What is Atheism to me

[Alex K]

It kinda does. From an atheist perspective I don't 100% get the need to call oneself "one's own god" - I don't see how the term can be meaningful here using the usual definition of gods - so I suppose it's more like a thing to distance oneself from theists specifically by using a language they understand?

[robvalue]

So if I'm reading this right... Satanism is an extension of atheism?

Yeah I don't get the "my own God" part. Sure, I take responsibility for my actions and I decide what happens to me (as far as I can.) I wouldn't call that being a God. Since God is an abstract invented concept, it seems like another borrowed term Or is that the point, to make the contrast? I guess so.

[Alex K]

So if I'm reading this right... Satanism is an extension of atheism?

Atheism+ : Atheism with more social justice

Satanism : Atheism with more emphasis on hedonism and individual liberties?

[pocaracas]

"my own god" == I waste my Sunday mornings worshiping myself.... I write the story of my life.... I write how my world will end when I come back.

And then they want atheists to be understood!... -.-'

[Simon Moon]

I am a Satanist, and as such I live as my own god. I live independently from a higher power because I don't feel the need for one. Atheism to me is about being your own savior, taking control of your live without such ideas as prayer or faith, and thanking the people you love for everything you have in your life, rather than thanking a being who may not exist.

There's probably no god, so you might as well not concern yourself with him. Even if there is, after I die, I'll be glad that I was able to be my own god for a while.

So, you are a LeVeyan style Satanist.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaVeyan_Satanism

I have no real problems with this philosophy, although calling it Satanism is kind of (as KUSA said) childish.

It comes off as, "Hey look at me all you hung up Christians! I'm a Satanist! Aren't you all freaked out now?".

[MechViking]

Atheism means nothing to me. It's pretty much just a response to theism.

[Strider]

I'm in agreement with MechViking. It really doesn't mean anything to me either. Theists cling to their religions for comfort, validation, personal meaning, among other things. Atheism doesn't provide me with any of that. For me, it's simply a state a non-belief in the supernatural. Nothing more, nothing less.

[robvalue]

Sure, same here, it's just like not punching yourself in the face. It's obvious.

I try to label myself specifically atheist when it is relevant, to try and support the movement as a whole and making coming out easier for everyone. While I understand people may want to describe themselves differently, I want as many people as possible all calling themselves the same thing so the world sees we are just people and not the devil.

Very similar, shockingly so, to the gay movement. The more who came out and were counted, the easier it was for the next one.