Baris

well, the word "atheist" literally means "a" (without) and "theist" or theos in greek (God), isn't it?

Therefore, I'd rather think that literally speaking, anyone who is "without God" could be called an atheist.
But such a person can be many other things at the same time.
"atheist" would then be, like for u, just one caracteristic among many others, is it correct?
for example, once I've heard of "atheist Buddhists".
I also know a scientologist person, who can be described as "atheist" insofar as he doesn't believe in God, but that doesn't imply that he's materialistic or that he doesn't have any belief.

Also, haven't you chosen to disbelieve in God?

Zeloguy

You are absolutely on the money. However... it means "without A god". A god is anything that is worshipped. The way I describe "god" is anything that is the most important thing in your life.

Although this is a very simplified way of looking at things, it is the easiest to understand. Now if one believes there is no higher being and c'est la vie, then you might have an argument for atheism but not for it being a religion because they don't believe in a higher power and therefore cannot "worship" that higher power.

"god" can be God as we know Him, or it can be money, cars, success, fame, sex, or any other number of things.

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The_FD

Well actually believing in God is a tough question...

I mean I don't believe in God existence. But I know he is of prior importance in our history, culture and society. So actually to me God exists in people's mind, which is much more important than its true (or false) existence.

You are right when you say that for me atheist is just a caracteristic given by other people. I don't feel like I am from this group, but that's where I have been put.
I did not choose to disbelieve in God since for me it is not even a question whether he exists or not. Let's say my belief is a totally different approach of the questions religion use to answer in its sacred books (Human existence, Human destiny, role of men and women, right and power of each of us, what's before and after life...).
Once again, the only importance of God is his contribution in our culture.

And by the way not to belive in God hopefully does not mean I have no belief at all . I do have some, but they are not used to be compared to religion, since it does not answer to the same types of questions

As to our previous discussion, I simply wanted to point that you can be atheit as a default choice (you don't reject religion, but don't believe in God neither) or you can be atheist because you reject religion. Despite those two people have the same caracteristc (no belief in God) there are totally opposite if you take into account their way of thinking.

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Baris

what do you mean?

Baris

Quote:

I did not choose to disbelieve in God since for me it is not even a question whether he exists or not. Let's say my belief is a totally different approach of the questions religion use to answer

Just checking if I understood u…
So you’re approaching life from a « Godless » (i.e.atheist) (or « God-free ») perspective; this is about the actual fact;
but on the other hand, you’re not doing so « consciously », cos u claim that there is no « God factor » in your way of thinking and of relating to yourself, to existence, to the world, etc. For u, God is not a reference point whatsoever, either by believing in Him or denying Him.
Thus, you end up being an atheist only the eyes of those who believe in God.
And you cannot possibly describe yourself as an atheist since for u God is absolutely inexistent both in actual fact, and in your personal realm of existence.
So, if that’s your view, I find it very interesting…
…and also quite ingeniously self-deceiving (but that’s just my personal opinion of course…)

Quote:

I don't believe in God existence. God exists in people's mind, which is much more important than its true (or false) existence.

I see what u mean, and that’s another matter altogether.
My concern in this discussion about atheism would be rather limited to the “factual” existence or inexistence of God.

Quote:

You are right when you say that for me atheist is just a caracteristic given by other people. I don't feel like I am from this group, but that's where I have been put.

I think it’s up to you to call yourself the way u like, or if u dt know yet how to call yourself ou do not need to “call yourself” in any particular way anyway, at least u can correct people who call u “atheist” and stop yourself saying that u r an atheist (as I think I’ve seen u write that before) just because that’s the way others define u. If if u dt like the labelling, just put off the label!
Also, u seem to have a particular and very personal definition of "atheism", pls tell us about it. Why do u think it's a "group" and why do u refuse to belong to it?

Quote:

not to belive in God hopefully does not mean I have no belief at all. I do have some, but they are not used to be compared to religion, since it does not answer to the same types of questions

Sure I agree with that, many atheists do have believes.
Just out of curiosity… r u a humanist?

The_FD

perfectly understood sir

Well actually put the label off is one thing, but it does not necessarily change people's mind. One cannot change a cultural belief or a social category. Perhaps an organized group of people can do it over years but not isolated people
The "group" I was talking about is rather the case in which people choose to reject religion and God existence, thus becoming atheist by conviction. I don't belong to this group simply because I am not atheist by conviction ... Even though I am called atheist by many people (which is perfectly understandable when you take it as easy as "no God" = atheist).

Well I don't think so, because I am not looking forward to widespreading a given phiolosophical point of view or to giving moral advices to anyone. We may say a partial humanist... But who knows some people may tell me I am a humanist

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Chrissy

Although I was raised a Roman Catholic, I too feel I am an atheist by default I like religion but I just couldn't "feel" it....if that makes sense..

as for atheism as a religion....I always viewed religion as a community united by common beliefs..this definition could apply to atheism as well. But I think we have already establised this (it is and isn't depending on the definition)

Did I mention Albert Camus saved my life? he did. "One must imagine Sisyphus happy!"