False perceptions about Atheism and Agnosticism

[Esquilax]

I cited the proper definition of the term, and I cited my sources, you merely cited your own opinion.

I've been meaning to bring this up for a while, whenever I see people quibbling over this word, so here goes; so what, Statler?

Am I bound to the definition of the word in a book, or am I bound to the beliefs I actually hold, and the rules of logic? Irrespective of what anyone else has interpreted the word to mean, I have my own beliefs, and I won't allow them to be warped and taken out of my hands by others; you can define words however you want, but in the end you're just engaging in doublespeak, and I'm not obliged to alter my beliefs based on what you've said.

I believe that there is not sufficient evidence to justify belief in a god, and furthermore I self identify as an atheist based on a common definition that conforms to my beliefs. Since I'm not making a positive claim- regardless of whatever definition you prefer to deploy- I have no burden of proof. So... hey.

What have you actually proved, here? What's the use in this argument? Do you actually expect us to go "Oh, shit: Statler's presented a definition of atheism that would require a burden of proof; I'd better change my beliefs to comport with this." Is that what you think is going to happen? Because I've got news for you: you're simply dead wrong.

But let's say I even accept that our beliefs are defined by definitions: which one? Because there's more than one, depending on where you go; we've already had multiple definitions bandied about here, from the one I ascribe to, to several hostile ones from christian apologists. Why does your definition have primacy over all the other ones? Because it's convenient to your argument?

Even more: words change. It's a living language. The words themselves aren't bound to your definition any more than I am. In the end, all you're accomplishing is... well, nothing. You can assert your definition as much as you like; no part of the world around you is going to bow to it.