Decided to make this it's own thread. Question for theists. Would you even be willing to consider the possibility that there was no God out there, and all the things you attribute to God just stem from your own imagination/ignorance? If not then why wouldn't you?
For those who would, what (if anything) do you think would change in your life if it was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that such a being didn't exist? How would your behavior change? Would you strive to do more in the here and now? Where would you seek answers to your questions?
Just to be fair, atheists. Same question but reversed, would you be willing to consider that there was a God out there, and you just never recognized the signs? Again, if not then why?
The above part could be any deity, but for this part I will use the Abrahamic God for the hypothetical. How would things change for you if such a being was proven to exist, if anything? Would you behave any differently then you already do? How would it effect you emotionally? Would you be fearful and try and get back on his good side, or would you rebel against him even if it did likely mean eternal suffering?
S: (n) atheism, godlessness (the doctrine or belief that there is no God) S: (n) atheism (a lack of belief in the existence of God or gods)
That's what I've been trying to say!
"Gnostic atheist: I know there are no god or gods." aka (the doctrine or belief that there is no God)
"So a+theist= without belief in a god or gods" aka (a lack of belief in the existence of God or gods)
as for using the dictionary where do you think I went to to break down the word atheist as you see above? It's interesting the given definition of atheist from the online dictionaries don't match the given definitions of the prefix and root word atheist is derived from.
What are your motivations in insisting upon a more inclusive definition?
My motivation, Something MRWalker82 says it best.
"Really I think that there is just so much stigma placed on the term 'atheist' that it makes people hesitant to be willing to accept that they are atheists."
The less inclusive definition is a bit like saying all Muslims are extremists. It creates a misconception of the whole.
Well then, due to the constant exposure to hardline atheistic elements throughout culture, I'm still going to be uncomfortable with this proposed use of terminology. But if it's for the purpose of alleviating stigma, I can only approve of it, and hope that it helps bring about the desired cultural change in this mad world.
What can I do to be differentiated from the "scientific evidence or it doesn't exist" crowd
Well you could try doing what I do... and not care if there is or is not. I love thinking philosophicly about life, religion, the point of it, if there is a point etc... so when it fits my mood Im happy to be called an athiest, if only to help the conversation and clarity of understanding. The milisecond that I feel someone is labeling me as this word set in stone than I tend to resist.
