Some terms are open to interpretation. To avoid ambiguity, I'll define some of the terms and what I mean when I use them here. First, with Webster's definition, then my refined personal meaning. If I'm not very clear with a word, let me know and I'll add it to my list.
Animism: Attribution of conscious life to objects in and phenomena of nature or to inanimate objects---Native Americans. I'm sure there is more, but hell if I can think of any.
Atheism: A disbelief in the existence of deity---Not much more to say really, other than to point out that it isn't a denial, just a disbelief. It can be overcome with evidence. Much like my disbelief that Justin Timberlake could be anything other than a boy band tool. I was proved wrong after I watched him on SNL.
Belief: A state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing---Or as I think of it--Certainty+Ignorance. I don't mean ignorance in a derogative way. I like ignorance, it means we have something to learn. It's willful ignorance that I don't like. Admit you know nothing and you are wise, close your eyes to maintain that ignorance and you are a fool.
Deism: A movement or system of thought advocating natural religion, emphasizing morality, and in the 18th century denying the interference of the Creator with the laws of the universe---Most of our Founding Fathers were Masons, which is (mostly) a deistic organization. Basically, God sneezed out the Big Bang, tweaked the parameters of the four forces, strong, weak, electrodynamic, and gravitational, then buggered off, leaving us to our own devices.
God: The Being perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness who is worshiped as creator and ruler of the universe---I will almost always use the term God in the Monotheistic since.
Monotheism: The doctrine or belief that there is but one God---And he is jealous
Pantheism: A doctrine that equates God with the forces and laws of the universe---Sometimes know as the "God of Spinoza", or the "God of Einstein". If I were totally honest, I'd say I was Pantheistic/Atheistic. If there is a force or power in the universe that we can't detect with our senses, I think it would be a pantheistic force.
Polytheism: Belief in or worship of more than one god---Greek, Roman, Nordic, Hindu..... Catholicism (I mean, the trinity? Really?)
Religion: A personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices---I like to say that Religion is --belief in the supernatural+ritual (or customs that are derived from the belief). People can believe in God without being religious, but people can't be religious without believing in God (or some other place holder). Atheism is not a religion because it negates one the the requirements, belief in the supernatural.
