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To: sourcery
If a self described "atheist" is not 100% certain that there is no God then, by definition, he is an agnostic.

Sir, I have the right to define both what I believe, and the term to be used to describe that belief. Just as do you. I don't tell you what term to use to describe your belief, philosophy or religion, and I expect you to accord me the same courtesy.

I have no idea what you are but I surely won't know by your use of English words in a context where they mean whatever you choose them to mean.

I myself am an agnostic by the English dictionary definition; "One who is skeptical about the existence of God but does not profess true atheism." with "true atheism" being the 100% certainty, no doubt about it, belief that there is no God.

You may call yourself whatever you please but that does not change the English language.

"How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg." ...... Abrahan Lincoln

148 posted on 04/01/2007 11:19:22 AM PDT by Polybius
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To: Polybius
I myself am an agnostic by the English dictionary definition; "One who is skeptical about the existence of God but does not profess true atheism." with "true atheism" being the 100% certainty, no doubt about it, belief that there is no God.

The Dictionary says: "a·the·ist, n. a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings."

Note that it explicitly says nothing at all about the degree of certainty, nor about whether the belief is held as an article of faith that is not subject to challenge (i.e, as a fundamental axiom taken as true without proof.)

The idea that atheism requires any faith is a calumny not supported by the dictionary, nor by the usual understanding self-professed atheists typically have of their own philosophical position.

But you are, of course, free to understand the term as you wish.

149 posted on 04/01/2007 12:38:14 PM PDT by sourcery (Government Warning: The Attorney General has determined that Federal Regulation is a health hazard)
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To: Polybius
"How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg." ...... Abrahan Lincoln,/i>

Reminds me of the story of the dyslexic atheist with insomnia. Used to lie awake all night wondering if there really was a dog.

169 posted on 04/02/2007 10:30:41 AM PDT by No Truce With Kings (The opinions expressed are mine! Mine! MINE! All Mine!)
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