10 myths -- and 10 truths -- about atheism

[piercehawkeye45]

Originally Posted by Yznhymr

Fool: Atheism is defined by Webster's New World Dictionary as, "1. the belief that there is no God, or denial that God or gods exist. 2. godlessness".

An atheist, therefore, is a person who believes that there is no God. The Bible confirms this in Psalm 14:1 - The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.

I am not trying to attack you but that is a horrible definition and makes atheists to be something they are usually not. If you do not collect stamps do people consider yourself someone who "doesn't believe in collecting stamps or someone who denies collecting stamps"? No, because most people have no intention of collecting stamps in the first place and many atheists are the same way. They are not the anti-religious stereotype that atheists are made out to be, but usually just never had any intention of being religious. Remember, the only atheists you will hear of are the anti-religious kind. Do not assume that is the norm.

Atheism is not a negative to religion but just has nothing to do with religion in the first place. If religion wasn't so common there shouldn't even be a name for atheists the same way we don't have a name for someone who doesn't have a hobby.

The best definition for an atheist is "someone who does not have a religion or a non-theist". Adding "denial of God or denial of religion" adds a negative connotation.