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About this quote

What does it mean?
A pun on 'nonprofit' and 'prophet' highlighting the ironic label of atheism.
In plain terms
Atheism is called a non-prophet group because it doesn't rely on prophets.
What can you take from it?
Wordplay reveals how labels stick.

Where it applies

  • discussing faith
  • debating labels
  • making jokes about religion

Putting it to work

  • notice puns in political speech
  • check terms before using them
  • laugh at irony

Questions to consider

  • Do terms shape how we see beliefs?
  • Why do puns stick in politics?

Another view

It oversimplifies what atheism actually represents.

More from George Carlin

  1. I have as much authority as the Pope. I just don't have as many people who believe it.

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  2. I think everyone should treat one another in a Christian manner. I will not, however, be responsible for the consequences.

    Permalink to quote #93

  3. I credit that eight years of grammar school with nourishing me in a direction where I could trust myself and trust my instincts. They gave me the tools to reje…

    Permalink to quote #90

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