Question for the Atheist

[_maklelan]

Nothing much turns on the answer to the question of whether babies should be considered atheists or not.

And yet, watch how fiercely atheists will argue that the word needs to be understood that way despite its usage over millennia. If everyone is born an atheist then atheism is natural and theism is unnatural. That's the whole point.

[_MrStakhanovite]

The word "atheist" simply means without god - as in, no belief in gods.

Oh. When someone says the word "Television" do you understand it as a greek root for far (tele) and latin word sight (visio) as a conjunction for far sight and not as transmission device as everyone else understands it?

[_maklelan]

The word "atheist" simply means without god - as in, no belief in gods. That describes every baby I've ever met.

This is the etymological fallacy, Buffalo. The word atheism was developed millennia ago and has been used ever since to refer specifically and exclusively to those who deny the existence of deity. It is only recently that a minority of atheists has made a push to redefine the word.

[_Quasimodo]

If you'll think for a moment about what the word atheist means, I'm sure you'll conclude that babies qualify.

Uh, no they don't. You don't even know if babies have beliefs, much less, what kinds.

Or are you going to tell me that since babies are not active theists ergo they are atheists, despite their inability to be one or the other?

I think my dogs may be atheists. They have never expressed a desire to attend church or pray (they do roll over on command).

[_Morley]

The word "atheist" simply means without god - as in, no belief in gods. That describes every baby I've ever met.

The derivation of a word is not always the same as its definition. That's not quite what atheist means.

[Guest]

Wouldn't a baby be more agnostic?

It doesn't really know if there is a god and doesn't really give a rats ass.

[_MrStakhanovite]

I think my dogs may be atheists. They have never expressed a desire to attend church or pray (they do roll over on command).

Would they vote for Ron Paul though?

[_Buffalo]

The word "atheist" simply means without god - as in, no belief in gods.

Oh. When someone says the word "Television" do you understand it as a greek root for far (tele) and latin word sight (visio) as a conjunction for far sight and not as transmission device as everyone else understands it?

That's not really relevant. The definition I'm using is a legitimate one - albeit the most inclusive of possible definitions.

[_maklelan]

Hey Mak (Hope all is well with you, your bride, and your little one)

Hi Ceeboo. All is well, thank you. And another little one is pending.

Although I am not sure if all babies are atheist, I am certain that all atheists are babies.


:)


Peace,
Ceeboo

Zing!

[Guest]

I think my dogs may be atheists. They have never expressed a desire to attend church or pray (they do roll over on command).

My dog's not an atheist. He thinks I'm god.