How do we define theism, and atheism?

[marylandblue]

49. Why are beliefs unprovable?

I've never understood it. I am talking about belief in whether something exists or does not exist. That is always, at least in principle, subject to evidentiary claims or lack thereof. I am not talking about opinions, like "which language is best for poetry." That's an opinion. Totally different. I am also not talking about absolute proof, such as 2+2=4.

I am distinguishing between difference senses of the word belief, which are united solely in the fact that they share the same word, but otherwise have little in common.

The statement, "I believe God exists," is a statement about a fact such that it is equivalent to asserting "God exists," just like apples and the United States exist.

The statment, "I believe vanilla is the best flavor of ice cream," is an unproveable opinion equivalent to "I like ice cream best."