Chidori360 made three threads that says he hates athiests. These are bound to cause a flame war, so to counteract it, I decided to make a thread about something different.
Post here to peacefully discuss athiesm (yes, this thread actually has kind of a point). Discuss how it began, what sets it apart from other beliefs, the standing you feel it has in today's world, or something to that extent. The title was just to stick it to Chidori360 >
This is NOT a Christianity Vs Athiesm thread. If you want to bash Athiests or Christians or... anyone, really, do it in another thread. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. I love Athiests.
Here's a good question. I've come across some athiests that feel athiesm is a religion, and some that do not. Do you believe athiesm is a religion or not?
No it's not a religion or is it a belief. It's a lack of belief. and it's no more a religion then not believing in the Norse Gods or Zeus is a religion. It's simply the lack of belief in any deity.
This could be to many varying degrees. From those who would flat out deny such a thing exists even if proof beyond a shadow of a doubt was offered to those who think that it's possible there is a god(s) but simply find no proof use such a thing existing and would gladly except such a things existing if scientific proof could be offered.
Guess you could say atheists are like Missouri "Show Me" proof.
This could be to many varying degrees. From those who would flat out deny such a thing exists even if proof beyond a shadow of a doubt was offered to those who think that it's possible there is a god(s) but simply find no proof use such a thing existing and would gladly except such a things existing if scientific proof could be offered.
Then there's the final degree, the one that I fit into, that do not believe in any one religions god but believe in a god nonetheless. They just don't like religion. . . .
Then there's the final degree, the one that I fit into, that do not believe in any one religions god but believe in a god nonetheless. They just don't like religion.
being an atheist who believes in a god is an oxymoron.
Then there's the final degree, the one that I fit into, that do not believe in any one religions god but believe in a god nonetheless. They just don't like religion.
being an atheist who believes in a god is an oxymoron.
He never said he believed in God, he never said he was an atheist. He stated he did not believe in the monotheist God that many religions pray to, but believes in some sort of higher power nonetheless. That's called being an agnostic. I too, am an agnostic. And don't insult my friend.
being an atheist who believes in a god is an oxymoron.
Not necessarily. If you look at literal interpretation of the word, atheist, you'll see the word theist, which is someone who has a religion. An atheist is someone who doesn't have a religion and/or does/doesn't believe in a god. Like asocial or amoral. That's looking at it from a literal view. Except I could drop my views at any time, which eliminates me from the agnostic crowd. I could become religious at any time or I could become a full blown atheist.
That's looking at it from a literal point of view.
If you read those definitions and still think it's possible for an atheist to be religious or theistic, then we can have an intelligent discussion about it with everyone on the same page.
Here's a good question. I've come across some athiests that feel athiesm is a religion, and some that do not. Do you believe athiesm is a religion or not?
Oh this is one of my favorite topics of debate, mainly because of the many people who disagree with me. The definition of religion is the one thing that decides whether Atheism is a religion or not there are many definitions of a religion out in the internet, but most would claim that beliefs like Buddhism and paganism are not religions. While others would say that anything can be a religion. The thing is the definition I go by is:
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
this is from dictionary.com when you compare this with their definition of an Atheist:
a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings.
You see Atheism is the belief that theism:
belief in the existence of a god or gods
is false. It may not be a set of beliefs, but is a belief. Depending on what definition you go by its pretty obvious that it could go either way, but Atheism by definition does not go against Religion. It goes against Theism at its roots, and it seems to have expanded at some point to also not believe in any sort of supernatural existence of any sort, or beliefs concerning rebirth or reincarnation as well, but while its supposed followers claim its against religion that doesn't mean they know the exact definition of the belief. So you tell me what do you consider the definition of religion to be?
I generally would go with the dictionary definition of a religion. It's really quite clear. I don't feel the need to attempt any kind of meaningful debate with our own "special" definitions of religions or atheists.
As indicated by the dictionary definition of atheists, there are two types of atheists. Those who refuse to believe in a god or gods, and those who specifically believe in NO god or gods existing.
They are two distinct mindsets. So if you're going to make some allusions to atheists being "religious" because they believe... something about the universe (which is already suuuuch a stretch), this isn't going to apply to atheism or atheists by default. Perhaps some of them are religious about it. I don't know a single atheist I would describe as "religious". In fact, the very idea of it seems insulting, and I would only call an atheist such if they were truly a douchebag.
Getting back onto the original topic of this thread, I love love love LOVE atheists! I get along fabulously with atheists! They are wonderful people and I wish more folks became atheists.
However it's the uncommon nature of atheism that makes them such gems. It is a truly counterculture move to openly declare atheism and sets a person up for more hardships from society than they would otherwise face. The only people who do it are generally brave, deep souls who are highly intelligent and very humble.
Yes, humble. Atheists are largely the most intellectually humble people you will ever meet. Even Richard Dawkins, one of the most outspoken atheists of the century (I highly recommend reading his book "The God Delusion", has no trouble admitting that a god being of some kind COULD exist (though not of the sort we presently consider in our religions). He doesn't believe it, but he won't deny the possibility because he *doesn't know*. Now, if only we had such intellectual consideration from most religious folks - or most of the human race, for that matter!
For atheists tend to be reason-based, grounded in science and logic. And while these do not define the totality of human existence, they make a truly wonderful foundation for it. I've loved every atheist I've ever had the honor of getting to know as a result.
