Are there two definitions of atheism; a textbook definition and what society perceives?

There are lots of words like this in the English language; irony is a great example. I think atheism is like this too, don鈥檛 you? I mean, we all know the textbook definition of atheism; one who believes in no higher power(s). But there is also how society perceives atheism and that is people who are rational, pragmatic, cold hearted, analytical etc, right? To qualify as an atheist, shouldn鈥檛 one have to pass both definitions?Are there two definitions of atheism; a textbook definition and what society perceives?
Nop, I go with the definition from a dictionary. I don't care what society says
If there is a definition which society perceives that is any different to the real one it would be in thinking that atheism is always of the strong form.



There's no need to make the definition of atheism any less inclusive than the current generally accepted weak definition of "a person who lacks a belief in a god or gods".Are there two definitions of atheism; a textbook definition and what society perceives?
There are so many things wrong with this statement, I'm not sure where to begin.

To answer your question in the most direct and brief manner, without giving myself a headache - No. To qualify as an atheist, one should not have to pass a) an actual 'definition' and b) your warped sense of what you perceive an atheist to be. Your bias against atheists does not qualify as a definition by any means.
The problem is that society consists largely of people who are not atheists. Suppose a predominantly Christian society defined a Jew as "someone who is going to Hell for refusing to recognize Jesus as his savior". You can certainly redefine a word to the point that it is no longer useful, but then you'd just need another word for what atheists mean when they self-identify as "atheist".Are there two definitions of atheism; a textbook definition and what society perceives?
A dictionary definition is "Without God"



A biblical definition is, without Christ, without hope, without God;



Eph 2:12 That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and WITHOUT GOD in the world:
The word Atheist simply means "one who actively disbelieves in the existence of a supernatural god or gods" that is all



if we don't stick with the agreed upon definition for words then communication no longer works, words actually mean something, learn what that is before you use them. your probably one of those people who use "conversate" and "irregardless" too
Sure, but then what would be the point? We dont hand out certificates.



Edit: For all those who say go by the dictionary: Society dictates the definition of words.



Where do you think definitions come from? God?
I disagree with your societal perception of Atheism.



I don't know of a single person who believes an Atheist to be the kind of person you describe.
No because only one definition is correct, the one in the dictionary. What some people mistakenly call irony isn't another definition of irony, it's just incorrect.
Society's view is that being an atheist means you believe in nothing and you are immoral, but this is nihilism, a completely different thing
No. Your second defintion is your definition. It is not mine. Atheists are those who have no interest in magicl fairies. Period.
They can pass wind for all I care...I start anew job tomorrow I'm going to be a dozer hand again...I think I'll take a lunch in case the roach coach don't go to that site
No. Society's perception can be changed, and does so frequently. It's a terrible criteria to go by.
I think it is along the lines of educated perception of the word and christian perception
What I wanna know is how "society" gets these united ideas in the first place
A lot of words are like that ... theory being perhaps the most abused ...