What is Atheism?

[Jesster]

A deist is a theist, though. They fit the definition of theism. It's just a specific subcategory of theism.

While related, the two words are not synonymous, and do have a distinction between them (theist and deist).

Anthony Flew came to believe in deism before his death, but still rejected theism.

Now there is a second and more vague definition, which describes theist as simply one who believes in God or gods.   In some dictionary's they contrast this to atheism

However many of those same dictionaries also contrast atheism and agnosticism.  Saying that atheist are ones who deny the existence of God or gods.  While an agnostic is a position of not knowing or skepticism (or cannot know).

Now I prefer the narrower definitions and distinctions, as they convey more information in a efficient fashion without the ambiguity (less chance of confusion).  But then again, I don't jump up and down just because someone uses another valid shade of meaning of the word.   I think a simple correction on what was meant is sufficient.

And historically deists were called atheists by Christians. I don't care what people have done in history. I prefer to break down the words.

Theism = theo + -ism.

Theo = god
-ism = philosophy/belief

Deists believe in at least one god in some form, so they fit the word theism. They just don't believe in your god.

Deism is not the point here, though. The point is the meaning of atheism. Atheists are simply people who do not believe in a god or gods. Why are you complicating this?