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Terms & Definitions: This is a list of the terms used on this website. They are often words that are misunderstood, misrepresented, or used incorrectly. I've made my best attempt to define these words correctly and clearly here. Agnosticism The theory that man does not have the knowledge to determine whether a god exists; the suspension of judgment due to a lack of knowledge. Atheism A lack of faith in a god, supernatural being, or deity. This is a neutral position in regard to the question, "Does god exist?" It does not affirm any belief in god's non-existence despite many people's claims. Belief A state of mind in which an individual places his/her trust in a particular aspect or person, being convinced that there is truth to something. While atheists don't believe in god(s), atheists can have beliefs about other things. (Thanks to Aeschines for critiquing the former definition.) Closet Atheism The condition in which an atheist has not revealed his/her lack of faith to family, friends, and other people. Closet atheists may not reveal their non-belief to others for a number of reasons, including: fear of rejection, discrimination, bigotry, lack of understanding, etc. Disbelief The state in which a person does not adhere to a conviction; a lack of faith. Explicit Atheism A form of atheism in which a person makes a positive claim that no gods of any kind exist. It affirms a positive position on the question, "Does god exist?" Also, it is often mistaken for implicit atheism. Faith The condition in which a person accepts something as absolute truth without proof. Freethought The process by which a person forms his/her own opinions about certain aspects of life without conformity to a certain established belief system. Implicit Atheism A neutral position in regard to the question of a god's existence. (See atheism.) Morality The values that help us decide whether an action is good or bad based on many factors, including: beliefs, values, childhood lessons, etc. Although religion is usually thought to be the only source of morality, it is not. Religion The outward expression of faith among a group of people. Although religion is usually thought of in the context of a god, there are atheistic religions in the world. Secular Humorist An atheist who regards matters of religion as a joke and comments accordingly. (TempleMonkey, thanks for this definition). Theism The belief in a god, supernatural being, or deity. |
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© 2002-2004 by Atheists Anonymous (unless otherwise noted). |
