Why do people define atheism as "lack of belief in gods"?

Inanimate, nonliving things can't have a belief or lack of belief. Reductio ad absurdum is an immature method of debate.

Atheists don't believe gods exist - what is the problem with such a simple definition?

As far as we know, the entire universe is atheist,

with the exception of some individuals

of only one species of nearly hairless ape,

on only one tiny, damp planet,

among trillions of planets.

All that atheist means is 'not theist'.

Theists are the exception,

because of a specific belief they hold.

No problems arise by the understanding

that theists are the exception

for that belief.

If you think that being 'not theist'

involves some claim, belief or certainty,

then you are mistaken about that.

A rock is as much atheist as a point is a circle,

though both are not very interesting examples.

--

Regards,

John Popelish

The definitions of words change. The words "atheism" and "atheist" have had different meanings at different times. Currently, most self-described atheists define both words in terms of a lack of belief. No one seems to have any problems with this except some theists.

A theist, broadly speaking, is someone who believes in the existence of a god or gods. An atheist is someone who is not a theist, i.e. someone who has no such belief. It really couldn't be any simpler.

I would surmise that most people who do not accept the notion that gods exist do not bother identifying as atheist, nor would many be terribly concerned with the semantics.

I have never seen nor heard of any indication that it is possible for anything resembling gods to exist, therefore I assume that none do. That fact is not a very important part of my life, it never comes up in conversation anywhere except on Yahoo Answers, it does not cause me any difficulty when interacting with people who do believe in gods.

I assume if gods existed it would be obvious.

Atheism is derived from the greek 'a' without, and 'theos' god.

Although, I side with Sam Harris on this one:

“In fact, "atheism" is a term that should not even exist. No one ever needs to identify himself as a "non-astrologer" or a "non-alchemist." We do not have words for people who doubt that Elvis is still alive or that aliens have traversed the galaxy only to molest ranchers and their cattle. Atheism is nothing more than the noises reasonable people make in the presence of unjustified religious beliefs.”

atheism, a statement that NO Valid testable evidence for the existence of a god has ever been produced, therefor to conclude a god exists would be Illogical...

""Its not a lack of belief of gods its a lack of belief in GOD. there is only one God ""

Only one ? well then which one? each religion will claim it's theirs..and you can offer us NO Valid testable evidence your god is any different than any other god...

Because they don't know how to define it.

I actually believe in my own belief system Its not a religion but hell its mine and no one is going to tell me im not free to think for myself ...no matter how unfashionable it seems to be

Well in my case that's exactly what it is.

You can equally whine about any other word that means "not something".

Take "apolitical" for example. Yes, you can apply it to your popcorn and fence and phone.

Do you have a problem with a baby being called apolitical? Why or why not?

If you really want to be precise, you can refer to agnostic atheists when you mean people who lack belief in gods, and to gnostic atheists when you mean people who make the claim that gods don't exist.