I thought they were both the same.
2007-05-20 14:21:28 · 6 answers · asked by Matt 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
An atheist doesn't believe in the existence of deities. Nihilists don't believe in traditional values, morals, or norms, and that such are useless and unreasoned. It's not accurate to say they believe in nothing, but it's pretty accurate to say they don't believe in anything that mankind has come up with yet.
2007-05-20 14:26:23 · answer #1 · answered by Muffie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nihilism is in the atheist family. They have simply gone one step further and interpreted the world as absurd and meaningless. For instance, even if you build up an empire of wealth and fame, it can still be taken from you, and if it doesnt, youre going to die anyway and lose it all. So life to a Nihilist is a sick joke that tempts you with happiness but never gives it.
2007-05-20 14:31:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A nihilist rejects all systems of authority. An atheist just wants to get rid of the influence that religion has on it.
2007-05-20 14:25:43 · answer #3 · answered by Resident Heretic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they are not the same.
Atheist: One who disbelieves or denies the existence of God or gods. 1571, from Fr. athéiste (16c.), from Gk. atheos "to deny the gods, godless," from a- "without" + theos "a god" (see Thea). A slightly earlier form is represented by atheonism (c.1534) which is perhaps from It. atheo "atheist."
Nihilism: Total rejection of established laws and institutions. Anarchy, terrorism, or other revolutionary activity.
2007-05-20 14:28:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We know how to spell.
2007-05-20 14:23:53 · answer #5 · answered by S K 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
atheist = no gods
nihilist = no existence
Get it?
2007-05-20 14:23:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋