(July 30, 2010 at 6:13 pm)Spencer Wrote: Yes atheism exists to us NOW as a result of theism we can refer to them as atheists I will agree with you there. No question.No, only thoughts about and words for atheism exist as a result of theism. The atheism itself existed by default before anyone thought up god-belief. Before anyone thought it up, everyone was without that god-belief and therefore atheist.
Quote:Also this baby example keeps coming up. Is the question what are we as humans first? or am I reading the question wrong. Maybe the OP can weigh in on this.That is probably because it is quite common for atheists to get told by people (believers though usually) that it is impossible for anyone to be atheist before ever hearing about gods and that babies are born believers by default. I think that's why it gets used as an example so much on this type of topic. That's why I was so quick to use it, even though you are not one of those people who claim theism is the default. I think you are claiming that 'nothing' is the default? Atheism is a subset of nothing, in that it is the absence of one particular thing, theism.
I'm really shitty at giving kudos and rep. That's because I would be inconsistent in remembering to do them, and also I don't really want it to show if any favouritism is happening. Even worse would be inconsistencies causing false favouritisms to show. So, fuck it. Just assume that I've given you some good rep and a number of kudos, and everyone should be happy...
