I am a Realist [View all]
Atheism is usually defined as "the absence of belief in the existence of deities or the rejection of the belief that any deities exist."
Atheist is a negative frame of reference, suggesting that something that would or should be present is missing; similar to identifying women or couples who do not have children "childless". Accepting "atheist" as a definition of fundamental intellectual perspective is inherently defensive. Discussions tend to begin with the suggestion that we need to explain why we do not accept the prevailing beliefs; that we have the burden of proof for the absence of theism .
I prefer to think of myself as a Realist - my views are grounded on observable, verified or verifiable fact, and scientifically established evidence.
Theists accept the existence of deities based on "faith" without any factual or scientific evidence, driven by often intense social pressure. The absence of verifiable facts are dismissed or ignored. The corpus of religion is a collection of myths and mysticism, often supported by vivid (and sometimes beautiful) art, music and architecture, but not resting upon any factual basis for "faith.'
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