Why Do Theists Insist Atheists Claim God Doesn’t Exist?

Good question. I think it’s just one of those things that theists tell each other many times before they ever ask an actual atheist what their actual position is. Dictionaries generally support the definition of “atheist,” but people often settle on definitions based on common agreement. In areas where few atheists exist or have made themselves known, a dumbed-down definition of atheism often emerges naturally, simply claiming that atheists disbelieve in God.

Common Perceptions and Misunderstandings

So many of those who believe in God are just plain stupid. It's not nice to say, but it’s just true. There are mostly two types of atheists:

Atheists due to Lack of Evidence: These individuals do not believe a god exists because there is no evidence to support such a belief. They see no proof of a divine being. Atheists Who Dismiss the Existence of God: These individuals claim that gods do not exist for the simple reason that there is no evidence to support it. They see no reason to accept a god’s existence.

These atheists do not claim that God doesn’t exist; rather, they argue that there is no evidence of God’s existence. Often, theists want atheists to provide proof that God does not exist, which is actually a different claim entirely. This misunderstanding causes tensions and frustration.

Theists Want Proof of Atheism

Theists often demand that atheists prove that their gods don’t exist. This is typically framed as an assertion that atheism means gods don’t exist, not just that atheists lack evidence for their existence. Theists get upset when atheists counter by saying, “Prove your god exists.”

Evidence for God's Existence

Most theists rely on scripture and philosophical arguments to assert the existence of God. Some common evidence they cite includes:

Biblical Verses: They often quote verses like Psalms 19:1, which states, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Philosophical Arguments: Theists point to arguments like the cosmological argument, the teleological argument (argument from design), and the ontological argument. Scientific Evidence: They claim that the complex nature of the universe, including the fine-tuning, is evidence of a divine creator. Personal Testimonies: Many theists also cite personal experiences and testimonies as evidence for God’s existence.

Why Atheists Don’t Claim God Doesn’t Exist

Most atheists do not claim that God doesn’t exist. They simply state that they see no evidence of God’s existence. Theists often struggle to understand this distinction because they operate from a different framework. They see proof where atheists see unanswered questions and insufficient evidence.

Who Really Knows?

Often, theists themselves do not understand the nuances and complexities of atheism. They believe that by saying “God doesn’t exist,” atheists are asserting an extreme position, which is not necessarily the case. The definition of atheism is actually quite simple:

Atheism: The lack of belief in the existence of a god or gods. This simply means that no evidence for a god has been found. Theism: The belief in the existence of a god or gods. This position is based on evidence, faith, and philosophical reasoning.

The belief in God and the lack of belief in God are both valid philosophical positions, but they rely on different types of evidence and reasoning.

Conclusion

The clash between theists and atheists often lies in differing interpretations and understandings of definitions and evidence. While theists demand proof of God’s existence, many atheists simply lack the evidence to support such a belief. It is a complex matter that requires open-minded dialogue and mutual respect for different belief systems.