Babies are born with out knowing the concept of god or gods, are they considered atheists until they obtain the knowledge of one?
2007-03-18 17:06:24 · 22 answers · asked by thejoyfaction 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, they're considered agnostics. :-)
They don't yet have the brainpower to reject or advance belief in a deity.
2007-03-18 17:11:09 · answer #1 · answered by Dalarus 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is best to consider that babies (as well as animals, plants, rocks, and tupperware) are neutral.
It's debatable and depends upon the definition of "atheist" that you prefer. Some believe that anyone (or even anything) that does not believe in god(s) is an atheist, even if they are not aware of the concept of god(s).
Others believe that this is so broad as to be meaningless; they would say that it is better to only consider atheists to be people who have decided that there is/are no god(s) after they become aware of the concept of gods.
I usually side with the latter -- but it is often helpful to point out the fact that, for almost all people, they only become theists because they are taught to be theists. Very few people make the effort to consider the alternatives and do a bit of research or exploration. It's a damn shame.
2007-03-19 00:22:00 · answer #2 · answered by HarryTikos 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. An atheist is someone who has been presented with the oppurtunity to believe in God, but rejects His existence. If a baby has no concept of God, as you suggest, then how could he/she choose not to believe in someone they have no knowledge of.
2007-03-19 00:25:12 · answer #3 · answered by mommyprov31 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say at the most that would make them agnostic. Atheist are people who in their mind are sure there is no God. So if a baby doesn't know the concept of God how could they be convinced there isn't one? Think about that.
2007-03-19 00:10:57 · answer #4 · answered by Jayson Kane 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
No, they are fresh from the prescience of God. If they could communicate, it would be amazing to learn or hear what they could describe. However, we are also born to this earth behind a "veil of forget fullness" and cannot recollect what it was like to live in a premortal state with God. Babies are also behind that same veil as we are. I do feel that new borns are still able to have a small recollection of what it was like to live with God, but it soon vanishes away.
2007-03-19 00:12:39 · answer #5 · answered by Kerry 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They sure are. Babies are born without the concept of God, Santa, the Tooth Fairy, etc. They are brain-washed into believing all of these imaginary spirits exist by their parents. Some people even remain deluded throughout their entire lives.
2007-03-19 00:10:12 · answer #6 · answered by Prada 1 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I would say no, they are more agnostic as they have not denounced the idea of a god, they simply don't know to question.
Frankly, it's interesting what very small children will tell you if you ask them about God - some of them have very interesting things to say.
Peace!
2007-03-19 00:15:51 · answer #7 · answered by carole 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone is born an Athiest. People have to coerce them into believing there's a God.
2007-03-19 00:09:43 · answer #8 · answered by S K 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Actually I would say they are more Agnostic. And very open minded until they are taught to shut it. After all they are willing to believe the dog is their brother until they are told it was adopted.
2007-03-19 00:14:07 · answer #9 · answered by Sage Bluestorm 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they are without a belief in god(s), which is what atheism is. Everyone is born an atheist.
2007-03-19 00:09:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
no. in order to be an atheist you have to be able to think for yourself, babies have not learned that yet. what kind of question is this anyway?
2007-03-19 00:17:17 · answer #11 · answered by eddieteston 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋