Subject: Re: atheism
From: jason varsoke (jjv@caesun.msd.ray.com)
Date: Mon Jan 17 2000 - 20:13:43 EST
Jim writes:
> That's interesting and a new set of ideas for me, thanks for sharing. I
> think the real difference is between the "Standard Written English" use of
> words and the specialized use of words within a specific philosophical
> framework. I and most people use the former when talking about atheism. You
> seem to be doing the latter, where the words are redefined to more precisely
> articulate the thoughts of a group.
>
> The Standard Written English words mean:
>
> Theist -- Asserts that there is a God.
> Atheist -- Asserts that there is no God (this is a categorical, factual
> statement for them, like saying the Sky is Blue).
> Agnostic -- Asserts that the data isn't sufficient to make a judgment.
>
> You seem to be saying what the Agnostics say, but from that conclude "there
> is no God." Your real belief is that the data does not "prove" anything one
> way or the other, the way you choose to interpret the data is represented by
> atheism. Is this close?
Actually, standard english (if there is some such institution) states that
Atheist means a person who believes it is impossible for God to exists,
not just that He doesn't.
And as for labeling an Atheist an Agnostic, well the denotations are
confusing; all Atheists would be theists if God verifiably won the Indy
500. It's the same as those people who do not believe that there is
Intelligent Life outside of Earth. They aren't on the fence. But if
my buddy Lee-Roy from Axiplica started mutilating the non-believers cows
in front of him, well I think he would sing a different tune.
The term Agnostic conotates someone who is sitting on the fence. It
describes an indecisive person, or someone who doesn't mind if the jury is
out indefinately. They have suspended decision on the matter. When asked
if they believe in God they would answer, "I don't know." Now, though
Know and No are homophones I don't think you could confuse the Agnostic
answer with the atheist answer.
-jay
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