h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

This is something I've been curious about for a little while. I've heard it said that it is the belief that there is no God. But I've heard other versions.

What I would like to do, in as open minded way as possible, is to discuss what it means if someone considers themselves to be an Athiest.

Do you want answers from people who *are* atheists, or from people who think they know what atheists believe?

My opinion is that atheism is a position of faith, as much as all theistic beliefs are - belief that goes beyond the agnostic's reasonable doubt that there is no indisputable evidence of God's existence to the more extreme position that the reason there is no evidence is because there is no God.

Many are practically atheists - existence of a God or Gods are of no meaning or relevance to the way they live. But lack of thought on the subject should not be confused with a decision consciously reached that God 'isn't'

Just my

"Do you want answers from people who *are* atheists, or from people who think they know what atheists believe?"

Well anyone who feels they understand what athiesm is or what it stands for really. Anyone who has an opinion I suppose.

You see my understanding would be that to be an Athiest takes a greater deal of faith than most people have in them. Now I'm not sure if atheists would agree with that, but thats what this thread is about. I'm trying to find out as much as I can.

I've recently gained an interest in finding as much as I can about all philosophical lines of thought.


"Many are practically atheists - existence of a God or Gods are of no meaning or relevance to the way they live. But lack of thought on the subject should not be confused with a decision consciously reached that God 'isn't'"

I wonder sometimes whether some people confuse agnosticism for athiesm. Most people probably can get by without needing to pray or even believe in a God, but does that mean that they don't believe he exists?

Actually I think I just contradicted myself in the last sentance, but I think you know what I'm getting at.

I think you're right Verc. I imagaine that some people who call themselves athiests are actually agnostic. Athiesm seems as difficult to prove as theism. Both have to be taken as matters of faith. Agnosticism seems more honest.

And I also agree with Pimms. I am convinced that genuine atheists are as much true believers as those who believe in God.

I am always amused that people can look at the same 'evidence' and draw opposite conclusions. We all believe what we want to believe.

H