I find it odd that when filling out a form that asked me what my religion is one of the choices is Atheist.

What now? That is the that opposite of religion.

  • elucubra@sopuli.xyz
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    1 month ago

    No. Agnostic is not going either way. Atheism is a faith, because you deny the existence of a god without proof, just as theists claim its existence without proof.

    Source: I’m an agnostic

    • EvenOdds@lemm.ee
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      1 month ago

      I strongly disagree. Atheism is explicit lack of faith.

      For all practical purposes, an atheist thinks that without evidence, it’s safe to assume that there’s no god or gods.

      Would you say that you’re genuinely completely agnostic in relation to every single religion that has ever existed, even the joke religions (like the flying spaghetti monster, etc)?

    • absGeekNZ@lemmy.nz
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      1 month ago

      This is a misunderstanding of atheism.

      This is my view on religion:

      I don’t believe in your imaginary friend; but don’t feel special, I don’t believe in anyone else’s imaginary friend either.

      • elucubra@sopuli.xyz
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        1 month ago

        Oh, I don’t believe either, I just don’t assert either way. No proof either way. If you choose to believe the absence, you are believing, not knowing. Atheism is rather unscientific, while agnosticism is quite science compatible. Questioning is what advances knowledge.

        • absGeekNZ@lemmy.nz
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          1 month ago

          Not really, I don’t believe in god’s the same way I don’t believe in psychic clowns.

    • spaceghoti@lemmy.one
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      1 month ago

      You’re using the modified definition of “agnostic” that believers favor. We have no reason to accept that.

      “Agnostic” literally means “I don’t know.” “Atheist” means “I don’t believe.” I don’t know that gods are real, and I have no reason to believe they do.

      No faith required.

      • elucubra@sopuli.xyz
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        1 month ago

        The moment you use believe you are in faith territory. Agnostics simply say that having no proof either way, we choose not to believe.

        • spaceghoti@lemmy.one
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          1 month ago

          Right. I don’t believe is my position as an atheist. I don’t know is why.

          How is this so difficult for you?