In essence, Marilyn, you are right. However, as stated in other posts, the 
word atheist has taken on the flavor of "one who actively denies the 
existence of a god".
This is important to an understanding of paleo life and diet b/c once you 
accept a god, there very often is a whole set of prescriptions and 
proscriptions as to diet that go along with that, in an organized religion, 
at least.
Pat Barrett [log in to unmask]
http://ideas.lang-learn.us/barrett.php
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marilyn Harris" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, July 10, 2011 6:57 AM
Subject: Re: Questions for Ray


>I always thought that atheism simply meant "without a god" so someone who 
>lives without a god to follow. Which seems to be very close to the term 
>non-theist.  I find it seems a little like spitting hairs...  :-)
>
> Marilyn
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Ben Liberman" <[log in to unmask]>
>>
>> A theist has a belief that there is a god.
>>
>> An atheist is has a belief that there is no god.
>>
>> Both of these are unprovable, hence 'belief'.
>>
>> A non-theist has no beliefs about the existence of gods.
>