What do we call ourselves? Atheist, Agnostic, Nontheist, Freethinker? What do we want other people to call us? This question has inspired endless discussion, sometimes civil and sometimes downright cantankerous.

The sad fact is, our well-meaning friends have painted themselves-and us-into a negative, exclusionary corner. We are left out when the language of 'inclusiveness' uses phrases like "people of all faiths and none," that only heightens the contrast between us.

We will never break out of the corner if we, too, use language that implies opposition and exclusion. Humanists are convinced that reason, logic, critical thinking and common sense are the tools to problem solving. I suggest that we write and speak about "people of all faiths and convictions," and urge our friends to do the same. "Conviction" has a positive ring! And it is inclusive. It acknowledges that we share something in common with people of all faiths: our common humanity.

"People of all faiths and convictions" is the basis for positive, inclusive language that humanists and our friends can use to build recognition, freedom, and equality.

--Flo Wineriter

*Based on an article by Molleen Matsumura in the electronic newsletter of the Institute for Humanist Studies.