(January 3, 2012 at 1:14 am)fr0d0 Wrote: The meaning of the word atheist is an interesting One as most atheists wish to be labelled as it meaning lack of belief where current dictionaries don't agree yet. It's a controversial subject and one guaranteed to wind you guys up.
You could say something like "this is how we all like to interpret it, and we would ask that you adhere to our version in discussion here please".
Your point is well taken - and even amongst atheists there is disagreement over exactly what it does mean. With respect to that, were I to try and define it, I'd attempt to treat the topic fairly. What I personally think is important is it demonstrate that it doesn't mean anything beyond a position over the non-existence of deities and that nothing else can be inferred from it - whether that position be gnostic/agnostic, or is a positive claim that no deities exists vs. a rejection of the positive claim that they do.
Clearly any such undertaking should be treated carefully when the goal is to create more light than heat.
