The definition of atheism

Purple Youko, wow! Does that mean you are not sure that you exist? Whatever happend to? "I think, therefore I am." You wrote: "The absence of belief means that there is no conviction or acceptance of any truth at all." Belief in what? I don't believe God or gods exist but that does not affect my recognition of the material universe, or in the objective reality of chemical reactions. I think you have become a bit too etherial. Although I do accept that what I may view as perfectly good theory today (such as the Big Bang)I may have to reject tomorrow.For the record I recognize that word meanings evolve and that different subgroups of us humans have different definitions and understandings of words based on our preconceptions. But for me atheist means one who does not recognize the existence of the Christian God (in his multi-facets) nor in the existence of any other god, no matter what definition you may choose to apply.I hope I have not offended you in any way. I just disagree with what I think you are saying (it sounds somewhat -- Platonist?)Also, this is my first post. Hello everyone.This message has been edited by Born Again Atheist, 07-21-2005 02:11 AM

Hello CS Yes, I guess you would have to say that I do. I have held that position since age 16 and I am 53 now (but don't tell anyone). I have to tell you, I have been struggling to get my head around that one. It is not something I have given any thought to before. I call myself an atheist because I am convinced that we do not share the universe with any higher form of power that you might define as a deity. There may be life out there that is so technologically advanced that they may seem like gods to some people, but I do not subscribe to the notion (see, I avoided the word 'belief') that God, god or gods as defined in the usual contexts ever existed. It is not for shock value that I say this.Crashfrog made the point that there is a world of difference between John Kerry and the new Pope. I agree with him. I also agree with you that they share some core values. Kerry and his wife probably used birth control despite the Pope's opposition -- and there are many other points of difference between them. That, however, does not mean that I think we need a new word to define the differences between Catholics. That said, I would keep the word 'atheism' and simply recognize that atheists share one core belief but differ on their requirements for proof (and perhaps a few other things).This message has been edited by Born Again Atheist, 07-21-2005 04:31 PMThis message has been edited by Born Again Atheist, 07-21-2005 04:40 PM

You don't seriously label newborn babies as atheists, do you? I agree with your first statement in the quote but I think to tack a label on someone requires first a statement of belief from that individual. Your thinking, it would seem to me, would make an atheist of an ape. What say you?