Reply #119: I say nothing about what you believe [View All]

[TechBear_Seattle]

I am only expressing my opinions on atheism. You, of course, are free to believe whatever you want :hi:

You will notice that I use two different categories in the two different posts: a) theological position and b) theological or philosophical system. I was not precise in specifying the differences so I will do so now. I use "theological position" to mean an assertion of fact as to the existence or non-existence of one or more specified supernatural entity/entities. I use "theological or philosophical system" to mean the set of beliefs and values upon which a person consciously bases his actions, behaviors and interactions. I use "belief system" as a synonym for "theological or philosophical system."

I was in error when I wrote, "If you take no theological position, then it is not a belief system." There are many belief systems that have no theological positions. What I was trying to do was show that a theological position implies a belief system while the absense of a theological position does not necessarily imply a belief system. (I think I've got it right this time. It's what I get for posting from work.)

I will continue to assert that for a person to hold to a belief system, there must be genuine reflection on that system and a conscious decision to adhere to it. I do not see how anyone who is unable -- or unwilling -- to reflect on a belief system's beliefs and values and make a conscious decision to adhere to it can be said to hold to a belief system. The lack of belief in god(s) does not, itself, make a belief system. An infant who is unable to formulate any beliefs at all can not hold a belief system, any more than an infant who is unable to hold a gun can be a pacifist. I will continue that line of thinking in the relevant place in this thread.