| | Seems like someone plucked one of D'Souza's hairs, and he responded by screaming bloody murder. This was bound to happen, and not just because D'Souza is a theist.
It all started when the Brights movement chose their name. Of course, they all knew that it was a reference to the Enlightenment. But as an outreach movement, the name utterly betrays them.
Try this. Tell an acquaintance you don't know too well that, "I'm an Objectivist." They're likely to say something like, "Huh? What does that mean?" You've piqued their interest. Okay, good.
Now try this. Instead, say, "I'm an atheist." The reaction? Most likely, apprehension or disgust, perhaps even pity. This was the attitude that the Brights were trying to fight. I'm speculating on what people's real reactions would be. But based on experience, this isn't too far off.
Now imagine what people would say if you said, "I'm a Bright." I'll bet it won't be long before they say, "That's an arrogant presupposition, isn't it? That you're brighter than everyone else?" That's not what it means. But that isn't what comes into the active parts of their minds.
Some people may never be persuaded to accept or even tolerate a secular worldview, even one that's fundamentally true. But if you want to persuade, saying you're a "Bright" won't get your foot into many people's doors.
I should add that most religious groups don't have this problem. You can't pick on Catholicism or Judaism because of their names. Maybe you could pick on Jehovah's Witnesses for that reason!
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