by American Atheists

Atheism - What It Is, And What It Isn't

One reason for the existence of this web site is to give people a somewhat rare opportunity when it comes to finding out about Atheism. If you want to know what Atheism really is — and what it is not — you can have a difficult time of it. Most newspapers and magazines don't portray a very accurate picture of Atheism; you can often find Atheists described as "humanists," degenerates of a sort, or even devil worshippers. Pick up a dictionary like Webster's New Twentieth Century (Unabridged), and the lexicographers describe Atheism as "The belief that there is no God." Worse yet, this brief line is then followed by a quote from Francis Bacon: "A little philosophy inclineth men's minds to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men's mind to religion." And it gets worse. The same dictionary describes the Atheist as "one who believes that there is not God," and then quotes Young, saying "By night an atheist half believes a God."

Advocates in the wisdom of religious belief are even less generous in their assessment of the Atheist. The latter is described by the Vatican as a "significant problem," fundamentalist Christians portray Atheism as something akin to communism, perhaps spiced up with the exotica of pornography, drug abuse and moral debauchery. A candidate for President of the United States (Pat Buchanan), mentioned Atheists in the same breath as terrorists. Is it any wonder that the popular media is often the least productive place in finding out about Atheism?

Even so, some Atheists — or people who describe themselves as such — turn out to be their own worst enemies. There are Atheists, and there are Atheists. Most individuals who use the label to describe themselves and philosophical convictions were born into religious families, or at least situations where religious belief and practice was an element in their upbringing. We know from surveys, and our long-standing contact with Atheists, that most of us "arrived" or developed our intellectual convictions as the result of studying religion — and doing a considerable amount of thinking.

Still, many atheists really know very little about Atheist philosophy, its history, its movements and personalities, and how it should apply to the minutiae of life.

Atheism is NOT a "belief." Atheism is derived from the Greek, atheos, and means simply "away from the belief in a god or gods." Atheists do not "believe," and it is incorrect to assume that the belief in a supernatural entity or entities is, somehow, equivalent to the "non-belief" in those same beings. It isn't.

"Atheism is religion." When you hear a statement like this, it often comes form a person who has actually done little research or thinking about either Atheism or religion. Most people rarely study or investigate their own religious beliefs, assuming they have any. If they are born in a predominately Christian, or Muslim, or Hindu, or Jewish culture, they will probably reflect the religious beliefs of that society.

Nearly every dictionary will define religion as "belief in a divine or superhuman power or powers to be obeyed a worshipped as the creator(s) and ruler(s) of the universe. The definition of all other terms linked to religion employ much the same language — church, monastery, priest. They are all part of a religious-language universe or "game" that has little to do with Atheism.

There cannot be an Atheist "Church", or an Atheist "priest" anymore than there could be an Atheist "god."

Atheism is NOT historically linked to Communism, or any other particular system of social organization. Atheists represent many shades on the political spectrum, and often disagree amongst themselves about political issues. While Communism and its leading theoreticians happened to be Atheists, social activists of other persuasions have been Atheists as well. Many of us link our Atheism — which is, after all, based on Reason — to socially progressive ideas including civil liberties and social equality. We "agree to disagree," hopefully in a friendly and respectful manner though, about a wide range of current issues. We work together where possible, especially on the important issue of separation of State and Church.

Atheists are NOT "secular humanists", "freethinkers", "rationalists" or "ethical culturalists." Many of these terms have their origins in religious doctrines. Rationalism, for instance, was a movement which tried to reconcile religious faith with the findings of science especially during the Enlightenment. "Freethinker" has been used to describe a spectrum of belief, including those who questioned the doctrine of the Trinity.

Often, people who are Atheists find it useful to masquerade behind such labels. This is sometimes understandable, considering the opprobrium Atheists have been subjected to throughout history. There have been times when Atheists who described themselves by using the "A-word" faced public condemnation, even violence for their convictions.

The north american organization American Atheists have struggled for over three decades to "de-sensitize" this culture, and demonstrate that Atheism is a moral and legitimate intellectual conviction, and lifestyle. Here in Brazil, the Round Earth Society is starting the same kind of endeavour. We try to live ethical, positive and productive lives without god-belief! There are over 25 million Americans who are Atheists, or describe themselves in approximation to this position; our organization works to encourage these people to "come out of the closet," and proudly admit — and proclaim — their Atheism!

Atheists do not advocate the worship of Satan, molesting of little children, "New Age" beliefs, or persecution of religious people. Sorry, but if you've been told that we do DO, you haven't been listening to an Atheist! We do not believe in either a "god" or a devil, for us both are two sides of the same coin; we happen to think that children, like the rest of us, happen to have rights. We are highly skeptical of "new age" mumbo jumbo, including uncritical belief in fortune-telling, esp, ghosts, various quack healing regimens, communing with the dead or erotic frolics with aliens. And the Round Earth Society is a civil libertarian organization; we insist that we have both freedom of religion, and freedom from religion. We also know that while we must protect our First Amendment rights as citizens and Atheists, we must also patiently and intelligently present the Atheist point of view in public debate. We advance our Atheism through reasoned argument and by disseminating books, pamphlets and other material.

Atheists are not "forcing their opinions" on the society. But we ARE standing up for our constitutional rights, especially those guaranteed in the Establishment and Free Speech Clauses of the First Amendment. Religious organizations, in fact, have been working to force their doctrines onto society through mandatory prayer recitation in government halls and public schools. They are also trying to institute "bible law" as the basis of civil society, and advance a religious agenda through political means.

The best way to learn more about Atheism is from Atheists! Read our books, pamphlets and magazine. A list of books about atheism is available in our site; a wide assortment of materials that cover Atheist history, personalities and philosophy. And don't forget to explore this web site thoroughly. You might just find yourself asking questions — and finding the right answers!