Just because I'm not religious or don't believe in God, am I an atheist or something?

[Anonymous]

[Subglacial]

If you asked me, I'd say you were an atheist.

But as Bededazzle commented, you have the option not to call yourself something if you don't want to. I'm a "feminist", but I don't usually describe myself that way because that word has become poison. I had a brief back-and-forth with a guy online who kept asking why I hate men after I told him specifically that I didn't. It can be extremely difficult to change a person's image of you once they've decided what you are. It's fucking bonkers. I don't have time to deal with that.

And, as you can see from the comment by NamerOfStars, people even disagree on how to define "atheism". I happen to respectfully but strongly disagree with his, and I think his opinion is in the minority among people who call themselves atheists, but that fact is neither here nor there; it just shows that there is a lot of potential baggage with that word and that people who ultimately believe the same thing can often describe themselves differently.

[slatyb]

Atheism means living without a belief in God. There are lots of us. Don't let anyone convince you that there's something wrong with it. Most of the smarter people are atheists Here in Seattle everyone I know is.

[NamerOfStars]

It's not a question of what you don't believe, but what you DO: atheism isn't a lack of belief in God, but a belief in the lack of God. Lack of belief would just be agnosticism.

It's surprising- and rather telling- how man atheists can't accept that their religion is, in fact, a religion.

[strateguy632]

even the name is "ism" that means idea. they hope no god. and from doubt choose the faith of no god.

[jshm2]

No. You're just confused and ignorant like the run of the mill wannabee "atheist".

Religion is a lifetime study and is something you need to live as well. Just like "honesty" isn't something you can just "put on". You either are, or you are not.

An atheist can never be honest, it's why they are accused of being an atheist,

[Keyboardkat]

An atheist believes there is no God. An agnostic believes there may be, but that the existence or nonexistence of God cannot be known. Do either of these definitions fit you?

[OfDeath]

Incorrect. An atheist does not BELIEVE there is no god. Atheists simply DON'T BELIEVE that there is.

This is an important difference too many people get wrong.

[strateguy632]

@OfDeath open a paper dictionary. key is correct.

[OfDeath]

@strateguy632 look at the first definition which comes up when you search the word with google. The oxford languages dictionary. He is not.

It is also important to acknowledge the definition used by those describing themselves as atheists. The majority use the correct definition with is not believing in gods and not believing they dont exist.

[strateguy632]

correct that is the meaning "don't believe in God". sadly most people make that decision on a childish whim when young, without study. agnostic is a fancy word for lazy.

[bededazzle]

you can choose to not really call yourself anything

[Asker]

Maybe "someone or something in-between"?

[bededazzle]

ha if you wish

[Lionman95]

Yes you´re an atheist if you don´t believe God exists.

[OfDeath]

You're an atheist if you don't believe in god

[jahaims]

Atheist: a person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods.

[Lara_Croft]

You're floating about and need an anchor

[Dargil]

Yes. both.

An atheist.
Something.