I never use the word “believe” when talking to Christians. They usually jump on that single word and make it sound like my ideas have no real basis in fact, and are based solely upon faith.
Yeah why do they DO that? “Your atheism is no better than a…” (curled lip) “…religion. Your ideas are just…” (sneer) “…faith”. What? You’d think they would consider being a religion something admirable, wouldn’t you?
Well, sure, if you define “God” as “something external to reality” then atheism falls out quite easily. But I think theists would question your definition. For them, “reality” = “the universe” & “God”. You have to do a bit more work to establish that the second term is empty.
grumpyoldfart says
I never use the word “believe” when talking to Christians. They usually jump on that single word and make it sound like my ideas have no real basis in fact, and are based solely upon faith.
badgersdaughter says
Yeah why do they DO that? “Your atheism is no better than a…” (curled lip) “…religion. Your ideas are just…” (sneer) “…faith”. What? You’d think they would consider being a religion something admirable, wouldn’t you?
aziraphale says
Well, sure, if you define “God” as “something external to reality” then atheism falls out quite easily. But I think theists would question your definition. For them, “reality” = “the universe” & “God”. You have to do a bit more work to establish that the second term is empty.
Deacon Duncan says
If you let reality dictate your definition of god(s), it still comes out the same. You’re right that it’s a bit more work though.