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Non-Theist

Nakosis

Non-Binary Physicalist
Premium Member
So, non-theist is an interesting self description.

However, what is the difference between a non-theist and an atheist?

Definition of nontheist
: a person who does not believe that there is a god or gods : a person who is not a believer in theism

Definition of atheist
: a person who does not believe in the existence of a god or any gods : one who subscribes to or advocates atheism
 

mikkel_the_dane

My own religion
So, non-theist is an interesting self description.

However, what is the difference between a non-theist and an atheist?

Definition of nontheist
: a person who does not believe that there is a god or gods : a person who is not a believer in theism

Definition of atheist
: a person who does not believe in the existence of a god or any gods : one who subscribes to or advocates atheism

So to split hairs, a non-theist as for the second version - a person who is not a believer in theism - could be a deist. There is a difference and a deist is not an atheist.

Regards
Mikkel
 

Nakosis

Non-Binary Physicalist
Premium Member
So to split hairs, a non-theist as for the second version - a person who is not a believer in theism - could be a deist. There is a difference and a deist is not an atheist.

Regards
Mikkel

So a deist believes there is not a God or gods as per the definition?
 

mikkel_the_dane

My own religion
So a deist believes there is not a God or gods as per the definition?

No, a theist believe in creator god, an intervening god and a god, which reveals itself to humans. A deist believes only a creator god and not the rest as a theist.
So a non-theist can still believe in a creator god, not just a theistic god.

Regards
Mikkel
 

Nakosis

Non-Binary Physicalist
Premium Member
No, a theist believe in creator god, an intervening god and a god, which reveals itself to humans. A deist believes only a creator god and not the rest as a theist.
So a non-theist can still believe in a creator god, not just a theistic god.

Regards
Mikkel

Ok but the definition says a non-theist does not believe in a God unless you feel the definition is in error?
 

mikkel_the_dane

My own religion
Ok but the definition says a non-theist does not believe in a God unless you feel the definition is in error?

Yes, because if you look closer all believers in a creator God are not just theists or deists even. I left out that deists believe that you can prove God by using reasoning on the natural world.
I believe in a creator God and I am neither a theist nor a deist, yet I am also not an atheist, because I believe in a God. So I am in fact a non-theist, yet I believe in a God.

Regards
Mikkel
 

mikkel_the_dane

My own religion
Further as I am from the modern western world. This leaves out a lot of religions that doesn't fit into the "classical" western god idea.
There are other members, which are much better at that than me. I am cultural biased to think of religion as to start with creator gods.

Regards
Mikkel
 

lewisnotmiller

Grand Hat
Staff member
Premium Member
So, non-theist is an interesting self description.

However, what is the difference between a non-theist and an atheist?

Definition of nontheist
: a person who does not believe that there is a god or gods : a person who is not a believer in theism

Definition of atheist
: a person who does not believe in the existence of a god or any gods : one who subscribes to or advocates atheism

To me, a non-theist is someone looking to make sure they're not associated with more obvious atheist personalities and groupings.

But in terms of belief, atheism doesn't demand any of that.

Same-same.
 

lewisnotmiller

Grand Hat
Staff member
Premium Member
Yes, because if you look closer all believers in a creator God are not just theists or deists even. I left out that deists believe that you can prove God by using reasoning on the natural world.
I believe in a creator God and I am neither a theist nor a deist, yet I am also not an atheist, because I believe in a God. So I am in fact a non-theist, yet I believe in a God.

Regards
Mikkel

I'm interested in why you wouldn't think of yourself as a theist (albeit of a specific flavour).
Not saying you're wrong, just interested.
 

Sunstone

De Diablo Del Fora
Premium Member
Oh come on, guys! Please Please, do not tell me you hang out on a website called "Religious Forums" and you do NOT grasp that nontheist is distinct from atheist. Just don't tell me that. This was meant to be a joke thread, right?
 

Sunstone

De Diablo Del Fora
Premium Member
A nontheist is an umbrella term that can refer to an atheist, or an agnostic, or an apatheist, etc. etc.

i.e. Anyone of any kind of nontheism.

As if you guys really didn't know!
 

Twilight Hue

Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
So, non-theist is an interesting self description.

However, what is the difference between a non-theist and an atheist?

Definition of nontheist
: a person who does not believe that there is a god or gods : a person who is not a believer in theism

Definition of atheist
: a person who does not believe in the existence of a god or any gods : one who subscribes to or advocates atheism
I stick with the etymology of atheist.

It's quite simple and refreshingly straightforward.

"One without gods".
 

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
So, non-theist is an interesting self description.

However, what is the difference between a non-theist and an atheist?

Definition of nontheist
: a person who does not believe that there is a god or gods : a person who is not a believer in theism

Definition of atheist
: a person who does not believe in the existence of a god or any gods : one who subscribes to or advocates atheism

If you don't believe gods exist more than likely you won't believe there are gods. If you believe there are no gods, unless maybe there is doubt, most likely you don't cause they don't exist. They kinda go together.
 
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Nakosis

Non-Binary Physicalist
Premium Member
I stick with the etymology of atheist.

It's quite simple and refreshingly straightforward.

"One without gods".

I can't say I exactly agree with the given definition of atheist either.
Still perhaps non-theist comes with less baggage and that is its benefit.
 

Milton Platt

Well-Known Member
So, non-theist is an interesting self description.

However, what is the difference between a non-theist and an atheist?

Definition of nontheist
: a person who does not believe that there is a god or gods : a person who is not a believer in theism

Definition of atheist
: a person who does not believe in the existence of a god or any gods : one who subscribes to or advocates atheism

They are synonyms as far as I'm concerned. I don't care so much what you call me, as long as you understand my view point.
 
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