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kingdavid8 · (This post was last modified: May 30, 2012 at 9:35 pm by kingdavid8.)

Hi, there.

I'm currently in a discussion on another message board regarding the definition of "atheist" with a lady who is saying that those we call "hard atheists" (who believe no God(s) exist) shouldn't be called atheists at all, but are really "anti-theists". She is essentially arguing that the word "atheist" refers only to "soft atheists" (those who don't believe God(s) exists, but don't positively believe God(s) do not exist).

When I pointed out the phrase "anti-theist" already refers to those who actively oppose theism, she responded that there's no real difference between them, that "hard atheists" are (in her own words) "precisely against God belief and oppose it very aggressively", and thus are already anti-theists, thus there's no problem merging the two groups under a single definition.

I bet her that I could find at least a dozen "hard atheists" who don't aggressively oppose belief in God, but who view belief in God a little like adults generally view a child's belief in Santa - believe he doesn't exist, but don't aggressively oppose such belief in others.

What I'm wondering is if there are any "hard atheists" here that fit that bill, who don't aggressively oppose belief in God. While "soft atheists" can of course put in their two cents, I'm mostly interested in hearing from the "hard" ones, and, please, only "hard atheists" for the poll itself. Thanks.

Annik · May 30, 2012 at 9:36 pm

I'm an anti-theist. I believe religion is an inspiration for violence, bigotry and death. I am also an atheist. I will not intrude on your right to believe in fairies, but the moment those fairies are used as an excuse for injustice, you will not see a very happy Annik.

**Minimalist** · May 30, 2012 at 9:37 pm

Unlike "god" religion actually exists. "God" is merely the product that religion sells to gullible fools to the detriment of humanity since the beginning of time.

Does that help?

jackman · May 30, 2012 at 9:48 pm

nice to meet you.

**Darwinian** · May 30, 2012 at 10:03 pm

I have no problem with people believing in God or in gods it's just the rest of the baggage that I usually object to Undecided

**Rhizomorph13** · May 30, 2012 at 10:04 pm

Darwinian,

You aren't a "Hard Atheist" though are you? This poll was only for them. I voted too, then retracted when I re-read the title of the poll.

**Darwinian** · May 30, 2012 at 10:07 pm

(May 30, 2012 at 10:04 pm)Rhizomorph13 Wrote: Darwinian,

You aren't a "Hard Atheist" though are you? This poll was only for them. I voted too, then retracted when I re-read the title of the poll.

Very true. Dodgy

**popeyespappy** · May 30, 2012 at 10:08 pm

WTF is a hard atheist? Did I miss something? Has Tib been posting Shell boobs again? Shit, I knew it I missed boobies didn't I?

Anomalocaris · May 30, 2012 at 10:10 pm

I would be delighted if you don't waste your life on religion, but I won't oppose you if you do. However, I will oppose you and your religion if you don't keep it to yourself.

Annik · May 30, 2012 at 10:12 pm

(May 30, 2012 at 10:08 pm)popeyespappy Wrote: WTF is a hard atheist? Did I miss something? Has Tib been posting Shell boobs again? Shit, I knew it I missed boobies didn't I?

Boobs and penis. It was glorious.

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Poll: For "Hard Atheists" - Do You Aggressively Oppose Belief In God? This poll is closed.
Yes	72.73%	16	72.73%
No	27.27%	6	27.27%
Total		22 vote(s)	100%

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