I have been thinking that there is no choice but to claim atheism because I lack a belief in any god. However, I can't say that I'm positive there is no god. I just don't see any proof of one right now. So... doesn't that make me an atheist?
2007-12-16 10:00:01 · 45 answers · asked by Linz VT•AM 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
But I don't really see the difference between an atheist and an agnostic, if what icarus says is correct (which it is).
2007-12-16 10:05:17 · update #1
Well I consider myself an atheist, I don't think there is a god, but I'm not 100% sure there isn't a god. None of us can be 100% sure that there is or isn't a god. So basically that leaves the choice of, do you think there is a god, or do you think there isn't a god, if you think there isn't a god, then your an atheist. I would only classify you as an agnostic if you don't have an opinion either way.
2007-12-16 10:10:01 · answer #1 · answered by Moxie! 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The difference is probability. If you believe it's basically a 50-50 chance of there not being a god--I'd say you were an agnostic. If you are more than 90% sure I'd say you were an atheist.
I'm not trying to generalize, but I think you could call yourself an atheist without any problem.
2007-12-16 10:29:15 · answer #2 · answered by Todd 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you are in doubt to the point of indecision... you would be right to say that you're agnostic. If you are certain the evidence says that no god exists or has existed and that none is likely to pop up... you're right to say that you are atheist.
Being atheist, however, does not weld the door hinges. I'm sure that you are firmly decided that little green men from Mars are a fallacy; however, if one (or a few thousand,) popped up out of the blue to change your mind, you'd be a fool not to recognize the truth of their being. It's the same with atheism and God. He's not there and never has been.... I for one don't ever expect to find out differently, but I'm no fool and I'm willing to speak and say the truth --- always. If God happens to drop in.. I'll tip my hat to him.
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2007-12-16 13:41:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Strong atheist- Belief in no god
Weak atheist- No belief in god
You're a weak atheist
EDIT: Agnosticism is more of a claim ignorance than anything else. Generally, they think there's an exact 50% chance of God existing or not.
As a weak atheist, I can't say God does not exist, but I can say there's a 99% chance he doesn't exist.
2007-12-16 10:06:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Atheism is a lack of belief in gods, not an absolute certainty that there are no gods as many of the Christians around here would have people believe.
And really, the beauty of atheism is that you don't "have" to do, not do, or be anything. It's freedom.
2007-12-16 14:47:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think one has to be sure of their perception of reality, not so much sure about whether that which is without evidence is true. Because that's what one must remember - there is no evidence of a god or gods, nor is there evidence of an afterlife. Whether or not people allow this lack of evidence to affect their judgment is up to personal preference. This is not belief, it is established fact and of that I am sure, that's why I am an atheist.
2007-12-16 10:53:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some people call me Agnostic because I can't PROVE that god(s) do not exist. I just do not believe in them that is my reason for claiming Atheism
The only thing I am sure of is that I don't believe in god(s)
2007-12-16 10:08:44 · answer #7 · answered by FallenAngel© 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It means you're Agnostic
the difference is that atheist people believe there is no God while Agnostic people are questioning if there is one or not
2007-12-16 10:03:14 · answer #8 · answered by Nichole 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
atheism is not the lack of faith it is just the state of being before the question of weather you do or don't believe is ever asked. a new born baby is an atheist till he/she is told there is a god. if you were never asked the question than the answer would be mute. an atheist is just a person that just said no to the question when asked.
2007-12-16 11:08:06 · answer #9 · answered by sweeney 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you are not positive there is no god, but not positive there is, then you would be classified as an agnostic.
To be more specific Linz, an atheist absolutely believes that there is no god, period.
An agnostic realizes that there is no possible way to truly know whether there is a god or not.
2007-12-16 10:02:59 · answer #10 · answered by Balthier 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋