I don’t like the term “atheist” which denotes the negation of a presumption. Why should I describe myself in what I don’t believe in? I don’t go around saying “I am an a-beermug-rotating-around-Marsist. There are an infinity of things I don’t believe in.
Free-thinker or independent-minded or open-minded are better terms. But the best term is no term at all.
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"Naturalist" can be a good term when you have to have one, for the reasons you describe -- if it applies to you!
Of course sometimes you don't even want to make the label about your beliefs, because that plays into the religious notion that you have to have the right beliefs. Then "Secular" can perhaps suffice. 🤷♂️
