I am curious to see all of the misconceptions that are out there regarding Atheism and our moral standings, beliefs etc. I'm sure there will be many...
2007-06-22 15:16:17 · 37 answers · asked by Vintage Glamour 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, it describes one who does not believe in deity. That's ALL the word means. "a" + "theism" = "without" + "deity".
It's not somebody who "has no religion". There are lots of people who believe in God yet do not subscribe to any particular religion. Likewise, there are religions built on a non-theistic model, especially in the far east.
Sometimes I wonder though if fellow atheists know the meaning of the word, as I've seen some who expand it to mean "Somebody who rejects all forms of religion and all metaphysical notions, thinks the scientific method is the one and only way to get answers, and is politically leftist on all issues.", then criticizes atheists who don't fit this mold.
2007-06-22 15:19:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The biggest fallacy seems to revolve around the fact that many christians cannot reconcile not believing in a god with still retaining a moral structure. What they fail to realise is that morality is an inherently human thing, and not connected to having religion. Religions often incorporate a set of moral standards (often dubious ones), but theistic belief is often an impediment to constructing a consistent set of moral values. An atheistic, humanist approach is more likely to create a set of moral values that is relevant in today's world than one can derive from dogma.
2007-06-22 15:23:55 · answer #2 · answered by Nodality 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I believe I do. An atheist is one who denies the existence of any god or goddess at all. Any "higher power," as they say in the 12-step programs. His or her moral standards are based on a philosophical analysis, not a creed. They tend toward materialism, humanism, cynicism and sarcasm.
2007-06-22 15:21:01 · answer #3 · answered by auntb93 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atheism doesn't have a set of beliefs, or even a moral standing.
An atheist is nothing more or less than a person who has no belief in any god or gods.
That's it....
2007-06-22 15:32:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Generally people who believe there is no god refer to themselves as Atheists. And yes there are many misconceptions about atheists.
2007-06-22 15:20:48 · answer #5 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An atheist is a person who does not believe in God.
Edit: Wow, I almost said the exact same thing as Kallan, I just left out the plural.
2007-06-22 15:20:13 · answer #6 · answered by juhsayngul 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not entirely sure, but i would say that an Atheist is a person who does not believe in a greater force over our lives such as a god or deity.
2007-06-22 15:21:14 · answer #7 · answered by Dire Darknil 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An atheist is a person who does not believe in a god or gods.
Many of them on R&S are people I also call good friends.
2007-06-22 15:19:46 · answer #8 · answered by Kallan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An Atheist is simply someone who does not believe in God/s everything else is total individual to the person.
There are no other set beliefs, it is not a religion..lol
2007-06-22 15:22:25 · answer #9 · answered by Fluffy Wisdom 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
An atheist doesn't believe in the existence of gods or goddesses.
2007-06-22 15:19:19 · answer #10 · answered by James 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋