Athorism
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Athorism is the firm belief that the Norse deity Thor does not exist. It parodies religion, invented to emphasize the fact that atheism is not a form of religious creed but merely a sane denial of implausible beliefs.
[edit] Explanation
A common challenge against atheism is the claim that atheism is itself a form of "faith", a belief without proof.
"No one can prove that God doesn't exist, therefore an atheist is exercising faith by asserting that there is no God."
Replacing the word "God" with "Thor" (or "Santa Claus") shows that the assertion is fallacious. The burden of proof rests upon the believer whose claims (miracles, supernatural beings, talking donkeys, flying horses, etc.) conflict with objective reality as we know it, not upon the non-believer who considers such things unlikely.
Athorism is an attempt to illustrate through absurdity that there is no logical difference between disbelieving any particular religion.
[edit] Origin
Athorism is a frequently referenced concept in the lectures and writings of Richard Dawkins both online and in print and is described in detail in the book, The God Delusion.
