the definition of atheist.

[SoldierofFortune]

according to collins cobuild dictionary, the definition of atheist is ''a person who believes there is no god.''

i think this is wrong. atheism is the state of ''non-believing.''

the definition must be that atheist is ''a person who doesn't believe a god.''

[drunkenshoe]

Oxford Dictionary: "Disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods." which is more correct in expression.

However, Collins Cobuild Dicitonary's definition is correct too. Because that is what 'a-theism' means. 'a' is negative prefix in front of theism. Which advocates that there is one god infleunced under monotheist religions or Abrahamic religions as we call it and suggests that with 'a' prefix you are 'against' it rather than having a neutral position. From this aspect, it is safe to say that the term 'atheist' is actually a theist term in its lingusitic roots.

"Non-believer" is the state of non believing in any thing that is based on a belief.

[Mike Cl]

Personally, I object to the word 'believe'.  I don't think there is a god.  For me there is a difference between believing (not requiring anything resembling proof) and thinking (which implies the use of reason). 

[Mermaid]

from Greek:
a- means "without"
Theos- means "god"

From Latin-derived English:
-ist means "one who does"

That leaves it open for customization as a person sees fit.

[josephpalazzo]

The fool has said in his heart,
“There is no God.”... ?   

Psalm 14:1

[Termin]

Oxford Dictionary: "Disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods." which is more correct in expression.

However, Collins Cobuild Dicitonary's definition is correct too. Because that is what 'a-theism' means. 'a' is negative prefix in front of theism. Which advocates that there is one god infleunced under monotheist religions or Abrahamic religions as we call it and suggests that with 'a' prefix you are 'against' it rather than having a neutral position. From this aspect, it is safe to say that the term 'atheist' is actually a theist term in its lingusitic roots.

"Non-believer" is the state of non believing in any thing that is based on a belief.

Prefix "A" means without or not.

The prefix "anti" means you are opposed to something, not the prefix "A"

They are entomological linked, however Atheism actually predates "Theism"

[drunkenshoe]

Prefix "A" means without or not.

The prefix "anti" means you are opposed to something, not the prefix "A"

Yeah. I just defined it as 'negative'. But it always some sort irritates me because it is put before 'theos'.

They are entomological linked, however Atheism actually predates "Theism"

That's interesting. I didn't know that. Do you have a source I can read?

[Termin]

Yeah. I just defined it as 'negative'. But it always some sort irritates me because it is put before 'theos'.

That's interesting. I didn't know that. Do you have a source I can read?

Nothing that compares the two, just the entomology of both

Athiest/atheism
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=atheist
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/atheism

Theist
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=theist&searchmode=none
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/theism?q=theist#theism__4

[Draconic Aiur]

This why you need to be skeptic along with an atheist

[Termin]

This why you need to be skeptic along with an atheist

I always thought of that  skepticism being the root "cause" of atheism.

[CrucifyCindy]

I always thought of that  skepticism being the root "cause" of atheism.

Explain why Sam Harris believes that there is evidence for reincarnation then.

[Mermaid]

Nothing that compares the two, just the entomology of both

I hate it when people do this, it's so rude and pedantic, but I have to! Entomology is the study of bugs. Etymology is the study of word origin.

[Termin]

Explain why Sam Harris believes that there is evidence for reincarnation then.

  I can no more explain his views than I could explain yours.I'm not Sam Harris.

But I did find this
http://www.alternet.org/story/46196/sam_harris's_faith_in_eastern_spirituality_and_muslim_torture

and this

http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/response-to-controversy#paranormal

I'm not a  fan of his so I had to look that up.

And being a skeptic just means you tend to doubt and question things, it doesn't mean you are always in doubt, you can form opinions or agree with the opinions of others.

[SkyChief]

Contrary to what many claim, atheism is not a belief system.  It is simply a person without gods.

Atheists who DO believe that gods dont exist are still atheists, but they share a belief based on faith which can neither be proven nor disproven, much like their theist counterparts.

And thats a cross they'll have to bear.  Pun intended.   

Even Richard Dawkins conceded that he is only 99% certain that gods don't exist. So, it implies he is 1% agnostic.

[Termin]

I hate it when people do this, it's so rude and pedantic, but I have to! Entomology is the study of bugs. Etymology is the study of word origin.

Sorry, my bad.