The atheist perspective

[Thor]

Hi,

There are several things around the atheist position that I cannot grasp and would like to understand:

1. Many atheists get frustrated when their view is stated to be a belief, yet openly admit they do not know a God/god (in any form) does not exist. So why be annoyed when your view is described as a belief?

As others have stated, it's not a belief. I like to say that I don't have beliefs, I have rational conclusions based on evidence. And, since there is ZERO evidence for the claim that a deity exists, I conclude that deities are imaginary.

2. If your view is inactive and the burden of proof is on the theist believer, why congregate under the atheist banner? Is it an attempt to expose theists to a rational perspective? Is it to find solace from the outside theistic world?

I come here because it's refreshing to be around like minded people. Where I live atheists are very much the minority. Also, I pick up good ammo here to use on the fanatics when they come knocking on my door.

I don’t follow what the purpose of the atheist is. I don’t believe in many things yet take no active involvement in denying these things (bigfoot, santa....). Is it due to the sheer number of people and resulting actions who do believe in a God/god that requires some form of response by atheists?

There is no "purpose" to being an atheist. It is simply a lack of belief. As for speaking out, I do so because religious zealots are VERY LOUD in proclaiming their beliefs. They also want to legislate their beliefs into law which I find dangerous. I don't want a society where a woman can't get an abortion, or have bullshit taught to school kids under the guise of "Intelligent Design".

WOO HOO!

One thousandth post! I get an award!