How to discuss religion with believers?

[polymath257]

"An atheist does not believe that there are any gods.'  Therefore they believe there are gods. 

Let me see if I can explain this so you can comprehend.

To believe means that I have been convinced by evidence or argument in the truth of some statement. In this case, the statement that some God exists.

Now, suppose I have not been convinced. In that case, I do not have the belief.

But, it is also quite possible that I have not been convinced either way. So I may well remain unconvinced that no God exists.

So, it is possible to be an atheist (not having a belief) and also not believe there is not God because *neither* position has been convincing.

Now, I am *assuming* you left out the words 'do not' in your second sentence. Otherwise, what you said is pure nonsense as opposed to simply being wrong.