Merlyn_LeRoy Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share Posted October 7, 2009 They CAN, sure; why wouldn't they be able to? I doubt most of them do this, but there's nothing that requires theism in that. Atheists can also build 1/4 size replicas of the Brooklyn Bridge out of popsicle sticks, but that's probably not common, either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evmori Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Well, since atheism is a belief there is no God, I would say the that atheism is a belief system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlyn_LeRoy Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share Posted October 7, 2009 So is disbelief in Zeus another belief system, Ed? Is disbelief in the Loch Ness monster a belief system? Does every opinion spawn an entire belief system? If atheism is a belief system Ed, what does it consist of, besides the non-belief in gods? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evmori Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 If atheism is a belief system Ed, what does it consist of, besides the non-belief in gods? I think you would be better able to answer your own question, Merlyn, since you claim you are an atheist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlyn_LeRoy Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share Posted October 7, 2009 You're the one making the claim that atheism is a belief system, Ed. I've always said it isn't a belief system, it only consists of the absence of belief in gods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packsaddle Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Are we having fun or what? Merlyn, just curious, do atheists count Buddhists as having some common ground? Could an atheist experience a sense of reverence in the deep forest or while contemplating the stars, just not on behalf of a deity? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GernBlansten Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Pack, You are referring to awe. Of course atheists can have awe in something. They just don't need to have an answer for its existence. That's the beauty of theism. You always have an answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlyn_LeRoy Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share Posted October 7, 2009 I always have an answer too. I have a Magic 8-Ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packsaddle Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Gern, no I think there's too much of a component of 'fear' in 'awe'. Remember that 'awe' was one of the two major components of our military strategy when we invaded Iraq, the other being 'shock'. I think that 'reverence' with its component of profound respect is better. I see no need of a deity to achieve this status. edited for typos(This message has been edited by packsaddle) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evmori Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 You're the one making the claim that atheism is a belief system, Ed. I've always said it isn't a belief system, it only consists of the absence of belief in gods. Are you now the primary spokesperson and expert on Atheism, Merlyn? If not, then what you say is strictly your opinion and nothing more.(This message has been edited by evmori) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlyn_LeRoy Posted October 8, 2009 Author Share Posted October 8, 2009 Ed, in case you forgot, you've offered no evidence or explanation why you say atheism is a belief system. For some odd reason you tried to fob it off on me, as if I'm supposed to make your arguments for you, but when that didn't work, you continue to make random statements, like the obvious observation that my opinion is my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherminator505 Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 I can't speak for Ed, but my point wasn't that atheism is a belief system. My point was that in speaking absolutes about what atheism does or doesn't "require," you appear to be speaking about a defined belief system. In other words, you have constructed a mythology for yourself as to what atheism is and are therefore treating it as a religion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlyn_LeRoy Posted October 8, 2009 Author Share Posted October 8, 2009 My point is that "atheist" only indicates someone who does not believe gods exist. That's what the word means. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evmori Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 The problem is, Merlyn, you tend to pose your opinion as fact. This statement I've always said it isn't a belief system, it only consists of the absence of belief in gods. is your opinion. My statement that Atheism is a belief system is my opinion. And we are all entitled to our opinions. I might not agree with yours & you might not agree with mine but that makes neither incorrect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlyn_LeRoy Posted October 8, 2009 Author Share Posted October 8, 2009 Well Ed, it doesn't surprise me that you offer no support for your assertions, but then why do you even bother typing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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