[Bobboau]

Someone who believes God does not exist is an atheist.

this.
this right hear.
this is wrong.
this is what I have been trying to correct for the last page.
this is not what the word atheist means.

you are not reading my posts.   It's a common problem.

[Scotty]

I'll be blunt, since trying to be polite and mildly eloquent about it seems to be escaping you.

I do not care.

I reject your groups.

I reject your classifications.

I refuse to fall into those subsets because I disagree.  That is my (if you'll pardon the wordplay) God-given right as a human being, to disagree with you on matters just like this.

Now, that said, I'm going to step away from the conversation because it looks like you're getting frustrated.

[SpardaSon21]

You're not getting it.  Theism is the firm belief there is a god(s).  Atheism is the firm belief there is no god(s).  Agnosticism is the belief that we can't know either way due to lack of observed evidence supporting either hypothesis.  MP-Ryan is neither confirming nor denying the existence of any deities, therefore he cannot be atheist as he is allowing the possible existence of a deity, and he cannot be theist as he is allowing for the possible non-existence of deities.

[The E]

I think this is enough on this topic. If you want to discuss the finer points of distinction between theists, atheists and agnostics, find a more calm way to do it.

[Bobboau]

"Atheism is the firm belief there is no god(s)."

NO
no it isn't

[haloboy100]

 
People just love to argue.

[Hobbie]

I love to argue, but the detail is always in the definition.

I find the most fun part is always trying to define God or the concept thereof. Had a doorknocker come and preach to me a couple weeks ago. We had a very lengthy chat on the subject. Of course, as an atheist talking to a fundamentalist we kinda went around in circles but it was fun all the same!

I'd discuss it but I don't really remember it. I've had about four cases of beer in the interim.

[haloboy100]

Your sig does you justice.

Although I like to think that arguments here are intended to veer to the direction of some kind of conclusive goal.

[Hobbie]

I'm a bit of a theologian in that I find the whole thing fascinating regardless of my own opinion on it. Hence why I don't go "OMG PREACHER GO AWAY" when we get them showing up.

[Scotty]

a : a disbelief in the existence of deity. b : the doctrine that there is no deity.

One who disbelieves or denies the existence of God or gods.

1. the doctrine or belief that there is no God.  2. disbelief in the existence of a supreme being or beings.

a : a disbelief in the existence of a deity. b : the doctrine that there is no deity.

I could go find more if you want.  You might have a different definition of atheism.  However, that is not what the world means when the world uses the word "atheism".  Shutting your ears and yelling "no" doesn't make it true.

EDIT: However, that does not mean that I don't respect your right to have that opinion.  At the same time, don't go expecting anyone else to hold your opinions simply because you do.  The right to have an opinion on this kind of subject is a very important right.

[The E]

What part of "If you want to have this discussion, have it calmly" was unclear?