(April 23, 2011 at 8:30 pm)Shell B Wrote:

(April 23, 2011 at 6:20 pm)Eleazar Wrote: I don't know about the other theists here, but I've not given my views because I have no idea of even what the general subject of the essay is...

I think most probably did not click on it, but I know what you are saying. How are we to help if we have no idea what it is about. Thusfar, I think we are helping him compose a treatise on why and how atheists are unfeeling bastards.

Why do you say that? Does it not depend on the individual?

First off, they'd have to have told her in Italian which limits the available pool right there. I never did learn the language.

(April 23, 2011 at 8:35 pm)Garmston Ansell Wrote: Why do you say that? Does it not depend on the individual?

To which part of my statement are you directing that question? I think just about everything depends on the individual, but I am not sure if you are directing that toward my sarcastic remark or my remark on people not clicking on the thread.

(April 23, 2011 at 8:30 pm)Shell B Wrote:

(April 23, 2011 at 6:20 pm)Eleazar Wrote: I don't know about the other theists here, but I've not given my views because I have no idea of even what the general subject of the essay is...

I think most probably did not click on it, but I know what you are saying. How are we to help if we have no idea what it is about. Thusfar, I think we are helping him compose a treatise on why and how atheists are unfeeling bastards.

Guilty, your honor.

(April 23, 2011 at 8:39 pm)Minimalist Wrote: First off, they'd have to have told her in Italian which limits the available pool right there. I never did learn the language.

And if they had? How would you have felt?

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(April 23, 2011 at 8:40 pm)Shell B Wrote:

(April 23, 2011 at 8:35 pm)Garmston Ansell Wrote: Why do you say that? Does it not depend on the individual?

To which part of my statement are you directing that question? I think just about everything depends on the individual, but I am not sure if you are directing that toward my sarcastic remark or my remark on people not clicking on the thread.

I mean what you said about atheists being unfeeling bastards.

When I was an atheist I felt aggressive towards theists out of guilt... to add another reason to the list.

The OED has two definitions of atheist which I would concur with.. those lacking belief in deity and those who actively disbelieve. Some atheists (PZ Myers for example) argue that there are commonly identifiable traits that would unite atheists. <--- just to illustrate that not all atheists are so adamant about their non identity.

(April 23, 2011 at 8:40 pm)Garmston Ansell Wrote: I mean what you said about atheists being unfeeling bastards.

That was sarcasm. I obviously do not think that all atheists are unfeeling bastards, as I am an atheist and fraught with feelings, as unfortunate as that may be. I don't think I am a bastard, either. However, I may have to ask my mom. <-- sarcasm

It does depend on the individual. There are many atheists and so there are many atheist individual. You are not going to fit all of their viewpoints in an essay, unless you plan to cherry pick, which is what I am afraid you are already doing.

Quote:And if they had? How would you have felt?

If they said it in Italian I wouldn't have understood it.

(April 23, 2011 at 4:09 pm)Garmston Ansell Wrote: [I've heard some atheists refer to atheism as a worldview. Does that irritate you?

As much as any logical gaff irritates me... Atheism is a single position on the existence of god(s), I am an atheist, but my worldview is Metaphysical Naturalism, a wide range of positions on various issues based on the idea that there we are only justified in believing in nature - Any supernatural beliefs are in my opinion, irrational.

(April 23, 2011 at 8:45 pm)fr0d0 Wrote: When I was an atheist I felt aggressive towards theists out of guilt... to add another reason to the list.

The OED has two definitions of atheist which I would concur with.. those lacking belief in deity and those who actively disbelieve. Some atheists (PZ Myers for example) argue that there are commonly identifiable traits that would unite atheists. <--- just to illustrate that not all atheists are so adamant about their non identity.

"lack belief" and "disbelieve" are synonyms, I think the contrary you are looking for is "know" or "claim knowledge".

Thanks for the catch VOID. The OED actually goes with "disbelief" & "denial".