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[[File:Newton.png|right|thumbnail|200px|The scientist [[Isaac Newton]] wrote:  "Opposition to godliness is [[atheism]] in profession and idolatry in practice. Atheism is so senseless and odious to mankind that it never had many professors."<ref>Newton, Isaac.  ''A Short Scheme of the True Religion''.  Unpublished writing quoted in Brewster, David (1855).  [http://books.google.com/books?id=-RY6AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA347&dq=%22david+brewster%22+%22short+scheme%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=u3zlVL3pN5bqoATx84HgCg&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22david%20brewster%22%20%22short%20scheme%22&f=false ''Memoirs of the Life, Writings, and Discoveries of Sir Isaac Newton''] (Edinburgh, UK:  Thomas Constable), vol. 2, p. 347.  Retrieved from GoogleBooks archive on February 19, 2015.</ref> See also: [[Global atheism|Decline of global atheism]] ]]

[[File:Newton.png|right|thumbnail|200px|The scientist [[Isaac Newton]] wrote:  "Opposition to godliness is [[atheism]] in profession and idolatry in practice. Atheism is so senseless and odious to mankind that it never had many professors."<ref>Newton, Isaac.  ''A Short Scheme of the True Religion''.  Unpublished writing quoted in Brewster, David (1855).  [http://books.google.com/books?id=-RY6AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA347&dq=%22david+brewster%22+%22short+scheme%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=u3zlVL3pN5bqoATx84HgCg&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22david%20brewster%22%20%22short%20scheme%22&f=false ''Memoirs of the Life, Writings, and Discoveries of Sir Isaac Newton''] (Edinburgh, UK:  Thomas Constable), vol. 2, p. 347.  Retrieved from GoogleBooks archive on February 19, 2015.</ref> See also: [[Global atheism|Decline of global atheism]] ]]

In the both the [[physical science|physical sciences]] and [[social sciences]] [[atheism]] has had a negative effect on science.  

In the both the [[physical science]]s and [[social sciences]] [[atheism]] has had a negative effect on science.  

On the other hand, the culture fostered by Judeo-Christianity has had a positive effect on science (See also: [[Christianity and science]] and [[Scientists and belief in the existence of God]]).  

On the other hand, the culture fostered by Judeo-Christianity has had a positive effect on science (See also: [[Christianity and science]] and [[Scientists and belief in the existence of God]]).  

''See also:'' [[Irreligion and superstition]]

''See also:'' [[Irreligion and superstition]]

[[Image:Torii-gate.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A torii is a traditional Japanese gate most frequently found at the entrance of or within a [[Shinto]] shrine.

[[Image:Torii-gate.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A torii is a traditional Japanese gate most frequently found at the entrance of or within a [[Shinto]] shrine.

 

Nearly everyone in atheistic Japan is careful to have a new car blessed by a Shinto priest.<ref name="ReferenceA">''The Triumph of Faith: Why the World is More Religious Than Ever'' by Rodney Stark, Introduction section of the book</ref>]]

Nearly everyone in atheistic Japan is careful to have a new car blessed by a Shinto priest.<ref>''The Triumph of Faith: Why the World is More Religious Than Ever'' by Rodney Stark, Introduction section of the book</ref>]]

The current [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] mostly resides in East [[Asia]] (particularly China) and in secular Europe/Australia among whites.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey, ''Washington Post'', May 23, 2013</ref> See: [[Asian atheism]] and [[Secular Europe]] and [[Western atheism and race]]

The current [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] mostly resides in East [[Asia]] (particularly China) and in secular Europe/Australia among whites.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey, ''Washington Post'', May 23, 2013</ref> See: [[Asian atheism]] and [[Secular Europe]] and [[Western atheism and race]]

{{Cquote|...the most secular nations in the world are those of East Asia, in particular what are often termed “[[Confucius|Confucian]] societies.” It is likely therefore that the majority of the world’s atheists are actually East Asian...

{{Cquote|...the most secular nations in the world are those of East Asia, in particular what are often termed “[[Confucius|Confucian]] societies.” It is likely therefore that the majority of the world’s atheists are actually East Asian...

This is not to say that East Asia is necessarily a haven for a [[Critical rationalism|critical rationalist perspective]], what with the prominence of Chinese medicine, [[Geomancy|geomancy]], Korean [[shamanism]]...<ref>[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/most-atheists-are-not-white/ Most atheists are not white & other non-fairy tales] By Razib Khanm, Discover Magazine</ref>}}

This is not to say that East Asia is necessarily a haven for a [[Critical rationalism|critical rationalist perspective]], what with the prominence of Chinese medicine, [[geomancy]], Korean [[shamanism]]...<ref>[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/most-atheists-are-not-white/ Most atheists are not white & other non-fairy tales] By Razib Khanm, Discover Magazine</ref>}}

In 2015, Rodney Stark wrote in his book ''The Triumph of Faith: Why the World is More Religious Than Ever'' about [[secular Europe|secular European]] countries and [[Atheism|atheistic]] [[Japan]]:

In 2015, Rodney Stark wrote in his book ''The Triumph of Faith: Why the World is More Religious Than Ever'' about [[secular Europe]]an countries and [[Atheism|atheistic]] [[Japan]]:

{{cquote|35 percent of the French believe in astrology, 35 percent of the Swiss agree that 'some fortune tellers really can foretell the future'; and nearly everyone in Japan is careful to have a new car blessed by a [[Shinto]] priest.<ref>''The Triumph of Faith: Why the World is More Religious Than Ever'' by Rodney Stark, Introduction section of the book</ref>}}

{{cquote|35 percent of the French believe in astrology, 35 percent of the Swiss agree that 'some fortune tellers really can foretell the future'; and nearly everyone in Japan is careful to have a new car blessed by a [[Shinto]] priest.<ref name="ReferenceA">''The Triumph of Faith: Why the World is More Religious Than Ever'' by Rodney Stark, Introduction section of the book</ref>}}

== Western irreligion and superstition ==

== Western irreligion and superstition ==

== Existence of God: A philosophical question. Not a scientific question ==

== Existence of God: A philosophical question. Not a scientific question ==

[[File:AlvinPlantinga.JPG|thumbnail|200px|right|The majority of philosophers of religion, or those who have extensively studied the existence of God, are [[theism|theists]] (72 percent).<ref>[http://www.strangenotions.com/atheist-scientists/ Does it matter that many scientists are atheists?]</ref>

[[File:AlvinPlantinga.JPG|thumbnail|200px|right|The majority of philosophers of religion, or those who have extensively studied the existence of God, are [[theism|theists]] (72 percent).<ref name="strangenotions.com">[http://www.strangenotions.com/atheist-scientists/ Does it matter that many scientists are atheists?]</ref>

 

[[Alvin Plantinga]] is widely known for his work in philosophy of religion, [[epistemology]], [[metaphysics]] and [[Christian apologetics]].  ''Time'' magazine called him "America's leading orthodox Protestant philosopher of God". ]]

[[Alvin Plantinga]] is widely known for his work in philosophy of religion, [[epistemology]], [[metaphysics]] and [[Christian apologetics]].  ''Time'' magazine called him "America's leading orthodox Protestant philosopher of God". ]]

Strictly speaking, the existence of God is a [[Philosophy|philosophical]] question and not a [[science|scientific]] question since God is supernatural and thus outside of nature.   

Strictly speaking, the existence of God is a [[Philosophy|philosophical]] question and not a [[science|scientific]] question since God is supernatural and thus outside of nature.   

=== The majority of philosophers of religion are theists ===

=== The majority of philosophers of religion are theists ===

The majority of philosophers of religion, or those who have extensively studied the issue of the [[Arguments for the existence of God|existence of God]], are [[theism|theists]] (72 percent).<ref>[http://www.strangenotions.com/atheist-scientists/ Does it matter that many scientists are atheists?]</ref>

The majority of philosophers of religion, or those who have extensively studied the issue of the [[Arguments for the existence of God|existence of God]], are [[theism|theists]] (72 percent).<ref name="strangenotions.com"/>

== Atheism and questions of origins ==

== Atheism and questions of origins ==

=== Atheism and the origin of the universe ===

=== Atheism and the origin of the universe ===

See also: [[Atheism and the origin of the universe]]

{{See also|Atheism and the origin of the universe}}

[[Creationism|Creationist]] scientists state that the [[First Law of Thermodynamics|first law of thermodynamics]] and the [[Second Law of Thermodynamics|second law of thermodynamics]] argue against an eternal universe or a universe created by natural processes and argue for a universe created by [[God]].<ref>Multiple references:

[[Creationism|Creationist]] scientists state that the [[First Law of Thermodynamics|first law of thermodynamics]] and the [[Second Law of Thermodynamics|second law of thermodynamics]] argue against an eternal universe or a universe created by natural processes and argue for a universe created by [[God]].<ref>Multiple references:

In addition, the current naturalistic explanations for the [[origin of life]] are inadequate.<ref>[http://creation.com/origin-of-life Origin of life] by Dr. Don Batten</ref>

In addition, the current naturalistic explanations for the [[origin of life]] are inadequate.<ref>[http://creation.com/origin-of-life Origin of life] by Dr. Don Batten</ref>

== Atheism, scientism and the limitations of science ==  

== Atheism, scientism and the limitations of science ==

''See also:'' [[Scientism]]

''See also:'' [[Scientism]]

*[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2010/09/scientific-hypocrisy.html Scientific hypocrisy]</ref>

*[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2010/09/scientific-hypocrisy.html Scientific hypocrisy]</ref>

In addition, many atheists have an inordinate degree of confidence in the consensus opinions of scientists instead of possessing a healthy degree of skepticism. <ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-skepticism-in-science.html No skepticism in science]</ref>

In addition, many atheists have an inordinate degree of confidence in the consensus opinions of scientists instead of possessing a healthy degree of skepticism.<ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-skepticism-in-science.html No skepticism in science]</ref>

Scientism is the belief that the [[scientific method]] has no (or few) limits and can successfully be applied to almost all aspects of life, and provides an explanation for everything.  It is essentially a [[religion]] where its followers (Scientists) worship [[science]] its rituals, and its results.<ref>Ashgate Science and Religion Series</ref>  

Scientism is the belief that the [[scientific method]] has no (or few) limits and can successfully be applied to almost all aspects of life, and provides an explanation for everything.  It is essentially a [[religion]] where its followers (Scientists) worship [[science]] its rituals, and its results.<ref>Ashgate Science and Religion Series</ref>  

== Experimental evidence that the prayers of Bible believers are effective ==

== Experimental evidence that the prayers of Bible believers are effective ==

Furthermore, there is experimental evidence supporting the proposition that the God of the Bible does answer prayers.<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-apologist-10-reasons-for-the-fall-of-atheism-106531/ Christian Apologist: 10 Reasons for the Fall of Atheism] by [[Gary Habermas]]</ref> The Christian apologist [[Gary Habermas]] wrote: "Double-blind prayer experiments: where people pray for others with terminal illness. Habermas admitted that most such experiments have not worked, but the three that he knows of that have indeed worked were cases of orthodox-Christians praying for the sick."<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-apologist-10-reasons-for-the-fall-of-atheism-106531/ Christian Apologist: 10 Reasons for the Fall of Atheism] by [[Gary Habermas]]</ref>

Furthermore, there is experimental evidence supporting the proposition that the God of the Bible does answer prayers.<ref name="christianpost.com">[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-apologist-10-reasons-for-the-fall-of-atheism-106531/ Christian Apologist: 10 Reasons for the Fall of Atheism] by [[Gary Habermas]]</ref> The Christian apologist [[Gary Habermas]] wrote: "Double-blind prayer experiments: where people pray for others with terminal illness. Habermas admitted that most such experiments have not worked, but the three that he knows of that have indeed worked were cases of orthodox-Christians praying for the sick."<ref name="christianpost.com"/>

== Percentage of American scientists who believe in God ==

== Percentage of American scientists who believe in God ==

== Doctors believe in God more than social scientists. Medical science is often more reliable than social science ==

== Doctors believe in God more than social scientists. Medical science is often more reliable than social science ==

[[File:Donald John Trump.jpg|200px|right|thumbnail|Few, if any, political scientists predicted early on that [[Donald Trump]] would be the leading Republican candidate in the 2016 [[GOP]] primary.  

[[File:Donald John Trump.jpg|200px|right|thumbnail|Few, if any, political scientists predicted early on that [[Donald Trump]] would be the leading Republican candidate in the 2016 [[GOP]] primary.  

 

27 percent of American political scientists believe in the existence of God while 76 percent of American doctors said they believe in God.<ref>

27 percent of American political scientists believe in the existence of God while 76 percent of American doctors said they believe in God.<ref>

*[http://www.livescience.com/379-scientists-belief-god-varies-starkly-discipline.html Scientists belief in God varies starkly by discipline], Livescience.com

*[http://www.livescience.com/379-scientists-belief-god-varies-starkly-discipline.html Scientists belief in God varies starkly by discipline], Livescience.com

*[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/8318894/ns/health-health_care/t/survey-most-doctors-believe-god-afterlife/ Most doctors believe in God], NBC News</ref>   

*[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/8318894/ns/health-health_care/t/survey-most-doctors-believe-god-afterlife/ Most doctors believe in God], NBC News</ref>   

 

Compared to [[medical science]] which has many effective medicines and surgical procedures, the social science of political science is often unreliable.]]

Compared to [[medical science]] which has many effective medicines and surgical procedures, the social science of political science is often unreliable.]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and health]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and health]]

{{cquote|Late last semester, a student showed up during my office hours. She sat down across from me, looking worried. I assumed she wanted to discuss her upcoming paper, but she had something else in mind. “Professor,” she said. “How did Donald Trump happen?”

{{cquote|Late last semester, a student showed up during my office hours. She sat down across from me, looking worried. I assumed she wanted to discuss her upcoming paper, but she had something else in mind. “Professor,” she said. “How did Donald Trump happen?”

This is the question everyone seems to be asking these days. Trump’s rise has defied the predictions of pundits and pollsters, repeatedly embarrassing those who swore that he would flame out. I’m a political scientist, and I count myself among that number. In September, I offered my students a $500 bet that he wouldn’t become the Republican nominee — a wager I’m increasingly glad that none of them took me up on.<ref>http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/03/donald-trump-2016-political-science-213755 5 Political Myths Trump Is Exploding] by Emily Thorson, Politico</ref>}}

This is the question everyone seems to be asking these days. Trump’s rise has defied the predictions of pundits and pollsters, repeatedly embarrassing those who swore that he would flame out. I’m a political scientist, and I count myself among that number. In September, I offered my students a $500 bet that he wouldn’t become the Republican nominee — a wager I’m increasingly glad that none of them took me up on.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/03/donald-trump-2016-political-science-213755 5 Political Myths Trump Is Exploding] by Emily Thorson, Politico</ref>}}

== Atheism and the social sciences ==

== Atheism and the social sciences ==

=== The economist and sociologist Karl Marx. The political theorist Vladimir Lenin ===

=== The economist and sociologist Karl Marx. The political theorist Vladimir Lenin ===

According to the [[University of Cambridge]], historically, the "most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the [[Marxism-Leninism|Marxist-Leninists]] to power."<ref name="Marxism-Leninism">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20130728215151/http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|title="Investigating atheism: Marxism"|publisher = [[University of Cambridge]]|quote=The most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power. For the first time in history, atheism thus became the official ideology of a state.|year=2008|accessdate=July 17, 2014|}}</ref> See also: [[Atheism and communism]]

According to the [[University of Cambridge]], historically, the "most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the [[Marxism-Leninism|Marxist-Leninists]] to power."<ref name="Marxism-Leninism">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20130728215151/http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|title=Investigating atheism: Marxism|publisher = [[University of Cambridge]]|quote=The most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power. For the first time in history, atheism thus became the official ideology of a state.|year=2008|accessdate=July 17, 2014}}</ref> See also: [[Atheism and communism]]

The economist and sociologist [[Karl Marx]] said "[Religion] is the opium of the people".  Marx also stated: "[[Communism]] begins from the outset (Owen) with atheism; but atheism is at first far from being communism; indeed, that atheism is still mostly an abstraction.<ref>Mulligan, Martin (1959). [http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1844/manuscripts/comm.htm "Private property and communism"] translation of Marx, Karl (1932), ''Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844'' (Moscow:  Progress Publishers).</ref>

The economist and sociologist [[Karl Marx]] said "[Religion] is the opium of the people".  Marx also stated: "[[Communism]] begins from the outset (Owen) with atheism; but atheism is at first far from being communism; indeed, that atheism is still mostly an abstraction.<ref>Mulligan, Martin (1959). [http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1844/manuscripts/comm.htm "Private property and communism"] translation of Marx, Karl (1932), ''Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844'' (Moscow:  Progress Publishers).</ref>

Eventually, the communist [[Soviet Union]] collapsed due to: an inferior economic system, lack of personal liberties for its populace due to excessive central government control and an economy burdened by militarism.<ref>[http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/sovietcollapse.htm Thayer Watkins, San José State University, Department of Economics]</ref>  

Eventually, the communist [[Soviet Union]] collapsed due to: an inferior economic system, lack of personal liberties for its populace due to excessive central government control and an economy burdened by militarism.<ref>[http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/sovietcollapse.htm Thayer Watkins, San José State University, Department of Economics]</ref>  

In September of 2010 [[Fox News]] reported concerning communist Cuba:

In September 2010 [[Fox News]] reported concerning communist Cuba:

{{Cquote|Jeffrey Goldberg, a national correspondent for The Atlantic magazine, asked [[Fidel Castro|Castro]] if [[Cuba]]'s economic system was still worth exporting to other countries, and Castro replied: "The Cuban model doesn't even work for us anymore," Goldberg wrote Wednesday in a post on his Atlantic blog.

{{Cquote|Jeffrey Goldberg, a national correspondent for The Atlantic magazine, asked [[Fidel Castro|Castro]] if [[Cuba]]'s economic system was still worth exporting to other countries, and Castro replied: "The Cuban model doesn't even work for us anymore," Goldberg wrote Wednesday in a post on his Atlantic blog.

''See also:'' [[Atheism Quotes#Atheism quotes relating to science|Atheism quotes relating to science]] and [[Denials that atheists exist]] and [[Atheism Quotes|Atheism quotes]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism Quotes#Atheism quotes relating to science|Atheism quotes relating to science]] and [[Denials that atheists exist]] and [[Atheism Quotes|Atheism quotes]]

“Atheism is psychologically impossible because of the way humans think... They point to studies showing, for example, that even people who claim to be committed atheists tacitly hold religious beliefs, such as the existence of an immortal soul.” - Graham Lawton in the ''New Scientist'' science magazine <ref> Unruh, Bob (July 19, 2014). "[http://www.wnd.com/2014/07/science-writer-atheists-might-not-exist/ Scientists: atheists might not exist]". WorldNetDaily. Retrieved on February 21, 2015.</ref>

“Atheism is psychologically impossible because of the way humans think... They point to studies showing, for example, that even people who claim to be committed atheists tacitly hold religious beliefs, such as the existence of an immortal soul.” - Graham Lawton in the ''New Scientist'' science magazine <ref name="wnd.com">Unruh, Bob (July 19, 2014). "[http://www.wnd.com/2014/07/science-writer-atheists-might-not-exist/ Scientists: atheists might not exist]". WorldNetDaily. Retrieved on February 21, 2015.</ref>

“A slew of cognitive traits predisposes us to [[faith]].”  - Pascal Boyer, in the British science journal ''Nature''<ref> Unruh, Bob (July 19, 2014). "[http://www.wnd.com/2014/07/science-writer-atheists-might-not-exist/ Scientists: atheists might not exist]". WorldNetDaily. Retrieved on February 21, 2015.</ref>

“A slew of cognitive traits predisposes us to [[faith]].”  - Pascal Boyer, in the British science journal ''Nature''<ref name="wnd.com"/>

== External links ==

== External links ==