Defining "Atheism"

[Paul the Human]

There have been some decent points made by all sides of this discussion, but it seems to me that it doesn't have to be that complicated. In fact, it should be as simple as possible.

If someone claims to hold the belief that there are no gods, we know that person is an atheist by definition. However, if someone claims to be an atheist, all we know is that the person lacks a belief in gods. The use of the word 'atheist' does not tell us whether or not that person believes that there are none.

If someone claimed that they do not believe in gods, but do not necessarily hold a belief that there are none... would you tell that person they are "No True Atheist"? I should hope not.

The point being... 'a lack of belief in deities' is the only thing the word 'atheist' (on it's own) can possibly indicate about someone. Many other things can be assumed, but 'lack of belief' is the only thing that is known for certain.

Anyway I still believe that you need belief in order to be an atheist.

You do. You have to believe in reality and evidence. You have to believe that the scientific method and rational thought are a more reliable way to search for truth than superstition and magical thinking.