Misconceptions About Atheism

[MegaTherion]

I’ve been glancing through a few threads on here, and I noticed quite a few misconceptions about Atheism being repeated.

In the interest of correcting errors, I wanted to list some of the main misconceptions about Atheism I’ve observed, address them, and field any questions that arise from them.

My primary concern is not to convince anyone of the Atheist point of view, but rather to clarify that point of view.

1. Misconception: Atheism requires faith or is a “religion.”

Most modern Atheists define Atheism as “the lack of a belief in gods.” Quite simply, we lack a belief in the Christian god in the same way that we lack a belief in the Hindu gods (and the Muslim god, the Norse gods, the Cthulhu mythos, etc.). Our lack of belief in any of those gods is not an act of faith, nor is it a claim of absolute certainty. It is simply a rational position based on a lack of evidence.

Similarly, Atheism is not a religion – it’s a position on one specific question (i.e. “Do you believe in a god?”). The opposite of Atheism – Theism, the belief in a god – is also not a religion: it’s the opposite position on that same question. Theists can belong to a religion (such as Catholicism), but Theism itself is not a religion. In the same way, Atheists might belong to a religion (such as Buddhism), but Atheism itself is not a religion.

1. Misconception: Atheists believe the universe came from nothing.

I have yet to meet an Atheist who makes such a claim. For the most part, Atheists accept the best evidence that we have, which suggests that approximately 14 billion years ago, the universe existed as a singularity and began to assume its present form due to a rapid expansion (the “Big Bang”). That much is known. No one knows what happened before that.

Atheists generally don’t have “beliefs” about what came before the Big Bang. The correct answer is that we don’t know. No one knows.

However, just because no one knows an answer doesn’t mean that a supernatural explanation becomes any more likely. It just means that we have to keep looking and keep learning.

We may never discover the answer, but it is more intellectually honest to admit that we do not know than to assume that the universe was created by a supernatural being (whether it be one of the Hindu gods, the Muslim god, the Christian god, one of the Norse gods, etc.)

1. Misconception: Atheists believe in nothing (or: Atheists have no hope; or: Atheists are angry all the time)

Atheists, as individuals, have all kinds of beliefs. However, since Atheism is nothing more than a position on a single question, it’s difficult to speak of Atheists, as a group, as having shared beliefs that can be easily enumerated.

Generally speaking, most Atheists believe in the same things that Theists believe in. We believe in family, love, friendships, art, the beauty of the world around us. You’ll find Atheists of all stripes of political and philosophical opinions. There are Atheists who are optimistic, pessimistic, upbeat, depressed, carefree, angry, or any of the above (like any group of people).

The only thing we all agree on is that we do not have a belief in any god (and most of us do not believe in the supernatural).

1. Misconception: Atheists have no basis for morality.

Most Atheists appeal to reason as the source of moral judgments. In any given situation, it is possible to look at the spectrum of actions available to us and decide which of those actions are more likely to produce positive results and which are less likely. Remember, since this life is the only one that we are all certain that we will have, it’s in everyone’s best interest to build the best possible society in the here and now.

As social animals, humans have a natural drive to work together (we see similar behavior in many species), and through an application of reason guided by this natural empathy, we can behave in an ethical manner towards one another to build the kind of world we would all like to live in.

1. Misconception: Atheists want to remove God from the public sphere.

Most Atheists are firmly committed to free speech and do not wish to prevent people from discussing their religion in public (as long as we are free to discuss our non-belief in public). However, most Atheists (like many Theists) are also firmly convinced that the separation of Church and State is the only way to secure the freedom of both. As a result, many Atheists desire the government – and any group receiving government funds – to remain neutral when it comes to religion.

In my experience, the vast majority of Atheists are fine with expressions of religion by individuals, from “Merry Christmas” to “God bless you.” Legally, many Atheists are uncomfortable with the government endorsing religion, and there are various opinions on how it should be addressed. For example, most Atheists I know feel that the motto “In God We Trust,” added to all American currency in the 1950s, should be removed; yet most Atheists I know also do not approve of the recent lawsuit objecting to the presidential oath.

1. Misconception: There’s no such thing as Atheists.

In fact, there is such a thing as an Atheist, and most Atheists are people who have put a lot of time and effort into thinking through their position. And while you might disagree with an Atheist’s position, it’s simply incorrect (and insulting) to claim that the position doesn’t even exist. For example, I disagree with the position a Christian holds, but I would never suggest that a Christian does not sincerely hold those beliefs or that there “is no such thing as a Christian.” To do that would be highly insensitive and – more importantly – factually incorrect.

 

[Trishie]

I have a cousin who is a sincere athiest who has clearly thought out his position. I get what you’re saying.
I’ve told my cousin Jim, that if I suddenly found I was dying he’d be the first I’d a quick call on my mobile/callphone to say ‘goodbye’ as he’s the only one of my relatives who doesn’t believe he will ever ‘see’ me again…that’s a trivial response to your extensive exposition…but only because I, and some of us who believe in God and a Christian faith, do understand the atheist position. There was a time when I reluctantly but seriously espoused it, myself. Painful as that was, I resolutely refused to deceive myself or be deceived, so faith returned was unexpected grace.

 

[sambos671]

Depends on your definition of religion. Using this definition I can say athism is a religion:

A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

 

[MegaTherion]

Thanks for the comment, Trishie. It’s quite sweet that you would think to call your cousin to say goodbye in such a situation.

Sambos671, you wrote:

Depends on your definition of religion. Using this definition I can say athism is a religion:

A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

Well, sure. But I don’t find that definition particularly helpful in discussing things. By that definition, literally anything could be called a “religion.” You could call a birdwatching club a religion.

Besides, if we don’t typically call Theism itself a religion, it doesn’t make sense to call Atheism a religion.

A Theist can belong to a religion, as can an Atheist, but neither Theism nor Atheism are religions. They are positions on one specific question.

 

[ralphinal]

While I agree with your position, I think that you would have to admit that there are those Atheists who do fit most of those misconceptions. The one about where the universe came from is the one exception. I have yet to meet an atheist who thinks something can come from nothing

 

[sambos671]

Thanks for the comment, Trishie. It’s quite sweet that you would think to call your cousin to say goodbye in such a situation.

Sambos671, you wrote:

Well, sure. But I don’t find that definition particularly helpful in discussing things. By that definition, literally anything could be called a “religion.” You could call a birdwatching club a religion.

Besides, if we don’t typically call Theism itself a religion, it doesn’t make sense to call Atheism a religion.

A Theist can belong to a religion, as can an Atheist, but neither Theism nor Atheism are religions. They are positions on one specific question.

I understand and buy that athiest do not believe in any deity. But the other points I would say depended on the Athiest. I’ve met atheist that displayed at least one of the other traits you’ve mentioned at a misconseption. Also I’ve met Athiest that don’t believe in any deity but believed in inteligent alien design. I’ve met athiest who almost view Chance as a sort of deity. So depends on who you are speaking about.

 

[MegaTherion]

While I agree with your position, I think that you would have to admit that there are those Atheists who do fit most of those misconceptions.

Yes, my claim is not “No Atheists are [insert characteristic here],” but merely that “Most Atheists are not [insert characteristic here].” Or, to put it another way, “Atheists are much more diverse in their attitudes and opinions than you might think.”

Since Atheists only necessarily share one thing in common – a position on one specific question – they represent a very diverse group about which it is difficult to make general statements.

But as far as I can tell, the misconceptions I’ve posted are the exception and not the norm among Atheists.

 

[CatsAndDogs]

…

Heard it all before.

I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of putting such a low-post-count poster (3) on my ignore list!

Hello, Bye-bye Megs!

:shamrock2:

 

[Hari_Seldon]

1. Misconception: Atheists want to remove God from the public sphere.

Hi, MegaTherion.

Just a few words about this “misconception”. I´m sure that not all the atheists want to do that. But some of them actually DO WANT to remove God from the public sphere.

Right now you can find news about an atheist campaign in London, with a bus and slogans proclaiming that “there is probably no God”:

London´s iconic buses…

 

[MegaTherion]

But some of them actually DO WANT to remove God from the public sphere.

Right now you can find news about an atheist campaign in London, with a bus and slogans proclaiming that “there is probably no God”

Hi Hari Seldon,

I don’t see advertisements that read “there is probably no God” as an attempt to remove God from the public sphere. I see that as free expression of a position. In fact, it’s quite the opposite of removing God from the public sphere – it’s stimulating a debate about the existence of God. As a result, it makes God a topic of public discourse.

Atheists have every right to express their position, just as Theists have every right to express theirs. I just wouldn’t want the government to endorse Atheism over Theism or vice versa.

 

[Eucharisted]

I’ve been glancing through a few threads on here, and I noticed quite a few misconceptions about Atheism being repeated.

In the interest of correcting errors, I wanted to list some of the main misconceptions about Atheism I’ve observed, address them, and field any questions that arise from them.

My primary concern is not to convince anyone of the Atheist point of view, but rather to clarify that point of view.

1. Misconception: Atheism requires faith or is a “religion.”

Most modern Atheists define Atheism as “the lack of a belief in gods.” Quite simply, we lack a belief in the Christian god in the same way that we lack a belief in the Hindu gods (and the Muslim god, the Norse gods, the Cthulhu mythos, etc.). Our lack of belief in any of those gods is not an act of faith, nor is it a claim of absolute certainty. It is simply a rational position based on a lack of evidence.

Similarly, Atheism is not a religion – it’s a position on one specific question (i.e. “Do you believe in a god?”). The opposite of Atheism – Theism, the belief in a god – is also not a religion: it’s the opposite position on that same question. Theists can belong to a religion (such as Catholicism), but Theism itself is not a religion. In the same way, Atheists might belong to a religion (such as Buddhism), but Atheism itself is not a religion.

1. Misconception: Atheists believe the universe came from nothing.

I have yet to meet an Atheist who makes such a claim. For the most part, Atheists accept the best evidence that we have, which suggests that approximately 14 billion years ago, the universe existed as a singularity and began to assume its present form due to a rapid expansion (the “Big Bang”). That much is known. No one knows what happened before that.

Atheists generally don’t have “beliefs” about what came before the Big Bang. The correct answer is that we don’t know. No one knows.

However, just because no one knows an answer doesn’t mean that a supernatural explanation becomes any more likely. It just means that we have to keep looking and keep learning.

We may never discover the answer, but it is more intellectually honest to admit that we do not know than to assume that the universe was created by a supernatural being (whether it be one of the Hindu gods, the Muslim god, the Christian god, one of the Norse gods, etc.)

1. Misconception: Atheists believe in nothing (or: Atheists have no hope; or: Atheists are angry all the time)

Atheists, as individuals, have all kinds of beliefs. However, since Atheism is nothing more than a position on a single question, it’s difficult to speak of Atheists, as a group, as having shared beliefs that can be easily enumerated.

Generally speaking, most Atheists believe in the same things that Theists believe in. We believe in family, love, friendships, art, the beauty of the world around us. You’ll find Atheists of all stripes of political and philosophical opinions. There are Atheists who are optimistic, pessimistic, upbeat, depressed, carefree, angry, or any of the above (like any group of people).

The only thing we all agree on is that we do not have a belief in any god (and most of us do not believe in the supernatural).

1. Misconception: Atheists have no basis for morality.

Most Atheists appeal to reason as the source of moral judgments. In any given situation, it is possible to look at the spectrum of actions available to us and decide which of those actions are more likely to produce positive results and which are less likely. Remember, since this life is the only one that we are all certain that we will have, it’s in everyone’s best interest to build the best possible society in the here and now.

As social animals, humans have a natural drive to work together (we see similar behavior in many species), and through an application of reason guided by this natural empathy, we can behave in an ethical manner towards one another to build the kind of world we would all like to live in.

1. Misconception: Atheists want to remove God from the public sphere.

Most Atheists are firmly committed to free speech and do not wish to prevent people from discussing their religion in public (as long as we are free to discuss our non-belief in public). However, most Atheists (like many Theists) are also firmly convinced that the separation of Church and State is the only way to secure the freedom of both. As a result, many Atheists desire the government – and any group receiving government funds – to remain neutral when it comes to religion.

In my experience, the vast majority of Atheists are fine with expressions of religion by individuals, from “Merry Christmas” to “God bless you.” Legally, many Atheists are uncomfortable with the government endorsing religion, and there are various opinions on how it should be addressed. For example, most Atheists I know feel that the motto “In God We Trust,” added to all American currency in the 1950s, should be removed; yet most Atheists I know also do not approve of the recent lawsuit objecting to the presidential oath.

1. Misconception: There’s no such thing as Atheists.

In fact, there is such a thing as an Atheist, and most Atheists are people who have put a lot of time and effort into thinking through their position. And while you might disagree with an Atheist’s position, it’s simply incorrect (and insulting) to claim that the position doesn’t even exist. For example, I disagree with the position a Christian holds, but I would never suggest that a Christian does not sincerely hold those beliefs or that there “is no such thing as a Christian.” To do that would be highly insensitive and – more importantly – factually incorrect.

Thanks for the clarifications, and sorry for the misconceptions.

 

[kellie]

I’ve been glancing through a few threads on here, and I noticed quite a few misconceptions about Atheism being repeated.

In the interest of correcting errors, I wanted to list some of the main misconceptions about Atheism I’ve observed, address them, and field any questions that arise from them.

My primary concern is not to convince anyone of the Atheist point of view, but rather to clarify that point of view.

Hi MegaTherion,

I just want to say I completely agree with you on your definitions.

I have quite often chuckled to myself when reading threads on here that try to argue with an atheist that atheism is a religion.

I have a good friend who is an atheist. And I have never seen her do this “activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.”

She is actually part of a theatre group I am in, which is based in my Catholic Parish.

She believes each to their own opinion, and has never tried to talk me out of my beliefs. She simply states she doesnt believe in a god of any type.

Welcome to the forums!!

 

[Hari_Seldon]

sphere – it’s stimulating a debate about the existence of God. As a result, it makes God a topic of public discourse.

Maybe, I think, but obviously, that´s not their intention, doing that. Their purpose is to put in the current public the slogan “There is probably no God”. That´s the function of publicity, and that slogan is publicity. Similar tools are songs, drawings, movies, etc.

This is my point of view, of course. I think that if you really wanna make a debate about the existence of God, they need to have this requirement: a declaration about your respect for another´s beliefs, instead of “There is probably no God”, maybe “Why do you believe in God?”, that may be take as a curiosity for the fundaments of that belief. Well, is my opinion.

Atheists have every right to express their position, just as Theists have every right to express theirs.

Of course. And I go further. Atheists or theists have every right to try to change the other´s minds, but with arguments, words, proofs, etc.

Regards!

 

[MegaTherion]

Maybe, I think, but obviously, that´s not their intention, doing that. Their purpose is to put in the current public the slogan “There is probably no God”.

Ahh, I see where the confusion is. You and I are using different definitions of “removing God from the public sphere.”

What I mean when I say that Atheists don’t want to remove God from the public sphere is that Atheists, for the most part, don’t want to ban or obstruct people from expressing their belief in God in public. Naturally, we do want people to agree with us. Of course most of us would prefer it if everyone gave up their belief in gods tomorrow (just as most religious people would be happy if everyone embraced a belief in [their] god tomorrow). But the vast, vast majority of Atheists would not want to mandate that and forcibly remove religious discourse from our public life.

In other words, Atheists aren’t advertising “There is probably no god” because they want to prevent people from talking about god. They want people to talk about it…to think about it…to rationally look at the evidence. And naturally, they would prefer it if everyone came to the same conclusion that they did, but that is obviously not going to happen any time soon.

And since you brought it up, I actually don’t think that respect for the beliefs of others is necessary to have a public debate. We should respect people, certainly. But we should be under no impetus to respect their beliefs. The beliefs stand or fall on their own (or, rather, on the weight of the evidence). And certainly, there is a place in public discourse for satire and ridicule.

Free speech is meaningless unless we have the freedom to say something that someone else might find offensive.

 

[LeroyCRHP]

So why does an Atheist hang out on a Catholic Forum anyway?

If I get your definition, an Atheist is just like me and everyone else only doesn’t believe in God…I don’t buy that, God changes everything I and every other Catholic does.

 

[MegaTherion]

an Atheist is just like me and everyone else only doesn’t believe in God…I don’t buy that, God changes everything I and every other Catholic does.

Oh, no, no. I’m not claiming that an Atheist is “just like” a Theist. You’re right that the belief in a god or gods changes the way people think about their lives and often the way they actually do live their lives. It changes the way you think about faith, reason, evidence, various holy texts, the way you interpret the world…sheesh, that’s just off the top of my head.

There are a lot of differences. I’m not trying to equate the two, just addressing some of the common misconceptions I’ve seen about Atheists.

And as for what I’m doing here, online discussions about belief and non-belief have interested me for years. I think it’s in the best interest of everyone to understand what it is that other people actually believe or don’t believe.

 

[Hari_Seldon]

And since you brought it up, I actually don’t think that respect for the beliefs of others is necessary to have a public debate. We should respect people, certainly. But we should be under no impetus to respect their beliefs. The beliefs stand or fall on their own (or, rather, on the weight of the evidence). And certainly, there is a place in public discourse for satire and ridicule.
Free speech is meaningless unless we have the freedom to say something that someone else might find offensive.

Well, I have a little different point of view. Satire and ridicule may be useful, but there are “levels” of that. An elegant satire could show that an idea or belief is completely wrong. But when somebody starts a conversation making fun of the other´s idea, just with insults, the debate will be, soon, a real fight.

Of course, I agree with you about that the beliefs stand or fall on their own, and specially when we´re talking about a matter like believing in God. There are good theist arguments and bad theist arguments, and the same with the atheist ones, but the belief is the same too.

I mentioned respect, because it has been fruitful very much to me. I´ve had a lot of conversations with atheists, and respecting each others makes a good debate, with interesting comments, ideas for studying, personal experiences, etc. With respect, an atheist and a theist could be friends. Without it, I think is really hard, and my point is, Why the debate about God´s existence must be cause of enmity?

Regards!

 

[Hari_Seldon]

And as for what I’m doing here, online discussions about belief and non-belief have interested me for years. I think it’s in the best interest of everyone to understand what it is that other people actually believe or don’t believe.

Certainly. You´re right. When you are that interested on this matter, you can spend hours talking about the ideas, beliefs, points of view, opinions, etc. I´ve done that, and it can be really addictive.

Regards!

 

[kalt]

I understand that atheists answer “I don’t know.” to the question, “What existed before.”, and that they don’t believe that the world came from nothing.

But that is a conveniently limited question. And the answer is one that a 2-yr-old could give.

How do atheists, based on your narrow description of what atheists believe, answer, “What about the first?”

How do the atheists who agree with your definition of themselves answer, “Is there a first?”.

Since atheism is all about logic, and atheists, by your account, have conceded that, not only was there something before the Big Bang, but that matter doesn’t come from nothing, there logically has to be something before the first particle (or whatever you want to call the first matter.) even if you can’t name that first matter.

Do atheists just ignore that ultimate question, “Can there be a first that comes from nothing, if we believe that everything comes from something?”

IMO, it’s a cop out to answer, “I don’t know.” It’s intellecually lazy. It’s one thing to be an atheist. It’s another to claim that “I don’t know.” is a valid answer to the ultimate question of origins, when that question doesn’t require any special knowledge. It requires only logic, which is how atheists answer “Do you believe in God.”

So we know that atheists rely on logic to answer these questions.

Using logic, then, how do atheists answer the ultimate question, “Can there be first that comes from nothing, if we believe that everyting comes from something?”

Again, this isn’t a scientific question. I’m not asking what was the first. It’s a question that requires the atheist to use only logic.

 

[LeroyCRHP]

I’ve read your outside traits, but what is your view on God? Not to list buckets, but completely don’t believe, maybe believe, believe in another supreme being, don’t know, just don’t want to commit, etc? You’ve obviously thought on this a long time.

Don’t lose me on complex titles, I’m really simple, born in American but feel like English is my second language and I’m not sure what the first is!

This is what I like to know about Atheist. I’ll say, growing up I basically did not go to church, I thought there was a God, but I would not deny his existence but certainly not commit until maybe 20 years ago.

Thanks
Leroy

Oh, no, no. I’m not claiming that an Atheist is “just like” a Theist. You’re right that the belief in a god or gods changes the way people think about their lives and often the way they actually do live their lives. It changes the way you think about faith, reason, evidence, various holy texts, the way you interpret the world…sheesh, that’s just off the top of my head.

There are a lot of differences. I’m not trying to equate the two, just addressing some of the common misconceptions I’ve seen about Atheists.

And as for what I’m doing here, online discussions about belief and non-belief have interested me for years. I think it’s in the best interest of everyone to understand what it is that other people actually believe or don’t believe.