The thread about defining atheism brought this on. It seems that atheists, by and large, have an aversion to using the word 'believe' when discussing anything relating to religion. It's probably a reaction to all the accusations that atheism is a 'belief system' and 'requires faith', and 'atheism is a religion'.
If you do not believe that god(s) exist – You are an atheist.
If you believe that god(s) do not exist – You are an atheist.
If you believe that god(s) exist – You are a theist (or a deist).
Those are the only stances available concerning the existence of god(s) as it relates to the word 'believe'. I do not include 'undecided' as a realistic stance. You can claim one of those three things, even if just barely and coupled with serious doubts. Failure/refusal to choose is simple 'apatheism', which is fine, but does not deal with the issue of belief... so it is not included, either.
I personally lack belief in the existence of god(s). I have never encountered nor been presented with a compelling reason to believe any claims that god(s) exist are true, let alone convincing evidence to support those claims. This make me an atheist.
I am willing to take it a step further, however, and state that I believe that no god(s) exist.
I know that some of you find that to be an irrational claim, but I disagree. I do not claim to have objective knowledge that no god(s) exist. I'm enlightened enough to be aware that I do not/cannot know for certain. This makes me agnostic.
Belief does not require objective knowledge. My lack of belief has lead me to learn all that I can about religion in general and the matter of god(s) existence. I have heard all the arguments, both for and against... more times over than I can count... and I am convinced. I believe that there are no god(s).
How about you?
If you do not believe that god(s) exist – You are an atheist.
If you believe that god(s) do not exist – You are an atheist.
If you believe that god(s) exist – You are a theist (or a deist).
Those are the only stances available concerning the existence of god(s) as it relates to the word 'believe'. I do not include 'undecided' as a realistic stance. You can claim one of those three things, even if just barely and coupled with serious doubts. Failure/refusal to choose is simple 'apatheism', which is fine, but does not deal with the issue of belief... so it is not included, either.
I personally lack belief in the existence of god(s). I have never encountered nor been presented with a compelling reason to believe any claims that god(s) exist are true, let alone convincing evidence to support those claims. This make me an atheist.
I am willing to take it a step further, however, and state that I believe that no god(s) exist.
I know that some of you find that to be an irrational claim, but I disagree. I do not claim to have objective knowledge that no god(s) exist. I'm enlightened enough to be aware that I do not/cannot know for certain. This makes me agnostic.
Belief does not require objective knowledge. My lack of belief has lead me to learn all that I can about religion in general and the matter of god(s) existence. I have heard all the arguments, both for and against... more times over than I can count... and I am convinced. I believe that there are no god(s).
How about you?
