's Den 