Tcg wrote: ↑Mon Aug 15, 2022 2:53 pm
Miles wrote: ↑Mon Aug 15, 2022 2:46 pm
Tcg wrote: ↑Mon Aug 15, 2022 2:37 pm
Miles wrote: ↑Mon Aug 15, 2022 2:29 pm
Tcg wrote: ↑Mon Aug 15, 2022 12:54 am
.
I recently heard this definition of atheism:
"Atheism is the condition of not believing that a God or deity exists."
I think it is clearer than the one I usually espouse which is that atheism is the lack of belief in god/gods. The only issue I have with is its singular nature. Perhaps, Atheism is the condition of not believing that any gods or deities exist, would be better.
Is this a good definition?
To be clear: Atheism is not a disbelief in gods or a denial of gods; it is a lack of belief in gods.
- American Atheists
In as much as
a. the meaning of "not" and "lack of" are essentially equivalent in the two definitions,
b. the "exists" in the first definition is a given condition in the second definition,
c. that "deity" has no business being in the first definition.
d. the plural "gods" in the second definition is superfluous.
Resulting in:
1. "Atheism is t̶h̶e̶ ̶c̶o̶n̶d̶i̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ ̶o̶f̶ not believing that a God o̶r̶ ̶d̶e̶i̶t̶y̶ exists."
and
2. "Atheism is a lack of belief in gods̶."
I see no meaningful difference between "
Atheism is not believing that a God exists." and
"Atheism is a lack of belief in the existence of god."
.
I agree, but the former may be easier to comprehend than the latter. For whatever reason, some are confused about or perhaps even intentionally try to confuse what it means to be an atheist. I'm just wondering if the definition I presented would help people understand what atheism actually is.
Tcg
Personally, I like the use of the word "
lack" because it indicates a willingness to consider the possibility that god does exist. My particular position.
.
Yes, I hold that position too. I'm just trying to see if we can find a definition that would clarify what atheists are. One that wouldn't lead others to claim that rocks or trees or whatnot are also atheists. It appears however that no matter how we describe it there will be those who intend to misdescribe it.
Tcg
I think labels are for groups, therefor the subject should be addressing what an "atheist" is, not "atheism", because everyone's stance is individual.
I think an
atheistt is a person who can honestly say: " I do not acknowledge the existence of any god or deity."
I think an
agnostict is a person who can honestly say: " I do not accredit any religion with the truth of creation."
I know the question relates to the validity of the statement,"Atheism is the condition of not believing that a God or deity exists."
However i feel the statement is inaccurate because of the word "condition", which suggests the form of some kind of conditioning has taken place, which leads to an ambiguous result for the sake of understanding.
So to me, atheism is,or consists of, those who can honestly say: "
I do not acknowledge the existence of any god or deity." (
not- can not, will not, or should not, but just,
do not)