Look at Me! I Am the "Definer" Now! [View all]

[MineralMan]

Last edited Wed Dec 5, 2018, 10:29 AM - Edit history (1)

Being called a "definer" as some sort of pejorative name is as funny as being called a "human being" in the same way.

Each of us defines our own world view, based on whatever criteria we choose and on what knowledge we think we have. Our unique views on an enormous range of concepts actually define us.

Here in the Religion Group on DU, a few individuals regularly offer up their opinions on topics related to religious belief. Those opinions are based on their definitions. We are all definers here. Some of us have solid definitions of things. Others have shifting ones that change constantly, depending on what point we want to make and on our limited understanding.

Some of us are even unable or unwilling to provide definitions when asked, even though we carry those definitions around with us like baggage. Others of us are more than willing to share our definitions. Still others can't quite put what they have defined for themselves into words.

As a lifelong definer, I do not expect my definitions to be the same as anyone else's. None of us should expect others to share our definitions of things that have no universally accepted definitions. None of us should expect others to change their definitions to suit someone else.

There is no shame in being a definer. It is not a pejorative term. The word simply defines all of us to one degree or another.