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Atheism or atheisms?

Laika

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
Can you give an example of this ferocity? I have seen no such reaction.

Bunyip. If I have to engage in yet another round of "where's your proof?" with another member of RF, I will scream.
 

Laika

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
What has that got to do with atheism? What are these people demanding proof of from you?

the "lack of belief" position is the default response to almost any criticism of atheism. it is also the default response to any suggestion that atheists have a burden of proof for their beliefs. If a theist tries to offer proof for their beliefs, it is dismissed as not being the 'right' kind of proof. And no matter what you say, it never qualifies as either fitting the definition of atheism or proof.
 

Bunyip

pro scapegoat
the "lack of belief" position is the default response to almost any criticism of atheism. it is also the default response to any suggestion that atheists have a burden of proof for their beliefs.
Well yes, of course. Are you have trouble accepting that? Atheism is the default and bears no burden of proof.
If a theist tries to offer proof for their beliefs, it is dismissed as not being the 'right' kind of proof. And no matter what you say, it never qualifies as either fitting the definition of atheism or proof.
So sorry to hear that. I'm an atheist - but did not think it was possible to, prove God exists, so please show me your proof.
 

Desert Snake

Veteran Member
I think the people who invented the strict definitions were either not intending them to be broad, AT ALL, or simply talking about /referencing etc etc etc, their own zeitgeist/worldview.
 
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Desert Snake

Veteran Member
a head of lettuce, a woden idol, an idea, these are all 'gods', in the bible. /in the Biblical context these of course are seen as false/, but there still called 'gods'.
anything worshipped is a god.
 

Curious George

Veteran Member
a head of lettuce, a woden idol, an idea, these are all 'gods', in the bible. /in the Biblical context these of course are seen as false/, but there still called 'gods'.
anything worshipped is a god.
If a god is ceased to be worshipped must that god cease to be a god?
 

Jumi

Well-Known Member
the "lack of belief" position is the default response to almost any criticism of atheism. it is also the default response to any suggestion that atheists have a burden of proof for their beliefs.
Nobody is required to accept something as proof that someone's beliefs are true. That's why lack of belief is always the default. Should I prove to you that I don't believe and if I don't believe, how do I prove it?

If a theist tries to offer proof for their beliefs, it is dismissed as not being the 'right' kind of proof. And no matter what you say, it never qualifies as either fitting the definition of atheism or proof.
If the proof seems relevant to your beliefs you should engage with them.
 

Desert Snake

Veteran Member
If a god is ceased to be worshipped must that god cease to be a god?

Yeah, it could, for all practical purposes. A deity might fall out of favor, i'm sure that many basically have ceased to exist. Whether they exist outside of that? Who knows, thats' speculation as far as im concerned. Just opinion,
 

Curious George

Veteran Member
Yeah, it could, for all practical purposes. A deity might fall out of favor, i'm sure that many basically have ceased to exist. Whether they exist outside of that? Who knows, thats' speculation as far as im concerned. Just opinion,
Interesting thought. So if they are worshipped they are a god, but if they are not worshipped but still remembered, what are they?
 

Desert Snake

Veteran Member
Interesting thought. So if they are worshipped they are a god, but if they are not worshipped but still remembered, what are they?
Yes this is a very good topic. In fact, my earlier answer is just an overview. I am off the forum for a bit, though, so perhaps later we can go further into this.

it's a difficult and complex question, imo
 

Altfish

Veteran Member
There have been exhustative threads on RF over the definition of atheism and I have been genuinely taken aback at the sheer feriousity with the insistence that atheism is only lack of belief. I do not share this view. I can only deduce that I am not of the same "atheism" as many of the other atheists on RF and that there are multiple atheisms but I don't quite know where the line is drawn.
I cannot agree that the definition of atheism is any more than a lack of belief.
I am an atheist but I am also a secularist and a humanist, the latter terms put more meat on the bone and more accurately define me.
I'm trying to think of an analogy and am struggling but...let's say I'm a photographer. That defines me as someone who takes pictures; but it doesn't say if I'm a keen amateur, a professional, a wildlife photographer, etc., etc.
There are many types of atheist, but the meaning of the word is clear.
 

Curious George

Veteran Member
Nobody is required to accept something as proof that someone's beliefs are true. That's why lack of belief is always the default. Should I prove to you that I don't believe and if I don't believe, how do I prove it?

.
You can start by proving what you do believe.
 
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