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Originally Posted by levite
Can I risk scorn and offense by putting in two cents, even though I'm a definite theist?
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Dude, you're post is a calm and rational statement of your opinion. I don't see how anyone could be offended by that.
You have the right to believe whatever you want, as does everyone. In fact, I would say you have a very valid point; the bottom line is that atheism is a belief system, albeit one that's grounded in logic rather than ancient texts. In fact, it's my experience that this logical basis causes a subset of atheists to be the most zealous individuals I've ever met.
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Originally Posted by Levite
It seems to me that atheism is a spectrum of beliefs. That spectrum ranges from those who have adopted the scientific paradigm to the spiritual paradigm, and will not accept the notion of a God that is not measurable by manmade instruments, or deducible in laboratory experiments that follow the accepted academic models (although they admit that if the Heavens opened in front of them and a great, well-modulated deep voice was heard amidst a column of dazzling light, they might well change their minds)...
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This sort of depends on who you talk to. From the strictest standpoint one could argue that atheism is solely the belief that there is no divine overseer, with no room for doubt. Anyone who admits uncertainty would be categorized as agnostic.
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Originally Posted by Levite
And as such, I try not to get into "why don't you believe what I believe" arguments with atheists (or anyone else), because I try stay clear of criticizing other people's religious beliefs.
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I can respect that. It's my firm belief that people should have the right to whatever religion they wat; as such, I don't care if you're Christian or Jewish or Buddhist or believe the Universe was sneezed out the nose of Great Green Arkleseizure. Whatever makes you happy. The people who piss me off are the fucking missionaries (of any religion). I get that they're committed to their beliefs, why can't they get that other people are committed to different ones?
Anyway, I reckon that's a rant for another time.
EDIT - For cross-posting:
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Originally Posted by willravel
Atheism isn't a religious belief, though...
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I think the point wasn't 'atheism is a religion' so much as it was 'atheism is a belief system,' which is correct. A religion, as you rightly point out, is an organized group of people sharing a belief (usually founded on a text that's considered holy), while a belief system is simply an explanation for why the world is the way it is and can be highly individual. You consider your belief system to be superior because it's grounded in logic and I get that. Keep in mind, though, that from Levite's perspective his belief system is superior, since it's founded on the word of God and that trumps logic. It's all about point of view.