best answer gets 10 points!!!
2007-06-14 04:20:29 · 39 answers · asked by bob888 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
These labels that everyone seems to insist upon are pretty arbitrary, so I think most people define them for themselves. But I do get a kick out of theists who seem to always want to assign a certain set of pre-conceived values and beliefs to the term "atheist" when that word really only defines what a person doesn't believe.
In my definition, "atheist" simply means someone who does not believe in a god or gods. The term "non-religious" would certainly include atheists but would also encompass people who believe in a god or gods but who do not practice any particular religion.
2007-06-14 04:32:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a huge difference. I would be considered non-religious by the born agains. I don't believe in organized religion. It has become too much of a business and so many are brainwashing people. Also I can't stand how so many Christian people think they are the moral police of this world and they are so good and cast horrible judgement on others even though they are HUGE sinners.
I believe in the Bible, but I think it is hearsay and stories passed down by someone who thought you should live a certain way. It kills me that people actually live their live by this book. What happened to being your own person.
I also accept Jesus and my Savior. Our relationship is between me and him. I don't need fundies or born agains telling me how to be and that I will be burn in hell. Real Christian. So in their eyes I am a sinner, a terrible man (because I am gay) and non-religious. I am very far from Atheist. In all actuality I am a better person then most Christians could ever be.
2007-06-14 04:25:33 · answer #2 · answered by atlantaboi3 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The difference is that non-religious is open to God and my go into church once in awhile and does not belong to a organized religion. An atheist just does not believe in God and not willing to change this point of view. Also, some atheist's believe in evolution theory than a religious one.
2007-06-14 04:25:31 · answer #3 · answered by montrice m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An atheist strictly believes that God does not exist. I would always get this confused with agnostic, who simply believes that there is no PROOF that God exists, but doesn't necessarily close him/herself off to the mere possibility. Someone who is non-religious could be any number of things. Many people consider themselves "spiritual" but not religious. This would not have made sense in the early times of the church. However, today, religion is often viewed as an institution with politics and rules. Many people don't want to become involved in this mess and simply refer to themselves as spiritual, meaning they believe in a personal relationship and connection with God (or whatever religion they may be of), separate of the institution of religion. These people can be viewed as the non-religious. So, as you can see, the difference between atheist and non-religious is quite vast.
2007-06-14 04:31:43 · answer #4 · answered by jumpin_oreo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atheists strongly belive there is NO God or NO spirituality that religious views believe in.
Non-religion may be someone who does not want to stick to a certain religion; who may not believe in the idea of having a religion but may believe there IS something more to life than science and that there is a God or spirituality.
2007-06-14 04:24:16 · answer #5 · answered by melly 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are comparing two negatives, and I think that's the wrong perspective. A religious person has a routine that defines their life. A plan. A theist believes in the supernatural or in a powerful being.
An atheist could be religious in their diet, for example.
2007-06-14 04:26:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The difference is that a non-religious may believe there is a god but isn't under any religious label. and an atheist just believes in no god at all.
2007-06-14 04:24:36 · answer #7 · answered by quzhot 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Non-religious = a person who does not follow a specific religion (but may still believe in GOD, and be spiritual).
Atheist = does not believe in God.
Hypocrite= Says he believes in God & is religious, but acts in ways that are against all known teachings of ethical & moral conduct (see: Bush Administration).
2007-06-14 04:24:37 · answer #8 · answered by JeffyB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a non religious person does not believe in organised religion but may believe in the existence of a deity. An atheist on the other hand does not believe in the existence of God.
2007-06-14 04:27:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me, the non-religious person believe in something/someone but do not expend too many time praying or going to the church, the atheist no to believe on that he can not see like God, Muhammad o Mohammed, etc
2007-06-14 04:31:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋