This is a follow up to my question of 30 minutes ago, I was trying to understand definition of "atheist" here.
I'm awed by the sheer number of responses, including some that really clear up my confusion, for which I'm grateful.
But why all the vitriol? This was an honest question (no, I haven't see the other discussions about this, I'm pretty new here), is it impossible to ask a sincere question here without all the flaming? Maybe I'm completely wrong about this, but it feels like there are some awfully angry folks out there looking for an outlet to vent.
2007-01-15 03:12:46 · 6 answers · asked by barry 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A lot of us come here to have fun, so you are going to get some idiotic answers mixed in. Don't let it bother you too much. It is an open forum and that is what always happens.
2007-01-15 03:25:21 · answer #1 · answered by Alex 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One definition of atheist is often used as a straw-man argument against atheism.
Unfortunately it's the one that's most generally accepted. Atheism only means without theism - i.e. without a belief in god/gods. The addition of BELIEVING that their is no god, I believe came about from a concerted effort by some theists to be able to argue against atheism more easily - saying it was simply another belief that couldn't be proven.
There are some atheists who do believe there is no god (strong atheists), but many more who hold no belief in a god (weak atheism).
Too often the latter is misconstrued with the philosophical position of Agnosticism - that one cannot know if god(s) exists or don't exists during this lifetime.
One can be agnostic and a believer in god, or an agnostic atheist.
2007-01-15 11:24:31 · answer #2 · answered by Radagast97 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to develop a thick skin if you're going to participate here. You will receive plenty of civil and relevant responses but you will always get one or two idiots with scathing comments that they think are amusing or those spouting mindless religious gibberish-just ignore them.
2007-01-15 11:21:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Barry, since this is a public website, there are people of all backgrounds who are going to answer your question. As a consequence, someone somewhere is going to take offense. Try not to take it personally. Have a great day!
2007-01-15 11:26:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Religion is a very sensitive subject, and unfortunately you'll get flame-ups whenever you ask anything in this category.
2007-01-15 11:18:08 · answer #5 · answered by Jess H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's all about tolerance and love with sincere questions you know. Have you noticed?
2007-01-15 11:18:49 · answer #6 · answered by Red neck 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋