Atheism is a religion.

[Dystopia]

maybe if atheist stop acting like religous people we wouldn't have to look like a religion. But I have always been of the opinion that stupid is not based on a belief

Since when do atheists act like religious people?

[vodkafan]

I think if anyone asks me if I am an atheist I will probably just tell them I just think for myself. I am beginning to dislike the label. Conversations about religion will in any case be very short. I just can't be bothered wasting energy on discussing or even listening to what someone else thinks about skydaddy.

[Dystopia]

I think if anyone asks me if I am an atheist I will probably just tell them I just think for myself. I am beginning to dislike the label. Conversations about religion will in any case be very short. I just can't be bothered wasting energy on discussing or even listening to what someone else thinks about skydaddy.

I've always wondered why does a word exist to describe people who don't believe in something... Is there a word for people who don't believe in aliens? Or dragons? Unicorns? No... So why is there the word atheist?

[Whateverist]

Probably just because the people who do have the extraordinary beliefs tend to be a little obsessed and not at all shy about pressing them on you. The word "atheist" will sometimes drive them away, sort of like garlic to vampires.

[ignoramus]

Vodka, religious people are more comfortable thinking of us as having a different belief system.
This puts us on an equal footing and makes them feel warm and fuzzy knowing they have their beliefs, we have ours and their opinions are just as valid as ours.

We really do have the unfair advantage without having any burdens of proof. (none needed when you have facts)
I do feel for them, but all the abuse they cop (on an atheist forum) is all 100% self inflicted.
They're not evil, just gullible and don't know any better.

Why don't they spend all their time on a theist forum arguing over eg: Islam, etc ...something they can relate to better.

[Dystopia]

Probably just because the people who do have the extraordinary beliefs tend to be a little obsessed and not at all shy about pressing them on you. The word "atheist" will sometimes drive them away, sort of like garlic to vampires.

I think because theism is predominant worldwide there has to be a word to describe people who don't believe in personal gods, since the norm is to be a believer, human beings like putting others into boxes and categories/classifications, we've always been like that. I don't have a problem with the word atheist though, since most of my friends are theists I need to differentiate myself.

Maybe if being an atheist had always been the norm, then the word would have never come up.

[vodkafan]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think if I call myself anything from now on it will be "unbeliever" or "skeptic." As the word atheist seems to have taken on an identity of it's own, I would rather short circuit their mental process and expectations and force them to deal with me on an individual basis.
I still could eat a tasty baby now and then, though

[buddabobblehead]

I don't have a problem with the term 'atheism' (without god). Let those who take god for granted deal with it (oh, the poor souls, without god and alone in the world, without hope for 'salvation', without direction and values etc, etc.). There is no way they can understand it no matter what you call it.

[Mudhammam]

If you prefer the taste of grass then you will eat grass. That's entirely up to you. I'm not commenting on what you choose.

MM

---

And IF that was the predominant philosophy of religion there wouldn't be an atheist in the world who would care. But while some religious people may not force their children to "eat grass," depriving them of substance--that is, instilling within them the curiosity to explore other myths and philosophies, the sciences, intellectual challenges that the Universe ACTUALLY presents us with, etc.--the OVERWHELMING majority, throughout history, including today, do. That fact alone justifies the rise of the non-violent anti-theism movement currently represented by the likes of Dawkins, Coyne, Harris, Krauss, Hirsi Ali, and others.

[buddabobblehead]

I like 'anti-theism'. I have read a lot of Dawkins and I like his approach as well.

For me, 'anti-theism' sounds too much like a club or 'calling'. It sounds like way too much work. I'm not going to waist my time talking to believers about the way I see things. At the same time I'm not going to 'play along' with all the superstitious garbage that we so quickly practice. Ex. - people cant wait to proclaim 'blessings' after someone sneezes.

I'm not going to say 'god bless you' when someone sneezed, because its meaningless crap that perpetuates a lie (existence of god). At the same time, if someone says 'god bless you' when I sneeze, I will most likely reply with a 'thank you' as per tradition. Its too much work for me to say nothing and snub the person doing the 'blessing'. Its not my place to object to their sneeze blessing with my silence. They need to come to that place on their own.