Why I'm on these forums (Q/A)

[robvalue]

Indeed, atheism isn't a choice, it's a state of mind. If we are not convinced a god claim is true, then we are described as atheists regarding that claim, by definition. It's no more complex than that. Of course, someone can choose to present themselves "as an atheist" or not, and they may well lie about their true beliefs or lack of beliefs. Someone claiming to be a theist may actually be an atheist, too.

This idea some people have that all atheists are lying is absurd, I can tell you that. If someone says that, all they are showing is they are incapable of seeing another point of view. I don't assume any particular theist is lying. I think they are wrong, but I accept they probably really do believe what they are saying.