because we believe there isn't a God "based on faith." I call myself an atheist for convenience, but I'm not really claiming there definitely is no God. I just believe that there most likely isn't one. I'm not claiming any absolute truths here. So the question is, do you believe for certain that there definitely is no God, or are you closer to my position. Agnostic seems better fit, but misleading. Thoughts? Is there a better name?...........
2007-05-14 11:22:02 · 22 answers · asked by grl235 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Atheism is the correct term. You have no reason to believe in a God any more than you believe in the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man. The burden of proof is on those who wish to convince you to believe.
However, as you say, there are some who "believe there is no God". That is another form of Atheism that IS a religious belief. It is often held by those with poor experience in scientific method. That doesn't mean it isn't true! Just that it is a belief, and is not supported by science since science cannot support that idea (yet). God cannot be tested.
Agnostics leave the question open and aren't sure either way. Does God exist? That isn't the same as what you seem to be saying about yourself.
Does that state it clearly for all?
2007-05-14 11:31:46 · answer #1 · answered by mckenziecalhoun 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you are living like there is no god, You better PRAY you are right.
I live my life believe in the Lord Jesus, if at the end he is not there I have lost nothing, my faith in him has made me a better father, husband, citizen, Man , and all around better person who helps those I find in need, I protect my family, and live the best life I can with the Word of God as my guide, However when you (living as if there is no God) leave this earth and come face to face with the Creator of the Universe and He says depart from me, you have lost every thing for all eternity,
By the way the original definition of death is: Separation from God!!!
2007-05-14 18:38:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dislike the word religion, because it conjures up an image of self-righteous people going to their place of worship to be told they've got it right and feel good about their lives.
Atheism is a path, and one could say it is a spiritual path, but I hesitate at calling it a religion, even if some might not.
I'm not sure there is a better name, Agnostics believe in a God but don't worship/follow them, Athiests don't believe. As to whether there is a term for someone like you, I don't know, but if there isn't, make one up and start a new path... they all have to start somewhere.
2007-05-14 18:30:36 · answer #3 · answered by Taliesin Pen Beirdd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're agnostic, not an atheist. And atheism is not a religion as there is no church, no doctrine, no rules. The only thing that makes an atheist an atheist is the absolute belief there is/are no god/s. End of story. Why do some people need to have it be more than that? Can't they understand it in those simple terms?? NO GOD. Done!
2007-05-14 18:27:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
The christians who say that, say it in ignorance, most likely because they do not know what atheism means.
Atheists don't necessarily believe that there is no god. They simply lack the belief in a god, the same way a Christian or any person would lack the belief that there is someone hiding in their closet. There COULD be someone there, but they do not believe until they see proof. Same thing with atheists. There's no reason to believe in the Christian god; there is no proof for his existence. Therefore, the most logical position is to lack belief.
2007-05-14 18:30:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Traditionally, The word religion, is used to describe a belief system based on some supernatural being.
But the word religion comes from the Latin "relegare"
which describe the action of putting together or tie together, and getting together...So.... any groups that are joined under a common believes system are practicing a religion.
2007-05-14 18:36:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not believing in god is not an issue of faith. We can all agree that we are here and we got here somehow. That's as far as atheists go. There is no leap of faith whatsoever, because there isn't even a leap. Religious people are the ones that go one step further and say that we are here because god created us.
2007-05-14 18:26:27 · answer #7 · answered by Chris J 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Atheism is lack of belief in any gods. It's not a religion any more than "I don't care about football and never watch any games" is a favorite team.
There are no gods whatsoever, period. Yes, you could argue that maybe there are, just like it's possible that there are really goblins that we've just managed to miss.
2007-05-14 18:26:38 · answer #8 · answered by eldad9 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm in the same boat as you Kim
I usually say God 'for lack of a better term'
to me it doesnt matter ... education is driving us in the right direction ... people like you and me are about being honest with ourselves and the world around us
2007-05-14 18:26:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Agnostic Atheism more describes my viewpoint, but I, too, tend to call myself an atheist because I really don't believe there's any reason to believe in any god.
And if Atheism is a religion, then anorexia is a style of cuisine.
- {ââ} - {ââ} - {ââ} -
2007-05-14 18:26:29 · answer #10 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋