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Definitions of Atheist and Agnostic (view source)
Revision as of 20:06, September 21, 2007
, 20:06, September 21, 2007denial --> disaffirmation.
It is difficult to define terms such as [[Atheist]] and [[Agnostic]], because various people use them differently.
It is difficult to define terms such as [[Atheist]] and [[Agnostic]], because various people use them differently.
The core meaning of ''atheism'' is not to believe in God. This can be mere lack of belief, as when one is not sure whether God exists or not. It can also be a positive denial of His existence.
The core meaning of ''atheism'' is not to believe in God. This can be mere lack of belief, as when one is not sure whether God exists or not. It can also be a positive disaffirmation of His existence.
The similar term ''agnostic'' indicates a refusal to take either of the two main positions on the existence of God. The agnostic neither believes in God, nor denies that He exists.
The similar term ''agnostic'' indicates a refusal to take either of the two main positions on the existence of God. The agnostic neither believes in God, nor denies that He exists.
==Atheism==
==Atheism==
The term ''atheism'' is often used to mean denial of God's existence. For example, "John Doe says that God does not exist."
The term ''atheism'' is often used to mean disaffimation of God's existence. For example, "John Doe says that God does not exist."
The same term is also used in as an umbrella term which combines or includes both the atheist position and the agnostic position. "Mary Roe says that she doesn't believe in God." This can mean either that she completely denies God's existence, or that she simply is unsure whether He exists or not.
The same term is also used in as an umbrella term which combines or includes both the atheist position and the agnostic position. "Mary Roe says that she doesn't believe in God." This can mean either that she completely denies God's existence, or that she simply is unsure whether He exists or not.
The imprecision of the umbrella term leads to many long and pointless debates where advocates argue at cross purposes because the do not agree on the meaning of terms.
The imprecision of the umbrella term leads to many long and pointless debates where advocates argue at cross purposes because the do not agree on the meaning of terms.