After reading some posts here, I think that the theists should know that atheism doesn't mean believing in evolution, nor a belief that god does not exist, or a belief of anything. It is a deceptive word. The 'ism'; implies belief in something. But in reality, atheism is just the lack of a belief in a god. Think of it more in terms of 'without theism'. Now when a theist comes to this section of the forums, instead of assuming anything about atheism and arguing with it, try proving theism.

Just to give a heads up: 'Just look around at the wonderful specialness of everything in the world.' Is not satisfactory.

I think 'necessarily' would have been a good addition to that question, but I added it for my purposes. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Sorry, I did mean that. That any beliefs are inherent to atheism.

Frattro,

You make an excellent point. It is a frustrating assertion made by many Xtians to aver that Atheists "believe" there is no god. Of course that, makes sense to them since they can only imagine that not believing in a god is to tantamount to denial. (Sweet Jezuz, I love anachronism)!

It is indeed absurd to say: "I don't believe in celery"

The term Atheist is specific to belief in a god, so I voted yes. Now a skeptic may well fit this description.

Atheists come in many shades - after all we ARE humans!

Afterall, there are Atheistic "religions" all over the world.

There are many people who believe Extraterrestrials made our planet and have been probing our rectums for thousands of years - yet there exists no scientific proof of this. If they do not believe in a god, then they are certainly Atheists. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Some years ago, when Minnesota Atheists was first formed, there was a big issue with Atheism and liberal ideology. The president of MA at the time was keen on advocating that the organization support socially liberal issues - like pro-choice. Turns out that there were a few members who were anti-abortion. After much debate and some intrigue, a splinter group was formed: Atheists for Human Rights.

Both organizations are thriving and are excellent resources and serve as catalysts for education, advocacy and the support of atheism in our world today.

Interstingly, MN Atheists participates in Gay Pride marches along with many other churches, banks and real estate companies.

It would be interesting to find a group similar to the one above in which I would 'blend'. Wait...I think that's a bit frightening....we'll go back to thinking about the gay pride marches.

Thats the problem with people who get together in groups, they always want to DO something. haha, just kidding, they usually have good intentions.

I know there is a whole spectrum of atheism definitions. The one I present, I feel, is universal. If we agree on this definition, then it gives us the most freedom, and the most potential for avoiding arguments based on our labels.

Every once in a while someone always brings up the idea of changing the name of the organization to include more potential members - like adding or changing to Agnostics or Freethinkers. It just muddles the field I think so it never gets anywhere.

A lot of time agnostics are people who don't know where they stand as non-believers in society. I think it is very helpful to talk to other Atheists and gain the knowledge of their collective experience - like what to do when you are sworn-in in court!

At least these are people I don't have to worry about pissing off advertently.

Seems conclusion of this question wasn�t bad so far.
I suggest, you add a line as second paragraph: vote about knowledge of theists does believe.

Otherwise known as "weak atheists" or "weak theists" ... really it depends on where you derive your definition from.

I don't stand anywhere - I sit (as in "on the fence"!) Theists cannot prove god(s) exist and atheists cannot prove god(s) do not. Therefore I have taken the most logical position by saying I cannot confirm or deny the existence.

I can be pretty irreverent about the whole debate (even going so far as to root for the aliens), but it does not meam I am confused or weak in my position. It's actually difficult most days because there is a constant push and pull from either side trying to convince those of us on the fence to go to either side in the absence of proof.

Atheism by difination is a disbelief or denial in God or gods. Now onething that athiest say that I don't get is that it is not a belief of any kind. But why is atheism not a belief? See Athiest can never proof there is no God, so they believe that there is no God. And I don't know why atheists are so afraid of that word.