atheism vs non-religion

[mandimoo]

filling out application for a job I am asked my religious beliefs. i understand myself to be non-religious but this is not an option on the form. the nearest option is atheism, but i understood this to actively disagree with religion, rather that be taking an 'un-interested' view. arrrgh, what shall i put??

[WaldoMcFroog]

"Atheist" merely means a lack of belief in any gods, nothing more, nothing less. Strictly speaking, you're right to say it's not a religious view, but for the purposes of this kind of thing, I'd say it's the correct option

Some athiests are vocal about it and, as you say, actively disagree, other share your disinterest in the whole issue; there's no necessity for two atheists to have any other belief or practice in common to still be atheists.

One term that some vocal atheists use - Christopher Hitchens is one - is "anti-theist".

[brionon]

Atheist is a silly Greek word that causes arguments about its meaning whenever it's used. Un or Non believer is the best word/s to use.

[Aquagility]

If un-interested, try Agnostic.

[WaldoMcFroog]

No, "Agnostic" doesn't mean disinterested. It means that the person does not believe there is enough evidence to make the call definitively for one side or the other. There are theist and atheist agnostics.

[chakka35]

Of course there are theist and atheist agnostics, since the word means someone who doesn't know (that God exists).

That comprises the whole population of the world.

An atheist doesn't know and refuses to believe it. A theist doesn't know but chooses to believe it.

It really is a meaningless word.

[BradleyGas]

I agree with brionon that athiest is not for you and that non believer is the most appropriate.

[mibn2cweus]

Atheism is the default position. We are all born and remain atheist until the time when we adopt an alternative viewpoint.

Atheism, in the most essential basic meaning of the term is nothing more that the lack of a belief in a deity or deities; a-without, theism - belief in a deity or deities.

Atheism in itself implies neither a religious persuasion nor the lack of a religion persuasion if within the context of religion such is possible without the belief in a deity.

That being said, if I were asked to fill out such a form without so much as the option of "none" or "none of the above" or "none of your ******* business", I would tear up the form, toss it into the nearest bin and walk out the door relieved that I had not consigned myself to working for such inconsiderate devious idiots, although in a world in which such are the norm rather than the exception, such a choice may not necessarily be an option given your current circumstances.

Good Luck

[woofgang]

I am a bit puzzled as to what job would want to know your religeous beliefs unless you are applying to join a church!

[mandimoo]

woofgang.... i have applied for scores of jobs in the last few weeks and without exception this question is asked on the monitoring form, along with sexual orientation and ethnicity... one form even asked if i was still the same gender as was assigned to me at birth! but this form is the only form that has not allowed a simple 'non-religious' option. i only want to get an office admin job!

[WaldoMcFroog]

For my part, I'm not disputing whether it's overkill or intrusive particularly, just saying that 'atheist' is the same as 'non-believer', and I wouldn't sweat it worrying.

[Octavius]

�I am a bit puzzled as to what job would want to know your religeous beliefs unless you are applying to join a church!�

It is a requirement of the law:

The implementation of Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 introduced protection against discrimination on grounds of religion and belief in the recruitment process, the imposition of terms and conditions of employment, promotions transfers, training opportunities and dismissal. A whole host of day to day issues in the work place such as dietary requirements, time off and facilities for prayers, the inability to work in certain areas of the business (for example the meat or alcohol section of a supermarket), Religious holidays and restrictions on hours of work or days of the week.

The upshot is, I guess, that unless you are applying to specifically join a religious or ethnic lead post or organisational establishment, you would be more likely to be discriminated against if you declared you had a religious belief or ethnic background that might impact on your working life, than if you said you were a non-believer.

There is normally always a �prefer not to say� option.

[Octavius]

And for the benefit of our devout atheist brethren, I am not advocating that position or saying that religious people are discriminated against, just that this is what the law I mentioned above assumes, or protects against.

The rights or wrongs of it can be debated ad infinitum amongst yourselves if you wish.