Apart from non-belief, how does an atheist differ from a theist?

Question

Atheists and theists are both human with all the weaknesses that go with that condition. Apart from a non-belief in a deity the major difference is how they came to this decision.

Atheists are not unbelievers through ignorance or denial; they are unbelievers through choice. The vast majority of them have spent time studying one or more religions, sometimes in very great depth. They have made a careful and considered decision to reject religious beliefs.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said for theists, few have a free choice and a very great number simply go along with their upbringing because they lack the courage or intellectual curiosity to pose any meaningful questions as to the truth of their indoctrination.

So the difference could be said that an atheist makes a choice, while the majority of theists just capitulate and accept.

Answer 1

You would be amazed at how many theists believe that atheists are immoral, lie, cheat, steal, etc. I've known people for years who had no idea I was an atheist. When I came out of the closet, I was shocked by the number of people who said "but you're so nice", as if being an atheist automatically meant I was a bad person. Most of them have never known an atheist.

I see it as my mission to try to lead theists to realize that indeed, there are few differences between they and I, with the exception of belief and lack thereof.

Answer 2

I think if you grow up in a family of theists, questioning your theism would be like asking why would anyone celebrate birthdays. It's just how things are, most people don't encounter negative consequences of their religions on a day-to-day basis, and most people's lives aren't influenced by their religions beyond what they might (or might not) do on Sunday. So for a lot of people, it takes some cognitive dissonance to notice where things break down. People all over have beliefs they have never questioned or thought about and for theists, it just happens to be their theism.



I think the difference between me as a theist and me as an atheist (I am an atheist now) is that before, I sometimes thought that what I hope for and what is true were the same things. Now, I know to go a step further even if it sucks and separate them out. But I catch myself still doing things like that even though I don't believe in luck or the supernatural or fate. For example, I started fantasizing about wining the lottery the other day and I almost almost believed that I would someday if I ever played a ticket (never have). So I think we are all guilty of stuff like that.

Answer 3

Not one iota other than our delusions!!! We are all humans!!! Life only exists because of a conglomoration of coincidences not because of any man made up god!!! The god concept is a good concept except it doesn't include a god!!! It is all a ruse!!! If any god really existed there would be only one religion and we would all know god with out any exception, especially if the imagined god were really "all powerful"!!! As it is you believe (not know) it just spoke the universe into existence in 6 days, which would not be such a feat if it was really "all powerful"!!! Then we have gone thousands of years worshiping thousands of man made up gods right in front of its supposedly "all powerful" face and it is all right with it, bull hockey!!! If it had just half the omni's that you give it credit for that would not be the case, after all it is supposed to be our "all powerful" god not some schmuck from Hoboken, that is restricted in its powerfulness!!! If it cannot get rid of any man made up gods then what makes you think it can bless you and keep you safe from any danger from any lower magical beings such as man made up devils and forgive you of any sins or even hold rein over any realms such as heaven and hell, loaded with angels and devils and answer any prayer!!! Start thinking about the things you claim are true!!! It is either "all powerful" (with no exceptions to any powers you claim it has) or it isn't any god!!! So life has no purpose other than to be civil to each other and get through it with as little trouble as possible!!! Man keeps making these purposes up along with all these supernatural beings!!! Haven't you ever read any Superman ,Spiderman, Xmen, or Harry Potter literary books as well as the "BILE"

Answer 4

Atheist- "a" meaning without and "theist" meaning theism, one lacking theism.



noun

a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings.



Theist- someone who believes in the existence of a supreme being or beings.





The "a" is the difference.



:P you just going on over analyzed rant about rationale behind one person's decision versus another person's decision; which quite honestly belongs in philosophy section...because that is what it is. Speculation based on psychology and philosophical schools of thought.

Answer 5

"So the difference could be said that an atheist makes a choice, while the majority of theists just capitulate and accept."



Egypt's first born, Amalikites, Flood. She bears sent to murder 42 children.



Of course they do, how else do you explain millions of christians worshiping a BABY KILLER?



Blind worship...sheep....baa...baaaa

Answer 6

People follow the path that resonates with them personally. My faith is a part of who I am, but I don't feel compelled to suggest that every single human being needs to believe as I personally do. My brother is an atheist and I have felt blessed to have experienced the good man that he is despite the label he adheres to. I trust my instinct and gut feeling in regards to who a person is from the inside. I am not impressed by people who claim God as a means to garner social status. To me the measure of a good person lies in the manner that they conduct themselves, in the way they treat others. It upsets me to see those who paint themselves above others as if loving Jesus means you can just be hateful towards those who don't share that conviction. I don't believe that God would want me to be that way. I cannot see a good reason to reflect Him in that manner. My faith has been my rock and has helped me through many hardships and I am happy to have had it over the years, especially during times when it was all that I had left of hope for a better tomorrow. I cannot speak for those who don't find meaning in it, but I believe that we all come to know what path speaks to our hearts as individuals as we live out our lives. If being an atheist helps you to live your life being the best you can be then who am I to suggest that you can't be a good person, who am I to insinuate that you'll burn up like crispy bacon if you don't adhere to my perception of things in regards to God? I believe that God knows who we are at heart and how we have lived our lives. Only He knows our true intentions. I cannot make a judgement call regarding where a given person's final destination will be. I can only reflect what God means to me as a human being and hope that those I encounter along the way will live their lives reflecting the greater good. Love is powerful currency in a world that is often filled with much prejudice and hatred. Know that I don't hate you in the least. Know that I wish nothing but the best for you in life. Know that I care about more than just a select group of people. Take care, Love.

Answer 7

For me it wasn't really a choice.



I could no more choose to believe in a god than I could choose to believe Santa Claus delivers presents to all the good little boys and girls in the world.

Answer 8

I completely agree. A clearly stated argument, I look forward to any theist reply.

Answer 9

some atheists are just angry at god, some reach to knowledge but not wisdom