Atheism is a faith

[OracleT]

One of the keys differences between theists and scientists is that the theists think they already know the answer. The scientists look for it and let the facts speak for themselves.

A theist presented with evidence countering their beliefs defends them on principal. It is a tenet of nearly all religions that you are a better (Christian/Jew/Muslim/etc) for having faith even in the presence of contrary evidence.

In contrast, a scientist presented with good evidence that his understanding is wrong, celebrates the advanced of knowledge and understanding. There are a number of really good examples of this but they are too long for this thread.

This difference is what really drives some anti-theists (who are not religious either BTW) Their concern is not that you believe something false but that the belief itself compromises you and our societies inclination to learn. This is fundamentally what made the dark ages what they were. If you believed anything that was not official doctrine you were a heretic and had to be shut down (one way or another). Take Galileo as one famous example.

[Ifreann]

One of the keys differences between theists and scientists...

Stop right there. There are theists who are scientists.

[Czechanada]

One of the keys differences between theists and scientists...

Stop right there. There are theists who are scientists.

Some of them might even be moderators.

[Khadgar]

One of the keys differences between theists and scientists...

Stop right there. There are theists who are scientists.

~7%, for the "hard" disciplines of science.

[Samuraikoku]

If you believed anything that was not official doctrine you were a heretic and had to be shut down (one way or another). Take Galileo as one famous example.

Galileo and the Pope had a little misunderstanding.

[Khadgar]

If you believed anything that was not official doctrine you were a heretic and had to be shut down (one way or another). Take Galileo as one famous example.

Galileo and the Pope had a little misunderstanding.

Galileo and the Pope were friends. The pope probably protected him from the inquisition quite a bit. Also, Galileo was a fucking dick.

[Maledixit]

Whether or not atheism constitutes a faith or not, I would argue that in it's fundamental militancy, it can very much fulfill the same role as a faith, in that it serves as a distraction or an anchor to ease an existential crisis, to avoid introspection.

[Khadgar]

Whether or not atheism constitutes a faith or not, I would argue that in it's fundamental militancy, it can very much fulfill the same role as a faith, in that it serves as a distraction or an anchor to ease an existential crisis, to avoid introspection.

What?!

[Jessjohnesik]

No it isn't.

[Maledixit]

Whether or not atheism constitutes a faith or not, I would argue that in it's fundamental militancy, it can very much fulfill the same role as a faith, in that it serves as a distraction or an anchor to ease an existential crisis, to avoid introspection.

What?!

People basically cling onto 'atheism' as an identity, and attach themselves onto it's label, basically. Which is what theists do too. Faith or not.

[Oneracon]

Whether or not atheism constitutes a faith or not, I would argue that in it's fundamental militancy, it can very much fulfill the same role as a faith, in that it serves as a distraction or an anchor to ease an existential crisis, to avoid introspection.

Atheism is by definition a very deep introspection. To come to the conclusion that you don't believe in a higher power can be quite an existential crisis, not to mention reveal deep-seated fears like thanatophobia.

[Tsuntion]

Whether or not atheism constitutes a faith or not, I would argue that in it's fundamental militancy, it can very much fulfill the same role as a faith, in that it serves as a distraction or an anchor to ease an existential crisis, to avoid introspection.

Babies are militant atheists out to deconvert their parents?

[Maledixit]

Whether or not atheism constitutes a faith or not, I would argue that in it's fundamental militancy, it can very much fulfill the same role as a faith, in that it serves as a distraction or an anchor to ease an existential crisis, to avoid introspection.

Atheism is by definition a very deep introspection. To come to the conclusion that you don't believe in a higher power can be quite an existential crisis, not to mention reveal deep-seated fears like thanatophobia.

I would argue that eastern philosophy is a very deep introspection, which atheism would be against.

The essence behind this is, just because you oppose something, doesn't mean you don't display similar characteristics. Whether you believe in a higher power, or whether you're fundamentally against all idea of a higher power, or whatever. The label you give yourself is useless, and both atheists and theists can display the same or similar characteristics.

Atheism's core ideas might not be a faith, but it would be incorrect to say that atheists don't put their faith into atheism as an identity or label just the same.

A true deep introspection would be, not needing the identity or label at all.

Whether or not atheism constitutes a faith or not, I would argue that in it's fundamental militancy, it can very much fulfill the same role as a faith, in that it serves as a distraction or an anchor to ease an existential crisis, to avoid introspection.

Babies are militant atheists out to deconvert their parents?

I wouldn't say a baby is an atheist, if it hasn't called itself one yet. A baby doesn't say it believes in a higher power, but it doesn't say it doesn't either.

[Enadail]

What?!

People basically cling onto 'atheism' as an identity, and attach themselves onto it's label, basically. Which is what theists do too. Faith or not.

Hahaha. That's good, tell another joke.

[Ifreann]

Whether or not atheism constitutes a faith or not, I would argue that in it's fundamental militancy...

I'm sorry, it's what?

---

What?!

People basically cling onto 'atheism' as an identity, and attach themselves onto it's label, basically. Which is what theists do too. Faith or not.

Identifying oneself as an atheist is a fundamental militancy? Dafuq?

[Enadail]

I would argue that eastern philosophy is a very deep introspection, which atheism would be against.

Plenty of eastern philosophies don't believe in a God/s. Many are atheist.

Of course, this implies only one thing/set of things can be deep. Which is crap.

The essence behind this is, just because you oppose something, doesn't mean you don't display similar characteristics. Whether you believe in a higher power, or whether you're fundamentally against all idea of a higher power, or whatever. The label you give yourself is useless, and both atheists and theists can display the same or similar characteristics.

I'm not even sure what your point here is.

I wouldn't say a baby is an atheist, if it hasn't called itself one yet. A baby doesn't say it believes in a higher power, but it doesn't say it doesn't either.

Theism - the belief in a God
Atheism - the lack of belief in a God

Babies are atheist, whether you want to say it or not. In fact, EVERYONE is atheist, just to varying degrees.

[Hallistar]

I wouldn't say a baby is an atheist, if it hasn't called itself one yet. A baby doesn't say it believes in a higher power, but it doesn't say it doesn't either.

Babies don't believe in anything besides they're hungry, they want to shit themselves, and/or they're not being entertained. In that case, they lack theism.

[Maledixit]

People basically cling onto 'atheism' as an identity, and attach themselves onto it's label, basically. Which is what theists do too. Faith or not.

Hahaha. That's good, tell another joke.

The thing is, it's not actually a joke. The reason people, who identify as atheist, in this thread are getting so defensive, is because they feel like their label and identity is being attacked. So they have to defend it.

Whether or not atheism constitutes a faith or not, I would argue that in it's fundamental militancy...

I'm sorry, it's what?

---

People basically cling onto 'atheism' as an identity, and attach themselves onto it's label, basically. Which is what theists do too. Faith or not.

Identifying oneself as an atheist is a fundamental militancy? Dafuq?

I'm saying atheists are just as capable of being fundamentally militant as any theist can be. And that whether you consider yourself atheist or theist or not, you aren't off scott free.

[Tsuntion]

Babies are militant atheists out to deconvert their parents?

I wouldn't say a baby is an atheist, if it hasn't called itself one yet. A baby doesn't say it believes in a higher power, but it doesn't say it doesn't either.

A baby has no belief in a higher power (and no belief that there is no higher power). They are an atheist, whether they identify as one or not; they do not have the knowledge or mental capacity to be anything else. Funnily enough, not all atheists are firebrands, not all atheists make their atheism a core label -- some campaign against doing that -- and not all atheists are militant.

[Ovisterra]

Hahaha. That's good, tell another joke.

The thing is, it's not actually a joke. The reason people, who identify as atheist, in this thread are getting so defensive, is because they feel like their label and identity is being attacked. So they have to defend it.

Well yes, when one has downright ignorant statements like "Atheism is a faith" being thrown about, one feels the need to correct them.

[Jessjohnesik]

Hahaha. That's good, tell another joke.

The thing is, it's not actually a joke. The reason people, who identify as atheist, in this thread are getting so defensive, is because they feel like their label and identity is being attacked. So they have to defend it.

I'm sorry, it's what?

---

Identifying oneself as an atheist is a fundamental militancy? Dafuq?

I'm saying atheists are just as capable of being fundamentally militant as any theist can be. And that whether you consider yourself atheist or theist or not, you aren't off scott free.

I still don't get the joke.
Seriously.

[Sinan]

The difference between theists and atheists is that a theist believes in a theology even when evidence (of which there is an abundancy) says it's not true. A theist refuses to accept scientific finds (proven facts) if it conflicts with what they think.
An atheist believes there is no higher being because there is no evidence that there would be. They embrace scientific finds and accept it if it conflicts with what they think.

[Tsuntion]

I'm saying atheists are just as capable of being fundamentally militant as any theist can be. And that whether you consider yourself atheist or theist or not, you aren't off scott free.

"Just as capable of" is the important phrase there. Yes, I agree that they are. But not every atheist is, just as not every theist is.

[Oneracon]

Hahaha. That's good, tell another joke.

The thing is, it's not actually a joke. The reason people, who identify as atheist, in this thread are getting so defensive, is because they feel like their label and identity is being attacked. So they have to defend it.

Actually, no. I just don't like letting people go on their merry way with misconceptions.

I'm saying atheists are just as capable of being fundamentally militant as any theist can be. And that whether you consider yourself atheist or theist or not, you aren't off scott free.

Saying that there is a capability I have no objections, but you implied that atheism is fundamentally militant.

There have been plenty of horrors committed in the name of religion or by using religion as a smokescreen (from the Crusades to 9/11, to the murdering of doctors who perform abortions). Atheism doesn't nearly have that body count.

[Enadail]

The thing is, it's not actually a joke. The reason people, who identify as atheist, in this thread are getting so defensive, is because they feel like their label and identity is being attacked. So they have to defend it.

Its not "feel like their label and identity is being attacked"... its because many posters HAVE attacked atheism will mysticism and crap. It nor does it mean atheists who respond are "clinging" to atheism or attach themselves to it.

Hell, most of the posts here are people asking for evidence for why people believe atheism is a faith or why religion is real, only to be met with unsubstantiated claims and mystic poetry.