EX-ATHEIST

I was just curious why some people here are atheists (or agnostics or humanists or whatever other religion to which you subscribe)?

Mageth

Because there is no god.

Seriously, here's a topic with dozens of <a href="http://iidb.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=55&t=000020" target="_blank">atheist testimonies.</a>

Mageth

Just noticed...those things you list are not "religions." Look "religion" up in the dictionary.

EX-ATHEIST

Religion: 4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion

From <a href="http://www.dictionary.com" target="_blank">www.dictionary.com</a>

Reverend Ruin

Someone claims to be an ex-atheist and doesn't know why others are atheist? Can you say TROLL? Oh, by the way, please don't try using your 3rd-grade dictionary "logic" on us. Atheism isn't a religion, because there is nothing to persue, it's simply a lack of belief. Nothing more.




[ February 15, 2002: Message edited by: Reverend Ruin ]</p>

manhattan

You're, uh, aware of why dictionaries number the definitions, aren't you? (Hint: It ain't alphabetical)

Mageth

So I define myself as an atheist. That means I do not believe there is a god. This is merely a lack of belief. I don't consider it, and I think it is not, a "cause, principle, or activity" that I pursue with zeal or conscientious devotion.

From Cambridge International Dictionary of English:

religion - the belief in and worship of a god or gods, or any such system of belief and worship

I don't "worship" anything as an atheist, and like I said, atheism is a lack of belief.


Also consider the Webster's 1828 definition:

RELIGION, n. relij'on. [L. religio, from religo, to bind anew; re and ligo, to bind. This word seems originally to have signified an oath or vow to the gods, or the obligation of such an oath or vow, which was held very sacred by the Romans.]

1. Religion, in its most comprehensive sense, includes a belief in the being and perfections of God, in the revelation of his will to man, in man's obligation to obey his commands, in a state of reward and punishment, and in man's accountableness to God; and also true godliness or piety of life, with the practice of all moral duties. It therefore comprehends theology, as a system of doctrines or principles, as well as practical piety; for the practice of moral duties without a belief in a divine lawgiver, and without reference to his will or commands, is not religion.

2. Religion, as distinct from theology, is godliness or real piety in practice, consisting in the performance of all known duties to God and our fellow men, in obedience to divine command, or from love to God and his law. James 1.

3. Religion, as distinct from virtue, or morality, consists in the performance of the duties we owe directly to God, from a principle of obedience to his will. Hence we often speak of religion and virtue, as different branches of one system, or the duties of the first and second tables of the law.

Let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion.

4. Any system of faith and worship. In this sense, religion comprehends the belief and worship of pagans and Mohammedans, as well as of christians; any religion consisting in the belief of a superior power or powers governing the world, and in the worship of such power or powers. Thus we speak of the religion of the Turks, of the Hindoos, of the Indians, &c. as well as of the christian religion. We speak of false religion, as well as of true religion.

hezekiah jones

I don't even see how "atheism" even conforms with that definition. "Football" might be a more likely candidate.

Mageth

Thanks, manhattan. I didn't notice the "4" till you called it to my attention.

Here are the first three:

1a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
1b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.

hezekiah jones

I actually tried subscribing to humanism once, but it wouldn't fit in my mailbox.