What does it mean to be an Atheist ( not a mocking thread)

[oldbadger]

Deism is the belief that there exists a creator who, having created, took no further part in the operation of the universe, .

Hi.....
The above is one of the atheist/deist Creeds, but of course there are so many.

My Deism does not insist that everything created itself, it simply believes that 'every thing and force is a part of the whole'.

I have no idea or concern about how 'all that is' became, nor do I know how big it all is. This Universe may be as a speck of dust when compared with the whole.

So my Deity is big, but whether it created self or became in some other way, I know not. But why would I beat myself up over the question? I do not wake in the night, desperate to figure out how your posts came in to my life..... I'm just happy to read them.

 

[oldbadger]

You collect while I get the atheist inquisition to rally up against the heresy I see here

OMG! Dominican Atheists?
The wrack and whips?
I've heard stories about some atheists.

 

[oldbadger]

I hear there will be an upswing in the market value of the handshake soon, too.

Upswing?
What exactly gets shaken?

 

[oldbadger]

For me, it is an absolutely cold fact, not in the least emotional. But my atheism goes beyond the question of existence of God and includes the non acceptance of soul, superstitions and paramormal.

Interesting point.
On another Forum I asked atheists about any superstitions that they might have. To the great upset of some atheists, others replied, explaining various superstitions from possession of lucky charms to touching wood, etc, and so on.

And so..... I must ask, is it at all possible thatr you are influenced in the tiniest way by anything that might be called 'superstitious'?

 

[oldbadger]

No, not by my definition. I explained the different meanings of the word and it's usages. To communicate with others one cannot make up one's own private meanings of words.

But that's the thing......... for example many Christians will say much the same thing. Yes!

Christian to other churches:-
You are not Christians! ]No, not by my Creed! I explained the different meanings of the Creed and Doctrine. To communicate with others one cannot make up one's own private Creed!




They are not Atheists!

 

[oldbadger]

Well, by definition you are NOT an atheist, because you very clearly state: I BELIEVE in an uninvolved, disinterested or unaware deity. You DO have a belief in a deity, that ALL that's required to make you a theist. The fact that you believe in a disinterested deity makes no difference at all.

Hello .....

But...... no.
I am not a Theist.
I am a non-Theist.
I am A-theist

The fact that my Deist/Atheist Crreed differs from yours is fine. Look at Christianity which has thousands of varying Creeds and Doctrines.

It's perfectly normal for humans to sub-divide within their own groups, calling all the other groups impostors.

The new Atrheist call is..... 'They are not Atheists!'

You'll be a religion soon.

 

[Subduction Zone]

But that's the thing......... for example many Christians will say much the same thing. Yes!

Christian to other churches:-
You are not Christians! ]No, not by my Creed! I explained the different meanings of the Creed and Doctrine. To communicate with others one cannot make up one's own private Creed!




They are not Atheists!

Nope, not even close. Try again.

 

[LuisDantas]

Upswing?
What exactly gets shaken?

Nice try.

 

[Augustus]

Deism is the belief that there exists a creator who, having created, took no further part in the operation of the universe, doesn't do miracles and revelations and such.

You also get 'providential deists', Thomas Jefferson for example, who married a stripped-down Christian Divine Providence to an otherwise deistic god. So you get a god who doesn't interfere in the world, but was specifically benevolent in his act of creation.

 

[Revoltingest]

Ummmm....... how much?

Whaddaya got?

 

[Aupmanyav]

And so..... I must ask, is it at all possible thatr you are influenced in the tiniest way by anything that might be called 'superstitious'?

If you must, then a flat no. During a smoking break in my marriage ceremony, a black cat crossed my way (considered a bad omen in India). We have had 52 years of reasonably happy marriage.

 

[oldbadger]

Nope, not even close. Try again.

Yes.... I think I've got it smack on.

For instance, please would you select your perfect definition of atheism?
That would be easy for such as yourself, yes?

 

[oldbadger]

Nice try.

Only messing about!

But on a more appropriate note than my first post, could I ask you...... please would you show your perfect definition of atheism?

 

[Subduction Zone]

Yes.... I think I've got it smack on.

For instance, please would you select your perfect definition of atheism?
That would be easy for such as yourself, yes?

Nope, your analogy failed terribly and you can't see it. I could explain a proper analogy for you.

 

[oldbadger]

Whaddaya got?

Clearly not enough for anything as deep and secret as an atheist lodge.

Revolting..... please would you write your idea of a definition of atheism?

 

[oldbadger]

Nope, your analogy failed terribly and you can't see it. I could explain a proper analogy for you.

...any chance of your definition of atheism?

 

[oldbadger]

If you must, then a flat no. During a smoking break in my marriage, a black cat crossed my way (considered a bad omen in India). We have had a 52 years of reasonable happy marriage.

May I extend my congratulations and much respect to Mrs Aupmanyav? Now there is a fine and patient lady, just as my wife is......

 

[Subduction Zone]

...any chance of your definition of atheism?

I gave that a long time ago. Please don't change the subject. We were discussing your failed analogy. You had it backwards. This would not be one Christian telling all of the other churches that they were not Christians. This is the case of one believer, in this case you, trying he tell everyone else that he belongs to a group when that person's stated beliefs puts him in another group.

 

[LuisDantas]

Only messing about!

But on a more appropriate note than my first post, could I ask you...... please would you show your perfect definition of atheism?

Lack of belief in the literal existence of whatever that person sees fit to call a deity.

What is why @Aupmanyav and me, both atheists, can freely discuss the Devi and other deities. We are aware of the idea and know how to use it without taking them out of the proper contexts.

 

[charlie sc]

OMG! Dominican Atheists?
The wrack and whips?
I've heard stories about some atheists.

Ummm, you're welcome into the atheist group, whatever that means. I've never been part of any atheist group nor do I know of any atheist ideologies. So, errr, welcome? The more the merrier, I guess. Though your responses thus far seem to incline you're opposed to atheists and atheism even though you call yourself one. However, just as a critique against deism being part of atheism I can point to some prominent atheists who don't consider deism part of atheism. Matt Dillahunty(2:20 - 2:34) considered deism as, "an absolute failure in skepticism" and Christopher Hitchens(2:15 -2:50) argues against deism, where in says, "if you ever argue with a theist or a deist as I do every day you'll find they all believe in a God of their very own." Why should you care what these popular atheists say? Maybe because atheists, in the mainstream, don't consider the concept of atheism to include deism. Any and all material I can find on this agrees with this assessment. You may ask why then do some theists consider deists as atheists, I'd think the same reason they considered some people witches, because it goes against their ideology. I doubt witches exist, right ? Anyway, welcome brethren to the invisible group.