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I don't equate atheism with skepticism simply because not all atheists are skeptics, even with regard to that one claim. If Ozzy used the word 'atheist' in his statement, I'd have no comment beyond the subject of its meaningless generalisation.
Not sure I do either, though I will admit to something of a Missouri manner when it comes to considering what doesn't make sense to me...
You are playing the Stalin card. or the french terror. Religion has done far more harm than that and is still doing so. Atheism is no more likely to do a Terror or throw up a Stalin than religion is going to throw up a crusade or a mad leader...
No, scrap that
Some comments are best left alone while others might be inclined to report such comments to moderators, because they are nothing but "drive-by" insults hardly worth the time pecking them out. I find getting moderators involved as if we need baby-sitters very childish (and mostly a waste of their time). I've also never once used the ignore feather. I don't need such a feature to ignore comments any more than I need blinders to keep from looking at something...
Isn't that name calling? Not cool.
But why I'm writing is WHY would you open a can of worms regarding the good Christianity has brought...
when even a Christian could make a list of so much bad stuff?!
Is. No it's not, and it's because all too many people, especially religious people, can't think objectively about differing opinion. Most can at least remain mature and civil about their lack of objectivity however...
Not sure I do either, though I will admit to something of a Missouri manner when it comes to considering what doesn't make sense to me...
Pardon my ignorance (I'm not from the US) but what's 'a Missouri manner'? I've noticed quite a few quirks described in association with different states but this one's new to me.
Atheism is simply a lack of belief in god(s), nothing more nothing less. It has no other inherent characteristics, like rationality, logic, or any other. It's just a privative. I'm not saying you can't build a philosophical platform on it but all those new distinctions would be auxiliary properties and not the immutable characteristic of atheism, of which there is only one - a lack of belief in god(s).
Interesting if not good point...
If there is a place to "overthink" something, I suppose this might be the place, or is it the other way around? Is it that most people underthink these questions and issues?
Atheism is one thing: A lack of belief in gods.
Atheism is not an affirmative belief that there is no god nor does it answer any other question about what a person believes. It is simply a rejection of the assertion that there are gods. Atheism is too often defined incorrectly as a belief system. To be clear: Atheism is not a disbelief in gods or a denial of gods; it is a lack of belief in gods.
Older dictionaries define atheism as “a belief that there is no God.†Clearly, theistic influence taints these definitions. The fact that dictionaries define Atheism as “there is no God†betrays the (mono)theistic influence. Without the (mono)theistic influence, the definition would at least read “there are no gods.â€
Pardon my ignorance (I'm not from the US) but what's 'a Missouri manner'? I've noticed quite a few quirks described in association with different states but this one's new to me.
Really? Where are you from?
What I was referring to is fairly well known in America I think, but to be honest, I was hoping there might be at least one person not familiar with the term or...
If there is a place to "overthink" something, I suppose this might be the place, or is it the other way around? Is it that most people underthink these questions and issues?
Atheism is one thing: A lack of belief in gods.
Atheism is not an affirmative belief that there is no god nor does it answer any other question about what a person believes. It is simply a rejection of the assertion that there are gods. Atheism is too often defined incorrectly as a belief system. To be clear: Atheism is not a disbelief in gods or a denial of gods; it is a lack of belief in gods.
Older dictionaries define atheism as “a belief that there is no God.” Clearly, theistic influence taints these definitions. The fact that dictionaries define Atheism as “there is no God” betrays the (mono)theistic influence. Without the (mono)theistic influence, the definition would at least read “there are no gods.”
The funny thing is, I don't even think any of those definitions could be dismissed once they're out in the public domain, this is how language and culture evolves - we redefine things. Having said this, if any middle ground is to be established we have to agree that, whatever definition one uses, we are talking about the same class of thing. This means finding where all these definitions meet, i.e. their common denominator, and lack of belief appears to be that thing.
With that out of the way, I honestly don't think any such agreement could be found amongst atheists, which is why I tend to take a more personal approach when it comes to disagreements - you tell me what you mean and I'll tell you where I stand on it.
You clearly find etymology of the term of some interest so I thought you might also enjoy this (which ironically contains at least one definition of atheism that wouldn't meet the common denominator criteria.)
What I was referring to is fairly well known in America I think, but to be honest, I was hoping there might be at least one person not familiar with the term or...
Some comments are best left alone while others might be inclined to report such comments to moderators, because they are nothing but "drive-by" insults hardly worth the time pecking them out. I find getting moderators involved as if we need baby-sitters very childish (and mostly a waste of their time). I've also never once used the ignore feather. I don't need such a feature to ignore comments any more than I need blinders to keep from looking at something...
No one complains when Trans says "godsuckers". How do you feel about that.
No one complains when Trans says "godsuckers". How do you feel about that.
Personally, although I generally like and agree with his posts, I think that's in poor taste. But then again your occasional implied references about the ultimate future of atheists is in poorer taste (and even in your own religion, above you pay grade).
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