Source http://www.dictionary.com
a·the·ism [ey-thee-iz-uhm]
–noun
1. the doctrine or belief that there is no God.
2. disbelief in the existence of a supreme being or beings.
the·ism [thee-iz-uhm]
–noun
1. the belief in one God as the creator and ruler of the universe, without rejection of revelation (distinguished from deism).
2. belief in the existence of a god or gods (opposed to atheism).
Why not make a "new" word?
2006-12-20 02:49:10 · 18 answers · asked by אידיאליסטי™ 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
theism is greek meaning one who beliueves in God. Adding an 'A' to it makes it mean the opposite. A-theist means one who doesnt believe in a God. thats how the greek language works. an A makes the meaning contradict.
2006-12-20 02:52:44 · answer #1 · answered by Vinny Sacco 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It is the name that has been leveled at us. In short, it comes from the way we approach our lack of faith. There are some philisophical and religious leanings to which people actively seek out and come upon by searching. This includes most mainstream religions but also certain strains of thought such as humanism or Nietzche.
Atheism although just as valid as a system of belief and practices is not really arrived at the same way. Rather than seek out a system with which to belong in our disbelief, it comes from a rejection, or sometimes a disinterest or failure to believe in mainstream religion. We are not organised, we don't carry membership cards or have churches built. We are categorized by the largely secular world by our lack of faith, "a" to their "theism" The word has been given to us by their majority. Had the world evolved differently perhaps religious groups would be categorized under a general heading, but with their diversity i doubt it.
In short it is not something we have adopted but a category already existing that when we question our beliefs and how we view the world we find ourselves sympathetic. A new word is right now not necessary, especially when there is confusion aobut atheism. So many people get things wrong or assume about atheism, a new word with the explanation "it's our word for atheism" will just continue the misconceptions.
2006-12-20 02:58:20 · answer #2 · answered by jleslie4585 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it just tells you what kind of idiot is asking the question. By using the word "scoffer" they believe it lends credence to their beliefs because their holy book made the STARTLING PREDICTION that "scoffers" would poke fun at Christians ridiculous beliefs. I'll tell you this much. If that's all it takes to be a prophet, I need to start up my ministry. Because I can make a lot more detailed "prophecies" than that.
2016-05-23 00:02:27 · answer #3 · answered by Ethel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"a-" (prefix) meaning, in this context, "without"
"theism" (noun) meaning "belief in the existence of a god or gods"
Put them together, and....
"atheism (noun) - without belief in the existence of a god or gods". It's really quite simple. Atheism IS the new word. It was created to indicate the opposite of "theism", that is, the absence of "belief in god (or gods)".
2006-12-20 03:05:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not like the atheists got together and decided to come up with this word. The prefix a- means not. Obviously, a-theist means not a theist or not a beleiver in God.
2006-12-20 02:56:13 · answer #5 · answered by mark777 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A as a prefix means without. So atheism means without religion. It's fairly point blank. What new word would you suggest which means the same thing?
2006-12-20 02:53:46 · answer #6 · answered by Cinnamon 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You missed the part where they explain the origin and how adding "a" to the front of a word makes it mean the opposite of that word.
Much like atypical and typical, aspherical and spherical, asymmetrical and symmetrical. These words are opposites.
2006-12-20 03:05:39 · answer #7 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Explain why "asexual" is a word, why not make a 'new' word? Explain why "asymetrical" is a word, why not make a 'new' word?
Explain why you think the english language should confirm to your belief system rather than the other way around?
2006-12-20 03:03:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes A is used as a prefix meaning not or no; therefore atheism means no (or not) god doctrine/theory.
2006-12-20 02:55:46 · answer #9 · answered by jefferyspringer57@sbcglobal.net 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to consider the A, like Asymmetrical. Asymmetrical means not symmetrical, so atheism would be not theism.
2006-12-20 03:23:35 · answer #10 · answered by Miakoda 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋