Why are atheists hated so much?

Im a christen and I dont try to bash other religions. However everyone has there own biases and stubbornness its part of human nature.

Those people were being idiots because I dont see how calling someone a devilworshipper because there not christen is going to lead them closer to Christ.

[QUOTE="magnax1"]

Exactly what I'm talking about. Its the belief that there isn't a god.

metroidfood

Lacking a belief in God =/= believing there is no God

[QUOTE="magnax1"]

[QUOTE="SgtKevali"]

Atheism, under the broad definition, is the lack of a belief in a god. There's a difference.

FrostyPhantasm

No...... there isn't. Lacking a belief in god requires a belief that there isn't one.

To bad atheists aren't anti-belief but they just don't believe in a higher power.

Which is what I'm saying, and people are basically trying to deny they believe something, if you are trying to say that you don't really believe either way, there is another word for it.... I can't remember it right now.

That would be agnostic. The most common definition of atheism is a disbelief in a higher power.

coolbeans90

Atheism is the conclusion that a deity does not likely exist based on a lack of evidence, ergo, a lack of belief leading to a conclusion.

Atheism does not typically say there can be no god, only that nothing so far suggests it adequately.

Agnosticism essentially proclaims that man cannot know either way, that god is beyond our understanding or hidden for reasons we cannot process, or on a plain that our limited senses cannot infer.

[QUOTE="SgtKevali"]

[QUOTE="magnax1"]

Exactly what I'm talking about. Its the belief that there isn't a god.

coolbeans90

Atheism, under the broad definition, is the lack of a belief in a god. There's a difference.

That would be agnostic. The most common definition of atheism is a belief that there is no higher power.

Nope.

Agnostic: a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable (Merriam-Webster).

[QUOTE="coolbeans90"]

That would be agnostic. The most common definition of atheism is a disbelief in a higher power.

dhyce

Atheism is the conclusion that a deity does not likely exist based on a lack of evidence, ergo, a lack of belief leading to a conclusion.

Atheism does not typically say there can be no god, only that nothing so far suggests it adequately.

Agnosticism essentially proclaims that man cannot know either way, that god is beyond our understanding or hidden for reasons we cannot process, or on a plain that our limited senses cannot infer.

Definition for atheism-

Someone who denies the existence of God.

Agnostic

Someone who is doubtful or noncomittal

or

a person who claims that they cannot have true knowledge about the existence of God (but does not deny that God might exist)

And thats how everyone uses the word in real life. What you think of Atheism as is agnostic.

[QUOTE="metroidfood"]

[QUOTE="magnax1"]

Exactly what I'm talking about. Its the belief that there isn't a god.

UbiquitousAeon

Lacking a belief in God =/= believing there is no God

Believing there is no God =/= Not believing in God

One requires a positive affirmation to oneself that God does not exist. One does not.

I mean, really? This week I told someone at the Summer Camp I am going to that I am an atheist. Now, no one even talks to me and they call me "Devil Worshiper." Seriously?

mr_poodles123

Which is what I'm saying, and people are basically trying to deny they believe something, if you are trying to say that you don't really believe either way, there is another word for it.... I can't remember it right now.

magnax1

No, I am not denying a belief. Ugh. The prospect of a god is a claim. Do you know what that is? Because theism has never provided adequate evidence for their various claims, I discard it as imaginary, or mythological, take your pick. It is not a belief. To say this would mean you BELIEVE there is no Allah, no Vishnu, no Thor, no Magical Pink Unicorn and so forth. This is not a belief for me, only a conclusion I've come to based on currently available evidence. It is a lack of belief in the various positive claims theism makes and cannot back up, not just the christian god, I'm talking about every god man has made. Except that elusive Deistic god which is rather devoid of intellectual value. But that's another story.

[QUOTE="FrostyPhantasm"][QUOTE="magnax1"]

No...... there isn't. Lacking a belief in god requires a belief that there isn't one.

magnax1

To bad atheists aren't anti-belief but they just don't believe in a higher power.

Which is what I'm saying, and people are basically trying to deny they believe something, if you are trying to say that you don't really believe either way, there is another word for it.... I can't remember it right now.

Agnostic..

[QUOTE="dhyce"]

[QUOTE="coolbeans90"]

That would be agnostic. The most common definition of atheism is a disbelief in a higher power.

magnax1

Atheism is the conclusion that a deity does not likely exist based on a lack of evidence, ergo, a lack of belief leading to a conclusion.

Atheism does not typically say there can be no god, only that nothing so far suggests it adequately.

Agnosticism essentially proclaims that man cannot know either way, that god is beyond our understanding or hidden for reasons we cannot process, or on a plain that our limited senses cannot infer.

Definition for atheism-

Someone who denies the existence of God.

Agnostic

Someone who is doubtful or noncomittal

or

a person who claims that they cannot have true knowledge about the existence of God (but does not deny that God might exist)

And thats how everyone uses the word in real life. What you think of Atheism as is agnostic.

Agnosticism is the view that you cannot know the ultimate truth about these things for some reason. People simply misuse the word.

[QUOTE="coolbeans90"]

[QUOTE="SgtKevali"]

Atheism, under the broad definition, is the lack of a belief in a god. There's a difference.

SgtKevali

That would be agnostic. The most common definition of atheism is a belief that there is no higher power.

Nope.

Agnostic: a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable (Merriam-Webster).

Try again.

Webster: "1archaic: ungodliness, wickedness
2 a: a disbelief in the existence of deity b: the doctrine that there is no deity"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atheism

EDIT: Here is agnosticism.

"1: a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/agnostic

[QUOTE="magnax1"]

Because they're hypocritical and illogical. Thats why I hate atheism

UbiquitousAeon

A poor choice of words no doubt, but Atheism bad image is really self inflicted. I'm also an atheist, but generally dont have problems with religous people. Once people see that I'm not a militant atheist and can appreciate some of the positive aspects of their faith, most wont be so suspicous of me. I guess the reason why I'm not so much of a threat is because I dont waste my time on pointless childish things like God on coins or when someone give you well wishes by saying "God Bless you".

The big thing is I dont argue against some the critical aspects of religious people, mainly christians, like supporting the nuclear family and limiting sex and violence. All those things are good for society I believe. Christians fear that if Atheism gain ground that all the social standards that built the successful society will devolve into chaos.

[QUOTE="magnax1"]

Which is what I'm saying, and people are basically trying to deny they believe something, if you are trying to say that you don't really believe either way, there is another word for it.... I can't remember it right now.

dhyce

No, I am not denying a belief. Ugh. The prospect of a god is a claim. Do you know what that is? Because theism has never provided adequate evidence for their various claims, I discard it as imaginary, or mythological, take your pick. It is not a belief. To say this would mean you BELIEVE there is no Allah, no Vishnu, no Thor, no Magical Pink Unicorn and so forth. This is not a belief for me, only a conclusion I've come to based on currently available evidence. It is a lack of belief in the various positive claims theism makes and cannot back up, not just the christian god, I'm talking about every god man has made. Except that elusive Deistic god which is rather devoid of intellectual value. But that's another story.

Then like everyone has been saying, you are agnostic. (Which is the word I couldn't remember) You don't really believe either way because there is no proof either way. If thats not true and you don't believe in God you are atheist. Its that simple.

Definition for atheism-

Someone who denies the existence of God.

Agnostic

Someone who is doubtful or noncomittal

or

a person who claims that they cannot have true knowledge about the existence of God (but does not deny that God might exist)

And thats how everyone uses the word in real life. What you think of Atheism as is agnostic.

magnax1

Nice lack of source, although I'm aware of this definition, it is A definition. I just searched define:atheism on Google and wouldn't you know? Most examples supply the definition I provided. Funny that.

No, EVERYONE, does not use the word in this way you've provided. Only, dare I say, the misinformed do. Atheism is and was always supposed to be a lack of belief, the polar opposite of theism. While agnosticism is a stance, suggesting god as unknowable. Get it? Atheism is the opposite of theism, a lack of belief, while all else IS a belief. It's pretty simple.

People hate atheists?wstfld

Yeah too many Atheists want to make a statement and take part in childish initiatives. you know, like the ones who dont want to lower head for a moment of silence for a tragedy or dead colleague. those idiots see everything as religious. ugh....

[QUOTE="magnax1"]

[QUOTE="dhyce"]

Atheism is the conclusion that a deity does not likely exist based on a lack of evidence, ergo, a lack of belief leading to a conclusion.

Atheism does not typically say there can be no god, only that nothing so far suggests it adequately.

Agnosticism essentially proclaims that man cannot know either way, that god is beyond our understanding or hidden for reasons we cannot process, or on a plain that our limited senses cannot infer.

SgtKevali

Definition for atheism-

Someone who denies the existence of God.

Agnostic

Someone who is doubtful or noncomittal

or

a person who claims that they cannot have true knowledge about the existence of God (but does not deny that God might exist)

And thats how everyone uses the word in real life. What you think of Atheism as is agnostic.

Agnosticism is the view that you cannot know the ultimate truth about these things for some reason. People simply misuse the word.

And Atheism is the belief that there is no god. Splitting people into three categories, Atheist, Agnostic, and Religious. If that is not true, and Atheism isn't the belief that there is no God, there is a fourth category, what is it called then?

[QUOTE="UbiquitousAeon"]

[QUOTE="metroidfood"]

Lacking a belief in God =/= believing there is no God

metroidfood

Believing there is no God =/= Not believing in God

One requires a positive affirmation to oneself that God does not exist. One does not.

[QUOTE="majwill24"]

[QUOTE="UbiquitousAeon"] Oh, the irony. dreDREb13

A poor choice of words no doubt, but Atheism bad image is really self inflicted. I'm also an atheist, but generally dont have problems with religous people. Once people see that I'm not a militant atheist and can appreciate some of the positive aspects of their faith, most wont be so suspicous of me. I guess the reason why I'm not so much of a threat is because I dont waste my time on pointless childish things like God on coins or when someone give you well wishes by saying "God Bless you".

The big thing is I dont argue against some the critical aspects of religious people, mainly christians, like supporting the nuclear family and limiting sex and violence. All those things are good for society I believe. Christians fear that if Atheism gain ground that all the social standards that built the successful society will devolve into chaos.

How is complaining about God on coins logical? Its the exact opposite. There is no logical reason to care whether or not someone put God on coins and Bills.

[QUOTE="magnax1"]

[QUOTE="dhyce"]

Atheism is the conclusion that a deity does not likely exist based on a lack of evidence, ergo, a lack of belief leading to a conclusion.

Atheism does not typically say there can be no god, only that nothing so far suggests it adequately.

Agnosticism essentially proclaims that man cannot know either way, that god is beyond our understanding or hidden for reasons we cannot process, or on a plain that our limited senses cannot infer.

SgtKevali

Definition for atheism-

Someone who denies the existence of God.

Agnostic

Someone who is doubtful or noncomittal

or

a person who claims that they cannot have true knowledge about the existence of God (but does not deny that God might exist)

And thats how everyone uses the word in real life. What you think of Atheism as is agnostic.

Agnosticism is the view that you cannot know the ultimate truth about these things for some reason. People simply misuse the word.

Especially dictionaries.

"1: a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable; broadly: one who is not committed to believing in either the existence or the nonexistence of God or a god"

[QUOTE="metroidfood"]

[QUOTE="UbiquitousAeon"] To believe is to believe. To not believe is to not believe. To lack a belief in God is to not believe there is God. To lack a belief in God is not necessarily to say that there is absolutely no God. Although the latter entirely depends on your position in the matter. Some would in deed argue that there is absolutely no God.

UbiquitousAeon

Believing there is no God =/= Not believing in God

One requires a positive affirmation to oneself that God does not exist. One does not.

You said that perfectly. Great job

:D

[QUOTE="UbiquitousAeon"]

[QUOTE="metroidfood"]

Believing there is no God =/= Not believing in God

One requires a positive affirmation to oneself that God does not exist. One does not.

magnax1

You said that perfectly. Great job

:D

[QUOTE="magnax1"]

[QUOTE="SgtKevali"]

Agnosticism is the view that you cannot know the ultimate truth about these things for some reason. People simply misuse the word.

dreDREb13

And Atheism is the belief that there is no god. Splitting people into three categories, Atheist, Agnostic, and Religious. If that is not true, and Atheism isn't the belief that there is no God, there is a fourth category, what is it called then?

Webster: "1archaic: ungodliness, wickedness
2 a: a disbelief in the existence of deity b: the doctrine that there is no deity"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atheism

[QUOTE="magnax1"]

[QUOTE="SgtKevali"]

Agnosticism is the view that you cannot know the ultimate truth about these things for some reason. People simply misuse the word.

dreDREb13

And Atheism is the belief that there is no god. Splitting people into three categories, Atheist, Agnostic, and Religious. If that is not true, and Atheism isn't the belief that there is no God, there is a fourth category, what is it called then?

Quote-

"Believing that there is no God is in fact equal to not believing in God... However, that's not to say that one always claims that there is no God. Some would simply believe that there is no God but don't outright deny the possibility that there is a God."

Lack of belief is agnostic. Believing that there is no God is Atheism. Belief is Theism.

Then like everyone has been saying, you are agnostic. (Which is the word I couldn't remember) You don't really believe either way because there is no proof either way. If thats not true and you don't believe in God you are atheist. Its that simple.

magnax1

You're misunderstanding language. I'm saying atheism is a conclusion and not a belief. Do you know the difference? You might say I'm playing word games, but I'm not: my understanding of language is intensely literal. I say there is no god because evidence points that way. That's it, so, I do not believe in a god. If evidence ever pointed elsewhere, immediately I would reconsider. I do not believe there is no god. I can safely say at the moment there is none based on what is known. What we know as mere apes is freakishly close to explaining the beginning of time without any need for a god. So, I'm left with simple deduction. I believe the Christian god is as likely as Zeus, or Ba'al, or Shiva, or anything I can imagine right now. I believe the probability for gods mentioned in texts on earth to be real at 0%. The only remaining possibilities are speculatory, unsupported by evidence, and inane to consider until the evidence says otherwise. So, my conclusion that there is no god is simple to reach.

[QUOTE="wstfld"]People hate atheists?majwill24

Yeah too many Atheists want to make a statement and take part in childish initiatives. you know, like the ones who dont want to lower head for a moment of silence for a tragedy or dead colleague. those idiots see everything as religious. ugh....

I don't hate them as long they aren't close-minded and ignorant. They're people too, that follow different beliefs. Almost like their own religion LOL.

[QUOTE="dreDREb13"][QUOTE="magnax1"]

And Atheism is the belief that there is no god. Splitting people into three categories, Atheist, Agnostic, and Religious. If that is not true, and Atheism isn't the belief that there is no God, there is a fourth category, what is it called then?

coolbeans90

Webster: "1archaic: ungodliness, wickedness
2 a: a disbelief in the existence of deity b: the doctrine that there is no deity"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atheism

[QUOTE="SgtKevali"]

[QUOTE="coolbeans90"]

That would be agnostic. The most common definition of atheism is a belief that there is no higher power.

coolbeans90

Nope.

Agnostic: a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable (Merriam-Webster).

Try again.

Webster: "1archaic: ungodliness, wickedness
2 a: a disbelief in the existence of deity b: the doctrine that there is no deity"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atheism

I don't need to "try again". You were misusing the word agnostic, although that definition of the word has become widely used.

But getting past that, what does disbelief mean?

Disbelief:the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue

And what does disbelieving mean?

Disbelieving:to hold not worthy of belief ; to withhold or reject belief.

(Merriam Webster)

That goes back to a "lack of belief" (to withhold belief) .

It's only in the narrow definition that atheism is a belief that there is no god. That's why you have the difference between "weak atheists" and "strong atheists". As an broad statement, if you will, atheism is simply the lack of a belief in a deity.

[QUOTE="coolbeans90"]

[QUOTE="dreDREb13"]Dude, atheism is the LACK OF BELIEF in a god. You don't have to believe that something doesn't exist.UbiquitousAeon

Webster: "1archaic: ungodliness, wickedness
2 a: a disbelief in the existence of deity b: the doctrine that there is no deity"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atheism

": the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/netdict/disbelief

[QUOTE="coolbeans90"]

[QUOTE="SgtKevali"]

Nope.

Agnostic: a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable (Merriam-Webster).

SgtKevali

Try again.

Webster: "1archaic: ungodliness, wickedness
2 a: a disbelief in the existence of deity b: the doctrine that there is no deity"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atheism

I don't need to "try again". You were misusing the word agnostic, although that definition of the word has become widely used.

But getting past that, what does disbelief mean?

Disbelief:the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue

And what does disbelieving mean?

Disbelieving:to hold not worthy of belief ; to withhold or reject belief.

(Merriam Webster)

That goes back to a "lack of belief".

It's only in the narrow definition that atheism is a belief that there is no god. That's why you have the difference between "weak atheists" and "strong atheists". As an broad statement, if you will, atheism is simply the lack of a belief in a deity.

Nay.

Here is disbelief.

": the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/netdict/disbelief"

Ergo, atheism is a belief that theism is not true.

[QUOTE="UbiquitousAeon"]

[QUOTE="coolbeans90"]

Webster: "1archaic: ungodliness, wickedness
2 a: a disbelief in the existence of deity b: the doctrine that there is no deity"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atheism

coolbeans90

Nope. Here is disbelief.

": the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/netdict/disbelief

": the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/netdict/disbelief

coolbeans90

Rejecting something on the grounds of it having no truth = not believing in something.

Am I on Mars?

I believe in trees.

I can see trees. I can prove the existence of trees and, if you come over here, I can show you a tree.

I don't believe in god because of the same things. It's not that I don't believe there is a god, it's just I can't prove it to myself.

So the question is, do I believe in the galaxy or if the world is round? I can't really see it and have no proof myself.

I guess that makes me agnostic. I don't believe in nothing, I jsut don't believe in something I can't prove to myself.

Anyway this topic's spiralled into another religious debate. The OT's question was why he was discriminated against for saying he was an atheist. The short answer was because the people he said it to were bigoted. This doesn't apply to all Christians, or all people. But if you've expressed an opinion and they've shut you out purely because of it then that is bigoted....unless you started one of the arguments like above with them.

If I was Christian I'd certainly get sick of people trying to convince me the error of my belief. Same way I'm agnostic and I get sick of door knockers trying to convince of their belief.

[QUOTE="SgtKevali"]

[QUOTE="coolbeans90"]

Try again.

Webster: "1archaic: ungodliness, wickedness
2 a: a disbelief in the existence of deity b: the doctrine that there is no deity"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atheism

coolbeans90

I don't need to "try again". You were misusing the word agnostic, although that definition of the word has become widely used.

But getting past that, what does disbelief mean?

Disbelief:the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue

And what does disbelieving mean?

Disbelieving:to hold not worthy of belief ; to withhold or reject belief.

(Merriam Webster)

That goes back to a "lack of belief".

It's only in the narrow definition that atheism is a belief that there is no god. That's why you have the difference between "weak atheists" and "strong atheists". As an broad statement, if you will, atheism is simply the lack of a belief in a deity.

Nay.

Here is disbelief.

": the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/netdict/disbelief"

Ergo, atheism is a belief that theism is not true.

Disbelieving:to hold not worthy of belief ; to withhold or reject belief.

(Merriam Webster)

That goes back to a "lack of belief" (to withhold belief) .

I don't know why you ignored that part. :?

[QUOTE="magnax1"]

Then like everyone has been saying, you are agnostic. (Which is the word I couldn't remember) You don't really believe either way because there is no proof either way. If thats not true and you don't believe in God you are atheist. Its that simple.

dhyce

You're misunderstanding language. I'm saying atheism is a conclusion and not a belief. Do you know the difference? You might say I'm playing word games, but I'm not: my understanding of language is intensely literal. I say there is no god because evidence points that way. That's it, so, I do not believe in a god. If evidence ever pointed elsewhere, immediately I would reconsider. I do not believe there is no god. I can safely say at the moment there is none based on what is known. What we know as mere apes is freakishly close to explaining the beginning of time without any need for a god. So, I'm left with simple deduction. I believe the Christian god is as likely as Zeus, or Ba'al, or Shiva, or anything I can imagine right now. I believe the probability for gods mentioned in texts on earth to be real at 0%. The only remaining possibilities are speculatory, unsupported by evidence, and inane to consider until the evidence says otherwise. So, my conclusion that there is no god is simple to reach.

Conclusions lead to a belief. So you either have not concluded and Don't believe in anything, or have concluded that you believe there is no god. There is no other category other then belief in God. Who really cares what the definition is? It doesn't matter what I'm saying is that you can't not have a lack of belief and not be in the category of what people generally call agnostic whether or not its the dictionary definiton of agnostic or not.

Also, if you're saying your conclusion leads to facts, then you're wrong, because there are no facts in this argument, which is my problem whith both Atheism and Religion, there are no facts so living your life like there are is pointless.

They see no evidence, and have therefore concluded there to be no god.dreDREb13

[QUOTE="coolbeans90"]

[QUOTE="UbiquitousAeon"] Disbelief = Lack of belief... Correct! dreDREb13 is right that It's not a belief. It's the opposite of belief.

UbiquitousAeon

Nope. Here is disbelief.

": the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/netdict/disbelief

Umm, it proved mine. A rejection of a belief (say, theism) would be to state that it isn't true. So a rejection of the notion that God exists would certainly be a claim. Not the lack thereof.

[QUOTE="UbiquitousAeon"]

[QUOTE="coolbeans90"]

Nope. Here is disbelief.

": the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/netdict/disbelief

coolbeans90

Umm, it proved mine. A rejection of a belief (say, theism) would be to state that it isn't true. So a rejection of the notion that God exists would certainly be a claim. Not the lack thereof.