Is it true that atheism has killed more people then organized religion?...

[Existentialist]

Isn't that why we're all on this forum - to answer that question, to compare thoughts about our belief systems?

No.

I come here because here religious assholes can be treated like assholes. Their mumbo-jumbo does not have to be "respected" or even "tolerated."

Try going to a 'believer board' and find out how long you last when you tell them they are wrong.

I see. So we atheists are the holders of objective truth, therefore we need never disagree with each other about anything!!! (Hang on, isn't that the definition of a totalitarian dictatorship?)

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But you are talking about Marxism and existentialism, not atheism.

Is that the definitive Marxism and the definitive Existentialism, and the definitive atheism - or my version?

[Entropist]

Is that the definitive Marxism and the definitive Existentialism, and the definitive atheism - or my version?

Keep wiggling.

[Existentialist]

Is that the definitive Marxism and the definitive Existentialism, and the definitive atheism - or my version?

Keep wiggling.

You didn't answer my question.

[Paul the Human]

Atheism is not a belief system. It is simply the state of holding no belief in god(s). If that single lack of a belief in deities constitutes a 'system' in your book... then atheism is not the only word you are redefining.

Can that simple lack of a single belief open the door to ideologies and philosophies that a theist would probably shun? Of course it does. And the atheism that opened that door is still not a belief system in and of itself.

Words: They mean stuff.

[Existentialist]

Atheism . . . is simply the state of holding no belief in god(s).

Who says?

[leo-rcc]

We do.

[Existentialist]

We do.

And do you also say the consequences of a definition are not so inextricably wrapped up with it that the two things cannot be separated?

[leo-rcc]

What two things?

[Entropist]

I couldn't care less how faithful you are to Marx, Trotsky, Sartre or Kierkegaard or whoever.

There is only one thing required for atheism: lack of belief in god. The reasons for that lack of belief vary. What conclusions one reaches because of that lack of belief vary. Atheism merely opens the possibility for a bunch of ideologies that theism cannot. Being an atheist is like being pregnant: either you are or you're not. Marxism and existentialism are somewhat more complex than that.

[Paul the Human]

I'm saying that the definition of the word 'atheism' is what it is. Words have meaning for a reason. If you use words, but are defining them with your own personal alterations and amendments, then you are failing to communicate clearly.