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Originally Posted by adysav
I'm not going to argue the dictionary definition of the word with you.
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Dictionaries are just high-fallutin' cheat sheets. Atheists do not write the dictionary's definitions for the word atheist. The dictionary companies define words as the common man defines them. If the common man started using the word 'poop' to mean 'love', before too long, it would be in the dictionary. The common man does not understand etymology. The etymology of the word 'atheism' proves that 'my' definition was the original and is the primary definition of the word.
And if you do not accept that dictionaries are simply high-fallutin' cheat sheets and insist on their authority, then the Oxford English Dictionary is
the dictionary of the english language and it includes both your definition and mine... except that yours is regarded as an inferior, alternate definition.
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Originally Posted by adysav
I already said that atheism is a belief, and that in that belief there are no gods.
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Yes, and you were incorrect.
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Originally Posted by adysav
I'm not even sure what the last two sentences are actually meant to mean.
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Perhaps a class in remedial english comprehension will help?
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Originally Posted by adysav
I dont mean to be rude, but the phrase "inability to believe in gods" sounds like bollocks to me
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What it sounds like to you doesn't matter in the least. I am unable to believe in gods. I tried for years, in fact for nearly two decades. It didn't work. One cannot force oneself to believe something.
Are you able to believe in Zeus or Quetzelcoatl? Would you describe yourself as unable to believe in those gods? Me too. I am unable to believe in those gods and I am unable to believe in the god of the Bible as well.
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Originally Posted by adysav
and possibly contradictory to the statement immediately prior to it.
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Please show why you think it contradicts and I will show you why you are wrong.
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Originally Posted by adysav
About this poll though... I'm not sure which you're referring to, but I'm curious to know what the other half of the responders said... That they dont believe in gods, but there are some?
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The poll I am referring to indicated that about exactly half of all atheists (of about 300 polled) believe that there are no gods (gnostic atheism) and the other half indicate that they simply harbour no positive belief in gods (agnostic atheism).