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The core meaning of ''atheism'' is not to believe in God. This can be mere lack of belief.  It can also be a positive disbelief in His existence.

Various people use terms such as [[Atheist]] and [[Agnostic]] differently hence they are often difficult to define.  

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 disbeleives that He exists.  

''Atheism'' usually means not to believe in God. This can be a mere lack of belief. It can also be a positive belief that He does not exist.

Perhaps because of the historical risk of being accused of [[heresy]], [[apostasy]] or other theological "crimes", those who do not been eager to clarify their positions.  

''Agnostic'' usually means an individual is not sure whether God exists or not.  

==Atheism==

 

 

===Atheism===

The term ''atheism'' is often used to mean disbelief in God's existence. For example, "John Doe says that God does not exist."

The term ''atheism'' is often used to mean disbelief in God's existence. For example, "John Doe says that God does not exist."

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.  

==Agnosticism==

===Agnosticism===

Some writers use the term ''agnostic'' in the general sense of being undecided. For example, "Smith isn't sure whether God exists or not." Others add to this a specific reason for being undecided, which elevates the position to the following argument:

Some writers use the term ''agnostic'' in the general sense of being undecided. For example, "Smith isn't sure whether God exists or not." Others add to this a specific reason for being undecided, which elevates the position to the following argument:

Interestingly, the lack of a satisfactory proof is interpreted two different ways. Weak atheism uses this as grounds for disbelief. Agnosticism uses this is grounds for refusing to commit one way or another.

Interestingly, the lack of a satisfactory proof is interpreted two different ways. Weak atheism uses this as grounds for disbelief. Agnosticism uses this is grounds for refusing to commit one way or another.

==Preferences==

===Preferences===

Sometimes an atheist (i.e., a disbeliever) may prefer to describe himself as an ''agnostic'' to avoid giving offense or to avoid receiving adverse treatment. While this may be useful in social situations, it can lead to difficulties when describing someone's precise position.

Sometimes an atheist (i.e., a disbeliever) may prefer to describe himself as an ''agnostic'' to avoid giving offense or to avoid receiving adverse treatment. While this may be useful in social situations, it can lead to difficulties when describing someone's precise position.

==Conclusion==

===Conclusion===

There is a difference between saying ''I do not know'' and saying ''I do not believe'' and saying ''It is false''.  

There is a difference between saying ''I do not know'' and saying ''I do not believe'' and saying ''It is false''.  

The usage of ''agnosticism'' varies between saying, "God may or may not exist"; "There is no way to know whether God exists or not"; and "I do not believe in God".  

The usage of ''agnosticism'' varies between saying, "God may or may not exist"; "There is no way to know whether God exists or not"; and "I do not believe in God".  

All usages of ''atheism'' are consistent with saying, "God does not exist." However, the statement, "I do not believe in God (ie. God does not exist?)" can be described either as ''atheism'' or ''agnosticism''.

All usages of ''atheism'' are consistent with saying, "God does not exist." However, the statement, "I do not believe in God" can be described either as ''atheism'' or ''agnosticism''.