Changes

Atheists will bring up the misdeeds of the adherents of other worldviews, despite the fact that atheists have been the biggest mass murders in history (see: [[Atheism and mass murder]]).  

Atheists will bring up the misdeeds of the adherents of other worldviews, despite the fact that atheists have been the biggest mass murders in history (see: [[Atheism and mass murder]]).  

Furthermore, atheist apologists commonly attempt to deny/minimize the role of atheism/atheists when it comes to atheism and mass murder as if no true atheist could be involved in such behavior (See: [[Atheism and the no true Scotsman fallacy]]).<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmrRC6zD4Zk Atheists Dodge Their History of Atrocities]</ref><ref>[http://creation.com/atheism Atheism]</ref><ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2011/04/mailvox-no-true-atheist-defense.html Mailvox: the "No True Atheist" defense]</ref>  

Furthermore, atheist apologists commonly attempt to deny/minimize the role of atheism/atheists when it comes to atheism and mass murder as if no true atheist could be involved in such behavior (See: [[Atheism and the no true Scotsman fallacy]]).<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmrRC6zD4Zk Atheists Dodge Their History of Atrocities]</ref><ref>[https://creation.com/atheism Atheism]</ref><ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2011/04/mailvox-no-true-atheist-defense.html Mailvox: the "No True Atheist" defense]</ref>  

In addition, there is a large list of atheist moral failures which the atheist community has not addressed (see: [[Atheist population and immorality]]).   

In addition, there is a large list of atheist moral failures which the atheist community has not addressed (see: [[Atheist population and immorality]]).   

[[Jesus Christ]] and the [[Old Testament]] prophets taught that human nature is evil.  Jesus said, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the [[Holy Spirit]] to those who ask Him?" (Luke 11: 13).  The prophet [[Jeremiah]] said, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). In addition,  [[Jesus Christ]] and the Bible teach that men are in need of redemption and the power of God to reform. See: [http://www.openbible.info/topics/redemption Bible verses about redemption] and [http://www.openbible.info/topics/transformation Bible verses on transformation].

[[Jesus Christ]] and the [[Old Testament]] prophets taught that human nature is evil.  Jesus said, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the [[Holy Spirit]] to those who ask Him?" (Luke 11: 13).  The prophet [[Jeremiah]] said, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). In addition,  [[Jesus Christ]] and the Bible teach that men are in need of redemption and the power of God to reform. See: [http://www.openbible.info/topics/redemption Bible verses about redemption] and [http://www.openbible.info/topics/transformation Bible verses on transformation].

Human [[history]] with its many injustices and atrocities shows that the testimony of Jesus and the Old Testament prophets is true concerning the wickedness of mankind. In addition, when the Christian evangelist [[Ray Comfort]] asks atheists if they have ever lied, hated another person, stolen, lusted after the opposite sex and engaged in other immoralities, they invariably indicate they have done these things and still commit various acts of immorality.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iYHEgrdD-Y Ray Comfort Debates an Atheist]</ref> If  person [[repentance|repents]] of their sins, accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, God regenerates them and their enslavement to sin is broken (see: [http://creation.com/good-news Good news])<ref>[http://carm.org/questions/about-doctrine/if-we-accept-jesus-savior-can-we-then-sin-all-we-want If we accept Jesus as Savior, can we then sin all we want?] by [[CARM]]</ref>

Human [[history]] with its many injustices and atrocities shows that the testimony of Jesus and the Old Testament prophets is true concerning the wickedness of mankind. In addition, when the Christian evangelist [[Ray Comfort]] asks atheists if they have ever lied, hated another person, stolen, lusted after the opposite sex and engaged in other immoralities, they invariably indicate they have done these things and still commit various acts of immorality.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iYHEgrdD-Y Ray Comfort Debates an Atheist]</ref> If  person [[repentance|repents]] of their sins, accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, God regenerates them and their enslavement to sin is broken (see: [https://creation.com/good-news Good news])<ref>[http://carm.org/questions/about-doctrine/if-we-accept-jesus-savior-can-we-then-sin-all-we-want If we accept Jesus as Savior, can we then sin all we want?] by [[CARM]]</ref>

Furthermore, there are preliminary studies which indicate that ex-Christians tend to feel worse about themselves and not better (See: [[Atheism and self-esteem]]).<ref>http://atheistwatch.blogspot.com/2010/10/rejection-of-christianity-and-self.html</ref><ref>http://atheistwatch.blogspot.com/2010/10/atheists-and-self-esteem-part-2.html</ref>  There are also studies indicating that lower self-esteem is associated with suicidality.<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21190929</ref><ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20602903</ref>

Furthermore, there are preliminary studies which indicate that ex-Christians tend to feel worse about themselves and not better (See: [[Atheism and self-esteem]]).<ref>http://atheistwatch.blogspot.com/2010/10/rejection-of-christianity-and-self.html</ref><ref>http://atheistwatch.blogspot.com/2010/10/atheists-and-self-esteem-part-2.html</ref>  There are also studies indicating that lower self-esteem is associated with suicidality.<ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21190929</ref><ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20602903</ref>

Atheists have [[Atheism and suicide|higher rates of suicide]] than the general population.<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20602903</ref><ref>http://www.adherents.com/misc/religion_suicide.html</ref><ref>http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/161/12/2303</ref> At the same time, there is a significant portion of the atheist population who suffer from excess self-esteem/[[pride]] issues (see: [[Atheism and arrogance]] and [[Causes of atheism]]).

Atheists have [[Atheism and suicide|higher rates of suicide]] than the general population.<ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20602903</ref><ref>http://www.adherents.com/misc/religion_suicide.html</ref><ref>http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/161/12/2303</ref> At the same time, there is a significant portion of the atheist population who suffer from excess self-esteem/[[pride]] issues (see: [[Atheism and arrogance]] and [[Causes of atheism]]).

=== Richard Carrier, adultery, divorce, polyamory and being good without God ===

=== Richard Carrier, adultery, divorce, polyamory and being good without God ===

<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/godlessindixie/2016/06/12/its-past-time-for-atheism-to-grow-up/ It’s Past Time for Atheism to Grow Up] by Neil Carter</ref>}}

<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/godlessindixie/2016/06/12/its-past-time-for-atheism-to-grow-up/ It’s Past Time for Atheism to Grow Up] by Neil Carter</ref>}}

[[Jesus Christ]] and [[Christianity|Christendom]] have emphasized the important of forgiveness and in the last few decades mental health specialists have increasingly seen the importance of forgiveness to alleviate bitterness and other emotional problems within individuals.<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2755173/ Indian J Psychiatry. 2009 Apr-Jun; 51(2): 153–156. doi:  10.4103/0019-5545.49459, PMCID: PMC2755173, ''Forgiveness: A note for psychiatrists'' by Prakash Gangdev]</ref>

[[Jesus Christ]] and [[Christianity|Christendom]] have emphasized the important of forgiveness and in the last few decades mental health specialists have increasingly seen the importance of forgiveness to alleviate bitterness and other emotional problems within individuals.<ref>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2755173/ Indian J Psychiatry. 2009 Apr-Jun; 51(2): 153–156. doi:  10.4103/0019-5545.49459, PMCID: PMC2755173, ''Forgiveness: A note for psychiatrists'' by Prakash Gangdev]</ref>

==== James S. Spiegal and unforgiveness as a cause of atheism ====

==== James S. Spiegal and unforgiveness as a cause of atheism ====

The abstract for the 2007 article in the journal ''Violence Against Women'' entitled ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence'' indicated:

The abstract for the 2007 article in the journal ''Violence Against Women'' entitled ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence'' indicated:

{{cquote|The authors explored the relationship between religious involvement and intimate partner violence by analyzing data from the first wave of the National Survey of Families and Households. They found that: (a) religious involvement is correlated with reduced levels of domestic violence; (b) levels of domestic violence vary by race/ethnicity; (c) the effects of religious involvement on domestic violence vary by race/ethnicity; and (d) religious involvement, specifically church attendance, protects against domestic violence, and this protective effect is stronger for African American men and women and for Hispanic men, groups that, for a variety of reasons, experience elevated risk for this type of violence.<ref>doi: 10.1177/1077801207308259 [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17951587 ''Violence Against Women'', ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence''],  November 2007 vol. 13 no. 11 1094-1112</ref>}}   

{{cquote|The authors explored the relationship between religious involvement and intimate partner violence by analyzing data from the first wave of the National Survey of Families and Households. They found that: (a) religious involvement is correlated with reduced levels of domestic violence; (b) levels of domestic violence vary by race/ethnicity; (c) the effects of religious involvement on domestic violence vary by race/ethnicity; and (d) religious involvement, specifically church attendance, protects against domestic violence, and this protective effect is stronger for African American men and women and for Hispanic men, groups that, for a variety of reasons, experience elevated risk for this type of violence.<ref>doi: 10.1177/1077801207308259 [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17951587 ''Violence Against Women'', ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence''],  November 2007 vol. 13 no. 11 1094-1112</ref>}}   

A higher rate of domestic violence exists among cohabiting couples as compared with married couples<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16579211 Demography. 2006 Feb;43(1):127-40. Why are cohabiting relationships more violent than marriages?. Kenney CT1, McLanahan SS.]</ref> Atheists have lower marriage rates than [[theism|theists]] (see: [[Atheism and marriage]]).  

A higher rate of domestic violence exists among cohabiting couples as compared with married couples<ref>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16579211 Demography. 2006 Feb;43(1):127-40. Why are cohabiting relationships more violent than marriages?. Kenney CT1, McLanahan SS.]</ref> Atheists have lower marriage rates than [[theism|theists]] (see: [[Atheism and marriage]]).  

A September 9, 2012 article at ''Atlantic Wire'' wrote about the noted atheist [[John Lennon]]:

A September 9, 2012 article at ''Atlantic Wire'' wrote about the noted atheist [[John Lennon]]:

=== Most prominent atheists are men ===

=== Most prominent atheists are men ===

[[File:Richard Dawkins aaconf.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|[[Richard Dawkins]] ]]

[[File:Richard Dawkins aaconf.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|[[Richard Dawkins]] ]]

The leadership of the [[New Atheism]] movement consists solely of white males. Furthermore, atheist leadership in the West is predominately made up of men who have poor leadership skills (See: [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and leadership]]).<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2013/07/29/five_reasons_there_arent_more_women_in_atheism/ 5 reasons there aren't more women in atheism - Salon]</ref>   

The leadership of the [[New Atheism]] movement consists solely of white males. Furthermore, atheist leadership in the West is predominately made up of men who have poor leadership skills (See: [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and leadership]]).<ref>[https://www.salon.com/2013/07/29/five_reasons_there_arent_more_women_in_atheism/ 5 reasons there aren't more women in atheism - Salon]</ref>   

In 2011, Beliefnetnews reported concerning the race and gender of American atheists:

In 2011, Beliefnetnews reported concerning the race and gender of American atheists:

{{See also|Mass rape during the occupation of Germany|l1=Mass rape of German women by the Soviet army}}

{{See also|Mass rape during the occupation of Germany|l1=Mass rape of German women by the Soviet army}}

The [[Soviet Union]] practiced [[state atheism]] and [[militant atheism]].  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]] and [[Soviet atheism]]  

The [[Soviet Union]] practiced [[state atheism]] and [[militant atheism]].  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=https://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]] and [[Soviet atheism]]  

The journalist Peter Hitchens is the [[ex-atheists|ex-atheist]] brother of atheist [[Christopher Hitchens]] and he covered the Soviet Union during its latter years before it collapsed.  According to Peter Hitchens, an atheistic society degraded the morals of the Russian people during the Soviet period (see: [[Soviet Union and morality]]).<ref>[http://creation.com/britain-needs-god ''Britain needs God'']</ref>  

The journalist Peter Hitchens is the [[ex-atheists|ex-atheist]] brother of atheist [[Christopher Hitchens]] and he covered the Soviet Union during its latter years before it collapsed.  According to Peter Hitchens, an atheistic society degraded the morals of the Russian people during the Soviet period (see: [[Soviet Union and morality]]).<ref>[https://creation.com/britain-needs-god ''Britain needs God'']</ref>  

Estimates of the number of German women sexually assaulted by Soviet soldiers have ranged up to 2 million.<ref name="ElizabethHeineman">{{cite journal |first=Elizabeth |last=Heineman |title=The Hour of the Woman: Memories of Germany's "Crisis Years" and West German National Identity |journal=American Historical Review |volume=101 |issue=2 |year=1996 |pages=354–395 |jstor=2170395 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Kuwert |first=P. |last2=Freyberger |first2=H. |year=2007 |title=The unspoken secret: Sexual violence in World War II |journal=International Psychogeriatrics |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=782–784 |doi=10.1017/S1041610207005376 }}</ref><ref name="BBC">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/berlin_01.shtml|title=BBC - History - World Wars: The Battle for Berlin in World War Two|publisher=Bbc.co.uk|accessdate=10 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Schissler">Hanna Schissler ''The Miracle Years: A Cultural History of West Germany, 1949–1968'' [https://books.google.com/books?id=00fCzJKt1QMC&pg=PA28&lpg=PA28&dq=soviet+estimates+rape+tens+of+thousands&source=web&ots=xzyKzJm1sj&sig=cy2AfPmp7ZvT7K9YSWPRkXoyp6E]</ref><ref name="NPR">{{cite web|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106687768|title=Silence Broken On Red Army Rapes In Germany|date=17 July 2009|work=NPR.org|accessdate=10 December 2014}}</ref> The historian William Hitchcock declared that in many cases women were the victims of repeated rapes, some women experienced as many as 60 to 70 rapes.<ref name="Struggle for Europe">{{cite book |first=William I. |last=Hitchcock |title=The Struggle for Europe: The Turbulent History of a Divided Continent, 1945 to the Present |publisher=Anchor Books |year=2004 |url=http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385497992&view=excerpt |isbn=978-0-385-49799-2}}</ref>

Estimates of the number of German women sexually assaulted by Soviet soldiers have ranged up to 2 million.<ref name="ElizabethHeineman">{{cite journal |first=Elizabeth |last=Heineman |title=The Hour of the Woman: Memories of Germany's "Crisis Years" and West German National Identity |journal=American Historical Review |volume=101 |issue=2 |year=1996 |pages=354–395 |jstor=2170395 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Kuwert |first=P. |last2=Freyberger |first2=H. |year=2007 |title=The unspoken secret: Sexual violence in World War II |journal=International Psychogeriatrics |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=782–784 |doi=10.1017/S1041610207005376 }}</ref><ref name="BBC">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/berlin_01.shtml|title=BBC - History - World Wars: The Battle for Berlin in World War Two|publisher=Bbc.co.uk|accessdate=10 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Schissler">Hanna Schissler ''The Miracle Years: A Cultural History of West Germany, 1949–1968'' [https://books.google.com/books?id=00fCzJKt1QMC&pg=PA28&lpg=PA28&dq=soviet+estimates+rape+tens+of+thousands&source=web&ots=xzyKzJm1sj&sig=cy2AfPmp7ZvT7K9YSWPRkXoyp6E]</ref><ref name="NPR">{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106687768|title=Silence Broken On Red Army Rapes In Germany|date=17 July 2009|work=NPR.org|accessdate=10 December 2014}}</ref> The historian William Hitchcock declared that in many cases women were the victims of repeated rapes, some women experienced as many as 60 to 70 rapes.<ref name="Struggle for Europe">{{cite book |first=William I. |last=Hitchcock |title=The Struggle for Europe: The Turbulent History of a Divided Continent, 1945 to the Present |publisher=Anchor Books |year=2004 |url=http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385497992&view=excerpt |isbn=978-0-385-49799-2}}</ref>

For more information, please see:

For more information, please see:

<small>(photo obtained from [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rebecca_watson_geek.jpg Wikimedia commons], see: [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en license agreement])</small>]]

<small>(photo obtained from [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rebecca_watson_geek.jpg Wikimedia commons], see: [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en license agreement])</small>]]

[[Elevatorgate]] is a term commonly used to describe a scandal involving atheist [[Richard Dawkins]]' inappropriate comments made to fellow atheist [[Rebecca Watson]]. In July 2011, Richard Dawkins was widely criticized within the atheist community and in various press outlets for his insensitive comments made to atheist Rebecca Watson about an incident which occurred in an elevator (see: [[Richard Dawkins' Elevatorgate comments]]).<ref>

[[Elevatorgate]] is a term commonly used to describe a scandal involving atheist [[Richard Dawkins]]' inappropriate comments made to fellow atheist [[Rebecca Watson]]. In July 2011, Richard Dawkins was widely criticized within the atheist community and in various press outlets for his insensitive comments made to atheist Rebecca Watson about an incident which occurred in an elevator (see: [[Richard Dawkins' Elevatorgate comments]]).<ref>

*[http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]

*[https://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]

*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]

*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]

*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]

*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]

In addition,  since WWII atheists/agnostics have been the most vocal proponents of Darwinism.<ref>

In addition,  since WWII atheists/agnostics have been the most vocal proponents of Darwinism.<ref>

* Dr. Don Batten, [http://creation.com/a-whos-who-of-evolutionists A ''Who’s Who'' of evolutionists] ''Creation'' 20(1):32, December 1997.

* Dr. Don Batten, [https://creation.com/a-whos-who-of-evolutionists A ''Who’s Who'' of evolutionists] ''Creation'' 20(1):32, December 1997.

* [[Jonathan Sarfati]], Ph.D.,F.M., [http://www.creation.com/content/view/3830 ''Refuting Evolution'', Chapter 1, Facts and Bias]

* [[Jonathan Sarfati]], Ph.D.,F.M., [http://www.creation.com/content/view/3830 ''Refuting Evolution'', Chapter 1, Facts and Bias]

</ref>  [[Evolutionary racism]] may partly explain the lack of atheists in minority populations in the West (see: [[Western atheism and race]]).

</ref>  [[Evolutionary racism]] may partly explain the lack of atheists in minority populations in the West (see: [[Western atheism and race]]).

In addition, the historical record shows that atheists have often been uncaring and atheists have engaged in barbarous/uncivilized behavior (see: [[Atheism and Mass Murder|Atheism and mass murder]] and [[Mass rape during the occupation of Germany|Mass rape of German women by the Soviet army]] and [[Atheism and cannibalism]] and [[Atheism and bestiality]]).  

In addition, the historical record shows that atheists have often been uncaring and atheists have engaged in barbarous/uncivilized behavior (see: [[Atheism and Mass Murder|Atheism and mass murder]] and [[Mass rape during the occupation of Germany|Mass rape of German women by the Soviet army]] and [[Atheism and cannibalism]] and [[Atheism and bestiality]]).  

Also, atheists rarely focuses on the issue of [[social Darwinism]] in their communities past and often takes offense when biblical [[creationism|creationists]] bring this matter up.<ref>[http://creation.com/herbert-spencer Herbert Spencer and social Darwinism]</ref><ref>[http://creation.com/darwinism-and-world-war-one Darwinism and World War I]</ref>

Also, atheists rarely focuses on the issue of [[social Darwinism]] in their communities past and often takes offense when biblical [[creationism|creationists]] bring this matter up.<ref>[https://creation.com/herbert-spencer Herbert Spencer and social Darwinism]</ref><ref>[https://creation.com/darwinism-and-world-war-one Darwinism and World War I]</ref>

==== Atheist nonprofit scandals ====

==== Atheist nonprofit scandals ====

''See:'' [[Atheism and death]] and [[Atheism and cowardice]]

''See:'' [[Atheism and death]] and [[Atheism and cowardice]]

[[File:Gravestone.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|According to a study performed in the United States by researchers Wink and Scott, very religious people fear death the least.<ref>[http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/050628_deathfearfrm.htm Fear of death: worst if you’re a little religious?], World of Science]

[[File:Gravestone.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|According to a study performed in the United States by researchers Wink and Scott, very religious people fear death the least.<ref>[http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/050628_deathfearfrm.htm Fear of death: worst if you’re a little religious?], World of Science]

*J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2005, Jul;60(4):P207-14. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15980288 Does religiousness buffer against the fear of death and dying in late adulthood? Findings from a longitudinal study]. Wink P1, Scott J.</ref>]]

*J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2005, Jul;60(4):P207-14. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15980288 Does religiousness buffer against the fear of death and dying in late adulthood? Findings from a longitudinal study]. Wink P1, Scott J.</ref>]]

Although a majority of atheists do not believe in life after death due to holding to the worldview of [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalism]], a significant number of atheists believe in life after death (see: [[Atheism and death]] and [[Atheist worldview#Atheism and views of death|Atheism and views of death]]).

Although a majority of atheists do not believe in life after death due to holding to the worldview of [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalism]], a significant number of atheists believe in life after death (see: [[Atheism and death]] and [[Atheist worldview#Atheism and views of death|Atheism and views of death]]).

== Atheism and mockery ==

== Atheism and mockery ==

[[File:Penn Jillette.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|A [[National Public Radio]] reviewer of one of atheist [[Penn Jillette]]'s books found the book "showy and assaultive" in terms of its use of [[profanity]].<ref>[http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/08/16/139669958/penn-jillettes-god-no-an-atheist-libertarian-on-tricks-bacon-and-the-tsa National Public Radio [NPR) review of the book ''God, No! Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales'' by Penn Jillette]</ref> See: [[Atheism and profanity]] ]

[[File:Penn Jillette.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|A [[National Public Radio]] reviewer of one of atheist [[Penn Jillette]]'s books found the book "showy and assaultive" in terms of its use of [[profanity]].<ref>[https://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/08/16/139669958/penn-jillettes-god-no-an-atheist-libertarian-on-tricks-bacon-and-the-tsa National Public Radio [NPR) review of the book ''God, No! Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales'' by Penn Jillette]</ref> See: [[Atheism and profanity]] ]

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

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

After refusing to debate the Christian apologist [[Sye Ten Bruggencate]], Penn Jillette said,  “I’m not trained in debate. It’s turning conversation into competition."<ref>[http://debunkingatheists.blogspot.com/2011/09/penn-jillettes-greatest-disappearing.html Penn Jillete's greatest disappearing act yet!]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and cowardice]]  

After refusing to debate the Christian apologist [[Sye Ten Bruggencate]], Penn Jillette said,  “I’m not trained in debate. It’s turning conversation into competition."<ref>[http://debunkingatheists.blogspot.com/2011/09/penn-jillettes-greatest-disappearing.html Penn Jillete's greatest disappearing act yet!]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and cowardice]]  

A [[National Public Radio]] reviewer of one of atheist [[Penn Jillette]]'s books found the book "showy and assaultive" in terms of its use of [[profanity]].<ref>[http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/08/16/139669958/penn-jillettes-god-no-an-atheist-libertarian-on-tricks-bacon-and-the-tsa National Public Radio [NPR) review of the book ''God, No! Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales'' by Penn Jillette]</ref> See: [[Atheism and profanity]]

A [[National Public Radio]] reviewer of one of atheist [[Penn Jillette]]'s books found the book "showy and assaultive" in terms of its use of [[profanity]].<ref>[https://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/08/16/139669958/penn-jillettes-god-no-an-atheist-libertarian-on-tricks-bacon-and-the-tsa National Public Radio [NPR) review of the book ''God, No! Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales'' by Penn Jillette]</ref> See: [[Atheism and profanity]]

== Freethinker moniker ==

== Freethinker moniker ==

[[Freethought|Freethinker]] moniker - Atheists go by the self-gratulatory moniker of freethinker.  Yet, [[militant atheism|militant atheists]] commonly have stifled the free speech [[theism|theists]] whenever they have had the power to do so - especially the free speech of [[Christianity|Christians]] (See:  [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheism and communism]] and [[Suppression of alternatives to evolution]] and [[Atheist bullying]]).   

[[Freethought|Freethinker]] moniker - Atheists go by the self-gratulatory moniker of freethinker.  Yet, [[militant atheism|militant atheists]] commonly have stifled the free speech [[theism|theists]] whenever they have had the power to do so - especially the free speech of [[Christianity|Christians]] (See:  [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheism and communism]] and [[Suppression of alternatives to evolution]] and [[Atheist bullying]]).   

[[Dinesh D'Souza]] has pointed out that atheists have focused considerable efforts on the public schools in order to indoctrinate young people into atheistic beliefs.<ref>[http://townhall.com/columnists/dineshdsouza/2007/10/22/the_atheist_indoctrination_project/page/full The atheist indoctrination project]</ref> In addition, [[Judaism|Jewish]] columnist [[Dennis Prager]] has stated that a [[Causes of atheism|causal factor of atheism]] is the "secular indoctrination of a generation."<ref>http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?pageId=43734</ref> Prager stated that "From elementary school through graduate school, only one way of looking at the world – the secular – is presented. The typical individual in the [[Western World|Western world]] receives as secular an indoctrination as the typical European received a religious one in the [[Middle Ages]]."  <ref>http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?pageId=4373</ref>  Also, in [[communism|communist]] countries (such as the former [[Soviet Union]]) atheistic indoctrination occurred in the educational system through such venues as schools, atheist museums, and clubs.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=BGJtDwJ7aPwC&pg=PA325&lpg=PA325&dq=atheistic+upbringing+and+atheism&source=bl&ots=eQlq1dZfMj&sig=Xm__18YZpV5L0O8VVzgAc9YiSCc&hl=en&ei=yOy1S76CGcWAlAedg5FR&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBIQ6AEwBDgK#v=onepage&q=atheistic%20upbringing%20and%20atheism&f=false Marxist-Leninist 'Scientific Atheism' and the Study of Religion and Atheism By James Thrower, page 325]</ref><ref>[http://www.lituanus.org/1963/63_1_01.htm Communism's Struggle with Religion in Lithuania]</ref>  Atheistic communist countries are known to be among the most repressive countries in the world.

[[Dinesh D'Souza]] has pointed out that atheists have focused considerable efforts on the public schools in order to indoctrinate young people into atheistic beliefs.<ref>[https://townhall.com/columnists/dineshdsouza/2007/10/22/the_atheist_indoctrination_project/page/full The atheist indoctrination project]</ref> In addition, [[Judaism|Jewish]] columnist [[Dennis Prager]] has stated that a [[Causes of atheism|causal factor of atheism]] is the "secular indoctrination of a generation."<ref>http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?pageId=43734</ref> Prager stated that "From elementary school through graduate school, only one way of looking at the world – the secular – is presented. The typical individual in the [[Western World|Western world]] receives as secular an indoctrination as the typical European received a religious one in the [[Middle Ages]]."  <ref>http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?pageId=4373</ref>  Also, in [[communism|communist]] countries (such as the former [[Soviet Union]]) atheistic indoctrination occurred in the educational system through such venues as schools, atheist museums, and clubs.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=BGJtDwJ7aPwC&pg=PA325&lpg=PA325&dq=atheistic+upbringing+and+atheism&source=bl&ots=eQlq1dZfMj&sig=Xm__18YZpV5L0O8VVzgAc9YiSCc&hl=en&ei=yOy1S76CGcWAlAedg5FR&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBIQ6AEwBDgK#v=onepage&q=atheistic%20upbringing%20and%20atheism&f=false Marxist-Leninist 'Scientific Atheism' and the Study of Religion and Atheism By James Thrower, page 325]</ref><ref>[http://www.lituanus.org/1963/63_1_01.htm Communism's Struggle with Religion in Lithuania]</ref>  Atheistic communist countries are known to be among the most repressive countries in the world.

In addition, atheist Darwinists actively censor more accurate explanations of origins (see: [[Suppression of alternatives to evolution]]) in order to keep their false [[pseudoscience]] from being more actively rebutted in the public square.

In addition, atheist Darwinists actively censor more accurate explanations of origins (see: [[Suppression of alternatives to evolution]]) in order to keep their false [[pseudoscience]] from being more actively rebutted in the public square.

== Atheism, medicine and health ==

== Atheism, medicine and health ==

Atheist often champion mainstream medicine and disparage [[osteopathy]], [[integrative medicine]], [[chiropractic]] healthcare and other [[alternative medicine]] approaches.<ref>[http://atheism.about.com/b/2006/08/08/medicine-vs-quackery.htm Medicine vs. quackery by Atheist Austin Cline]</ref><ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/amilliongods/tag/quacks/ Freethoughtblogs.com - A million gods - tags: medicine, quackery]</ref>  In addition, atheists are often guilty of practicing the ideology/religion of [[scientism]].<ref>[http://creation.com/the-religion-of-scientism-m-shallis Quotable quote: The religion of scientism]</ref><ref>[https://creation.com/images/pdfs/tj/j22_3/j22_3_35-37.pdf God of evolution]</ref><ref>[http://creation.com/answering-the-new-atheists Answering the new atheists]</ref>

Atheist often champion mainstream medicine and disparage [[osteopathy]], [[integrative medicine]], [[chiropractic]] healthcare and other [[alternative medicine]] approaches.<ref>[http://atheism.about.com/b/2006/08/08/medicine-vs-quackery.htm Medicine vs. quackery by Atheist Austin Cline]</ref><ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/amilliongods/tag/quacks/ Freethoughtblogs.com - A million gods - tags: medicine, quackery]</ref>  In addition, atheists are often guilty of practicing the ideology/religion of [[scientism]].<ref>[https://creation.com/the-religion-of-scientism-m-shallis Quotable quote: The religion of scientism]</ref><ref>[https://creation.com/images/pdfs/tj/j22_3/j22_3_35-37.pdf God of evolution]</ref><ref>[https://creation.com/answering-the-new-atheists Answering the new atheists]</ref>

=== Atheism and obesity ===

=== Atheism and obesity ===

[[PZ Myers]] is also a leader within the New Atheism movement and Myers has had problems with being overweight and experienced health problems as a result.<ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2010/08/23/thats-not-a-heart-its-a-flaili/ That’s not a heart! It’s a flailing Engine of Destruction!]</ref>  2009 pictures of a significantly overweight [[PZ Myers]] can be found [http://gaylejordan.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/dsc02944.jpg HERE] and [https://www.flickr.com/photos/biofortified/4681215568/in/photolist-88Esif-73z2v4-5VC3RT-5VGB9h-5VC96t-5VGjGG-5VCad4-5VG8Cf-5VFSHf-5VBTTt-5VCkja-5VCcrz-5VGhYC-5VBRW6-5VGbwj-5VChY4-5VC6cF-5VBP3F-5VGzNS-5VG7Xo-5VC7Dv-5VC1KP-5VG9g3-6QF6YC-6NEVMU-5VCRQz-6NEXn5-6NEXcY-6NEX5A-5VCWRH-5VHfGo-5VD4uR-5VH4yU-5VDdTM-5VCFQV-5VDbCP-5VCAQa-5VCnb2-5VCJ9n-5VHwkm-5VGSeu-5VCrQe-5VH2mJ-5VCZRr-5VHFSL-5VHrsA-5VGZyS-5VCQw4-5VGKXW-5VHoaN HERE] and [https://flic.kr/p/8ZpQv6 HERE].  

[[PZ Myers]] is also a leader within the New Atheism movement and Myers has had problems with being overweight and experienced health problems as a result.<ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2010/08/23/thats-not-a-heart-its-a-flaili/ That’s not a heart! It’s a flailing Engine of Destruction!]</ref>  2009 pictures of a significantly overweight [[PZ Myers]] can be found [http://gaylejordan.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/dsc02944.jpg HERE] and [https://www.flickr.com/photos/biofortified/4681215568/in/photolist-88Esif-73z2v4-5VC3RT-5VGB9h-5VC96t-5VGjGG-5VCad4-5VG8Cf-5VFSHf-5VBTTt-5VCkja-5VCcrz-5VGhYC-5VBRW6-5VGbwj-5VChY4-5VC6cF-5VBP3F-5VGzNS-5VG7Xo-5VC7Dv-5VC1KP-5VG9g3-6QF6YC-6NEVMU-5VCRQz-6NEXn5-6NEXcY-6NEX5A-5VCWRH-5VHfGo-5VD4uR-5VH4yU-5VDdTM-5VCFQV-5VDbCP-5VCAQa-5VCnb2-5VCJ9n-5VHwkm-5VGSeu-5VCrQe-5VH2mJ-5VCZRr-5VHFSL-5VHrsA-5VGZyS-5VCQw4-5VGKXW-5VHoaN HERE] and [https://flic.kr/p/8ZpQv6 HERE].  

According to the [[Gallup poll|Gallup Inc.]], "Very religious Americans are more likely to practice healthy behaviors than those who are moderately religious or nonreligious."<ref>https://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspx</ref>  In the journal article ''Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: Associations, explanations, and implications'', psychologists McCullough and Willoughby theorize that many of the positive links of religiousness with health and social behavior may be caused by religion's beneficial influences on [[self-control]]/self-regulation.<ref>[http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref><ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210054</ref>  In terms of their geographic location, a large majority of Christians live in the Eastern World where individuals tend to be slimmer and practice healthier lifestyles (see: [[Global Christianity]]).<ref>

According to the [[Gallup poll|Gallup Inc.]], "Very religious Americans are more likely to practice healthy behaviors than those who are moderately religious or nonreligious."<ref>https://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspx</ref>  In the journal article ''Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: Associations, explanations, and implications'', psychologists McCullough and Willoughby theorize that many of the positive links of religiousness with health and social behavior may be caused by religion's beneficial influences on [[self-control]]/self-regulation.<ref>[http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref><ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210054</ref>  In terms of their geographic location, a large majority of Christians live in the Eastern World where individuals tend to be slimmer and practice healthier lifestyles (see: [[Global Christianity]]).<ref>

*[https://www.wnd.com/?pageId=30077 Is Christianity taking over the planet?]

*[https://www.wnd.com/?pageId=30077 Is Christianity taking over the planet?]

*[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21167850 Western diet consumption and cognitive impairment: links to hippocampal dysfunction and obesity.]

*[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21167850 Western diet consumption and cognitive impairment: links to hippocampal dysfunction and obesity.]

*[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16539965 Health-risks associated with Western diet and sedentariness: the obesity epidemia]

*[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16539965 Health-risks associated with Western diet and sedentariness: the obesity epidemia]

*[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21139122 Traditional non-Western diets]</ref>   

*[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21139122 Traditional non-Western diets]</ref>   

If the atheist community truly believed in [[evidence-based medicine]], a significant amount of prominent atheists would not be overweight. There is no historical evidence suggesting that [[Jesus]] or his disciples were overweight. See: [[Jesus Christ, the apostles and the Mediterranean diet/Mosaic diet]]

If the atheist community truly believed in [[evidence-based medicine]], a significant amount of prominent atheists would not be overweight. There is no historical evidence suggesting that [[Jesus]] or his disciples were overweight. See: [[Jesus Christ, the apostles and the Mediterranean diet/Mosaic diet]]

The traditional [[Africa]]n diet is healthier than many Western World invividuals' diets and Africa has some of the lowest obesity rates in the world.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_ls_0208worldfat.html World's fattest countries]</ref><ref>[http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/030612p26.shtml Traditional African diets are healthier than Western diets], Today's Nutrition</ref> In recent years, Christianity has seen a rapid growth in Africa.<ref>[http://gratefultothedead.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/the-african-apostles-how-christianity-exploded-in-20th-century-africa/ The African apostles: How Christianity exploded in 20th-century Africa]</ref> See: [[Global atheism]] and [[Atheist Population|Atheist population]] ]]

The traditional [[Africa]]n diet is healthier than many Western World invividuals' diets and Africa has some of the lowest obesity rates in the world.<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_ls_0208worldfat.html World's fattest countries]</ref><ref>[http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/030612p26.shtml Traditional African diets are healthier than Western diets], Today's Nutrition</ref> In recent years, Christianity has seen a rapid growth in Africa.<ref>[http://gratefultothedead.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/the-african-apostles-how-christianity-exploded-in-20th-century-africa/ The African apostles: How Christianity exploded in 20th-century Africa]</ref> See: [[Global atheism]] and [[Atheist Population|Atheist population]] ]]

The traditional [[Africa]]n diet is healthier than many Western World peoples' diets and Africa has some of the lowest obesity rates in the world.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_ls_0208worldfat.html World's fattest countries]</ref><ref>[http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/030612p26.shtml Traditional African diets are healthier than Western diets], Today's Nutrition</ref> In recent years, Christianity has seen a rapid growth in Africa.<ref>[http://gratefultothedead.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/the-african-apostles-how-christianity-exploded-in-20th-century-africa/ The African apostles: How Christianity exploded in 20th-century Africa]</ref>  [[Secular Europe]] has a higher obesity rate than Africa (See: [[Secular Europe and obesity]]).  In addition, religious Africa has a lower obesity rate than atheistic [[China]] (see: [[China and obesity]]).

The traditional [[Africa]]n diet is healthier than many Western World peoples' diets and Africa has some of the lowest obesity rates in the world.<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_ls_0208worldfat.html World's fattest countries]</ref><ref>[http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/030612p26.shtml Traditional African diets are healthier than Western diets], Today's Nutrition</ref> In recent years, Christianity has seen a rapid growth in Africa.<ref>[http://gratefultothedead.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/the-african-apostles-how-christianity-exploded-in-20th-century-africa/ The African apostles: How Christianity exploded in 20th-century Africa]</ref>  [[Secular Europe]] has a higher obesity rate than Africa (See: [[Secular Europe and obesity]]).  In addition, religious Africa has a lower obesity rate than atheistic [[China]] (see: [[China and obesity]]).

In the [[United States]], the greater the degree of irreligiosity in a generation, the higher their [[obesity]] rate is. See: [[Atheism and obesity]] and [[Generation X, irreligion and obesity]] and [[Millennials, irreligion and obesity]] and [[Baby boom generation, irreligion and obesity]]  According to the [[Gallup poll|Gallup Inc.]], "Very religious Americans are more likely to practice healthy behaviors than those who are moderately religious or nonreligious."<ref>https://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspx</ref>  

In the [[United States]], the greater the degree of irreligiosity in a generation, the higher their [[obesity]] rate is. See: [[Atheism and obesity]] and [[Generation X, irreligion and obesity]] and [[Millennials, irreligion and obesity]] and [[Baby boom generation, irreligion and obesity]]  According to the [[Gallup poll|Gallup Inc.]], "Very religious Americans are more likely to practice healthy behaviors than those who are moderately religious or nonreligious."<ref>https://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspx</ref>  

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

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

[[File:04656 market in Sanok.JPG|thumbnail|200px|left|[[Alcoholism]] was a serious social problem in the former atheistic [[Soviet Union]].<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18245818</ref> Between 1940 and 1980, this [[atheist state]] had the largest increase of the amount of alcohol usage in the developed world.<ref>[http://isw.sagepub.com/content/35/4/441.extract Alcoholism in the Soviet Union]</ref>]]

[[File:04656 market in Sanok.JPG|thumbnail|200px|left|[[Alcoholism]] was a serious social problem in the former atheistic [[Soviet Union]].<ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18245818</ref> Between 1940 and 1980, this [[atheist state]] had the largest increase of the amount of alcohol usage in the developed world.<ref>[http://isw.sagepub.com/content/35/4/441.extract Alcoholism in the Soviet Union]</ref>]]

As noted above, American atheists are more likely to see excessive drinking as morally acceptable behavior.<ref>http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/58-practical-outcomes-replace-biblical-principles-as-the-moral-standard</ref>  [[Alcoholism]] was a serious social problem in the former atheistic [[Soviet Union]].<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18245818</ref> Between 1940 and 1980, the Soviet Union had the largest increase of the amount of alcohol usage in the developed world.<ref>[http://isw.sagepub.com/content/35/4/441.extract Alcoholism in the Soviet Union]</ref>

As noted above, American atheists are more likely to see excessive drinking as morally acceptable behavior.<ref>http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/58-practical-outcomes-replace-biblical-principles-as-the-moral-standard</ref>  [[Alcoholism]] was a serious social problem in the former atheistic [[Soviet Union]].<ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18245818</ref> Between 1940 and 1980, the Soviet Union had the largest increase of the amount of alcohol usage in the developed world.<ref>[http://isw.sagepub.com/content/35/4/441.extract Alcoholism in the Soviet Union]</ref>

A 2012 study suggests that a habit of binge drink risks serious brain damage including increasing memory loss later in adulthood.<ref>http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/binge/a/aa000818a.htm</ref><ref>http://www.scripps.edu/newsandviews/e_20121022/koob.html</ref>  There are a number of other health problems associated with excess alcohol use as well (see: [[alcoholism]]).  

A 2012 study suggests that a habit of binge drink risks serious brain damage including increasing memory loss later in adulthood.<ref>http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/binge/a/aa000818a.htm</ref><ref>http://www.scripps.edu/newsandviews/e_20121022/koob.html</ref>  There are a number of other health problems associated with excess alcohol use as well (see: [[alcoholism]]).  

Atheist [[Sikivu Hutchinson]] wrote:

Atheist [[Sikivu Hutchinson]] wrote:

{{cquote|The recent merger of the secular organization Center for Inquiry (CFI) and the [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science|Richard Dawkins Foundation]] (RDF) has been dubbed atheism's supergroup moment. Acknowledging the two organizations' outsized presence in the atheist world, Religion News Service acidly declared it a "royal wedding". The partnership, which gives Richard Dawkins a seat on the CFI board, smacks of a vindication of Dawkins' toxic, reactionary brand of [http://www.salon.com/2013/08/10/richard_dawkins_does_it_again_new_atheisms_islamophobia_problem/ damn-all-them-culturally-backward-Western-values-hating- Muslims] New Atheism. As one of the most prominent global secular organizations, CFI's [http://www.centerforinquiry.net/about/corporate_governance all-white board] looks right at home with RDF's [https://richarddawkins.net/boardandstaff/ lily white board] and staff.

{{cquote|The recent merger of the secular organization Center for Inquiry (CFI) and the [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science|Richard Dawkins Foundation]] (RDF) has been dubbed atheism's supergroup moment. Acknowledging the two organizations' outsized presence in the atheist world, Religion News Service acidly declared it a "royal wedding". The partnership, which gives Richard Dawkins a seat on the CFI board, smacks of a vindication of Dawkins' toxic, reactionary brand of [https://www.salon.com/2013/08/10/richard_dawkins_does_it_again_new_atheisms_islamophobia_problem/ damn-all-them-culturally-backward-Western-values-hating- Muslims] New Atheism. As one of the most prominent global secular organizations, CFI's [http://www.centerforinquiry.net/about/corporate_governance all-white board] looks right at home with RDF's [https://richarddawkins.net/boardandstaff/ lily white board] and staff.

Meanwhile, atheists and humanists of color have been going against the white grain to address issues that [https://www.huffingtonpost.com/sikivu-hutchinson/atheismsowhite-atheists-o_b_9078736.html much] of organized atheism and humanism are [http://thedailybanter.com/2014/10/atheists-dont-owe-your-social-justice-agenda-a-damn-thing/ resistant if not outright hostile to].<ref>[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/sikivu-hutchinson/atheismsowhite-atheists-o_b_9078736.html #AtheismSoWhite: Atheists of Color Rock Social Justice] by Sikivu Hutchinson</ref>}}

Meanwhile, atheists and humanists of color have been going against the white grain to address issues that [https://www.huffingtonpost.com/sikivu-hutchinson/atheismsowhite-atheists-o_b_9078736.html much] of organized atheism and humanism are [http://thedailybanter.com/2014/10/atheists-dont-owe-your-social-justice-agenda-a-damn-thing/ resistant if not outright hostile to].<ref>[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/sikivu-hutchinson/atheismsowhite-atheists-o_b_9078736.html #AtheismSoWhite: Atheists of Color Rock Social Justice] by Sikivu Hutchinson</ref>}}

=== Darwinism is a religion ===

=== Darwinism is a religion ===

The Kitzmiller vs. Dover case which focused on the issue [[intelligent design]] being taught in public schools did not take into account arguments that evolution is religious in nature.<ref>http://creation.com/atheism-a-religion</ref><ref>http://www.intelligentdesignnetwork.org/Kitzmiller%27s_error_summary.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.intelligentdesignnetwork.org/Kitzmiller%27s_Error.pdf</ref>

The Kitzmiller vs. Dover case which focused on the issue [[intelligent design]] being taught in public schools did not take into account arguments that evolution is religious in nature.<ref>https://creation.com/atheism-a-religion</ref><ref>http://www.intelligentdesignnetwork.org/Kitzmiller%27s_error_summary.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.intelligentdesignnetwork.org/Kitzmiller%27s_Error.pdf</ref>

[[File:Question-Evolution-Campaign.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|The Question evolution! campaign by [[Creation Ministries International]] is a worldwide campaign which poses 15 questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer.<ref>http://creation.com/question-eviolution Question evolution! campaign] by [[Creation Ministries International]]</ref> The 15 questions posed to evolutionists can be found [http://creation.com/15-questions HERE] ]]

[[File:Question-Evolution-Campaign.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|The Question evolution! campaign by [[Creation Ministries International]] is a worldwide campaign which poses 15 questions that evolutionists cannot satisfactorily answer.<ref>https://creation.com/question-eviolution Question evolution! campaign] by [[Creation Ministries International]]</ref> The 15 questions posed to evolutionists can be found [https://creation.com/15-questions HERE] ]]

The atheist philosopher of science [[Michael Ruse]] said "Evolution is a religion. This was true of evolution in the beginning, and it is true of evolution still today."<ref>Ruse, M., How evolution became a religion: creationists correct? National Post, pp. B1,B3,B7 May 13, 2000.</ref> In the their [[Question evolution! campaign]], [[Creation Ministries International]] asserts that evolution is a religion.<ref>[http://creation.com/15-questions 15 questions for evolutionists]</ref>

The atheist philosopher of science [[Michael Ruse]] said "Evolution is a religion. This was true of evolution in the beginning, and it is true of evolution still today."<ref>Ruse, M., How evolution became a religion: creationists correct? National Post, pp. B1,B3,B7 May 13, 2000.</ref> In the their [[Question evolution! campaign]], [[Creation Ministries International]] asserts that evolution is a religion.<ref>[https://creation.com/15-questions 15 questions for evolutionists]</ref>

The Question evolution! campaign is upsetting to many atheists because although they advocate questioning other religions, when tenets of their evolutionary faith are questioned they become agitated and upset. A recent study reported at ''Live Science'' found that evolutionary belief is significantly reliant on "gut feelings".<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/02/evolutionary-gut-feelings-belief-in.html Evolutionary gut feelings, "Belief in Evolution Boils Down to a Gut Feeling"]</ref>

The Question evolution! campaign is upsetting to many atheists because although they advocate questioning other religions, when tenets of their evolutionary faith are questioned they become agitated and upset. A recent study reported at ''Live Science'' found that evolutionary belief is significantly reliant on "gut feelings".<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/02/evolutionary-gut-feelings-belief-in.html Evolutionary gut feelings, "Belief in Evolution Boils Down to a Gut Feeling"]</ref>

[[China]] has the world's largest atheist population.<ref>[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref><ref>[https://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], ''Washington Post'' By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey May 23, 2013</ref>

[[China]] has the world's largest atheist population.<ref>[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref><ref>[https://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], ''Washington Post'' By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey May 23, 2013</ref>

The inaugural Global Slavery Index is published by the Australia-based Walk Free Foundation,<ref>[http://www.nbcnews.com/news/other/30-million-people-still-live-slavery-human-rights-group-says-f8C11409499 30 million people still live in slavery, human rights group says], NBC News</ref>  

The inaugural Global Slavery Index is published by the Australia-based Walk Free Foundation,<ref>[https://www.nbcnews.com/news/other/30-million-people-still-live-slavery-human-rights-group-says-f8C11409499 30 million people still live in slavery, human rights group says], NBC News</ref>  

According to NBC News:

According to NBC News:

{{cquote|But taken in absolute terms, global powers such as China and Russia were near the top of the list of countries with the largest total of people living in slavery.  

{{cquote|But taken in absolute terms, global powers such as China and Russia were near the top of the list of countries with the largest total of people living in slavery.  

The index said the figure for China includes “the forced labour of men, women and children in many parts of the economy, including domestic servitude and forced begging, the sexual exploitation of women and children, and forced marriage.”<ref>[http://www.nbcnews.com/news/other/30-million-people-still-live-slavery-human-rights-group-says-f8C11409499 30 million people still live in slavery, human rights group says], NBC News</ref>}}

The index said the figure for China includes “the forced labour of men, women and children in many parts of the economy, including domestic servitude and forced begging, the sexual exploitation of women and children, and forced marriage.”<ref>[https://www.nbcnews.com/news/other/30-million-people-still-live-slavery-human-rights-group-says-f8C11409499 30 million people still live in slavery, human rights group says], NBC News</ref>}}

In addition, in atheistic [[communism|communist]] regimes forced labor has often played a significant role in their economies and this practice continues to this day. (Please see: [[Atheism and forced labor]])<ref>

In addition, in atheistic [[communism|communist]] regimes forced labor has often played a significant role in their economies and this practice continues to this day. (Please see: [[Atheism and forced labor]])<ref>

*[http://econfaculty.gmu.edu/bcaplan/museum/comfaq.htm Museum of Communism FAQ] by Bryan Caplan]

*[http://econfaculty.gmu.edu/bcaplan/museum/comfaq.htm Museum of Communism FAQ] by Bryan Caplan]

*[http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/06/13/north-korea-economic-system-built-forced-labor North Korea: Economic System Built on Forced Labor New Testimonies Say Even Children Must Work or Face Detention Camps], Human Rights Watch, June 13, 2012

*[https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/06/13/north-korea-economic-system-built-forced-labor North Korea: Economic System Built on Forced Labor New Testimonies Say Even Children Must Work or Face Detention Camps], Human Rights Watch, June 13, 2012

*[https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/nov/07/qatar-north-korean-forced-labour Qatar’s ambitious future driven on by North Korean ‘forced labour’], The Guardian, Pete Pattisson in Doha, Friday 7 November 2014 07.52 EST]</ref>

*[https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/nov/07/qatar-north-korean-forced-labour Qatar’s ambitious future driven on by North Korean ‘forced labour’], The Guardian, Pete Pattisson in Doha, Friday 7 November 2014 07.52 EST]</ref>

<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/1999/china.50/red.giant/prisons/wu.essay/ |title=Labor camps reinforce China's totalitarian rule |publisher=Cnn.com |date=1984-10-09 |accessdate=2013-03-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=China to reform re-education through labor system|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-01/07/c_132086402.htm|accessdate=January 8, 2013|publisher=Xinhua|date=January 8, 2013}}</ref>

<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/1999/china.50/red.giant/prisons/wu.essay/ |title=Labor camps reinforce China's totalitarian rule |publisher=Cnn.com |date=1984-10-09 |accessdate=2013-03-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=China to reform re-education through labor system|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-01/07/c_132086402.htm|accessdate=January 8, 2013|publisher=Xinhua|date=January 8, 2013}}</ref>

In June 2013, reports of Christians in forced labor camps due to religious discrimination were still being reported.<ref>[http://dontletthewellrundry.blogspot.com/2013/06/modern-gulags-china-forced-labor-camps.html Modern gulags - China's forced labor camps]</ref> Also, in 2013 the Korean-American pastor Kenneth Bae was sentenced to 15 years in an atheistic communist [[North Korea]]n labor prison camps due to religious persecution.<ref>[http://blog.heritage.org/2013/07/10/american-pastor-languishing-in-north-korea-labor-camp/ American Pastor Languishing in North Korea Labor Camp]</ref> North Korea is known for its systematic persecution of Christians.<ref>[http://blog.heritage.org/2013/07/10/american-pastor-languishing-in-north-korea-labor-camp/ American Pastor Languishing in North Korea Labor Camp]</ref>  

In June 2013, reports of Christians in forced labor camps due to religious discrimination were still being reported.<ref>[http://dontletthewellrundry.blogspot.com/2013/06/modern-gulags-china-forced-labor-camps.html Modern gulags - China's forced labor camps]</ref> Also, in 2013 the Korean-American pastor Kenneth Bae was sentenced to 15 years in an atheistic communist [[North Korea]]n labor prison camps due to religious persecution.<ref>[http://blog.heritage.org/2013/07/10/american-pastor-languishing-in-north-korea-labor-camp/ American Pastor Languishing in North Korea Labor Camp]</ref> North Korea is known for its systematic persecution of Christians.<ref>[http://blog.heritage.org/2013/07/10/american-pastor-languishing-in-north-korea-labor-camp/ American Pastor Languishing in North Korea Labor Camp]</ref>  

[[Thomas Sowell]] wrote in an essay entitled ''Ending slavery'': "The anti-slavery movement was spearheaded by people who would today be called 'the religious right' and its organization was created by conservative businessmen."<ref>[http://townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/2005/02/08/ending_slavery/page/full/ Ending slavery]</ref>

[[Thomas Sowell]] wrote in an essay entitled ''Ending slavery'': "The anti-slavery movement was spearheaded by people who would today be called 'the religious right' and its organization was created by conservative businessmen."<ref>[https://townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/2005/02/08/ending_slavery/page/full/ Ending slavery]</ref>

[[File:Slave auction.jpg|250px|right|thumbnail|On February 20, 2012, the British newspaper the ''Daily Mail'' reported that [[Richard Dawkins]]' "family fortune came from the slave trade".<ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2103319/Campaigner-Richard-Dawkins-faces-awkward-truth-money-came-slave-trade.html Revealed: How atheist Richard Dawkins' family fortune came from the slave trade, Daily Mail, February 20, 2012]</ref>]]  

[[File:Slave auction.jpg|250px|right|thumbnail|On February 20, 2012, the British newspaper the ''Daily Mail'' reported that [[Richard Dawkins]]' "family fortune came from the slave trade".<ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2103319/Campaigner-Richard-Dawkins-faces-awkward-truth-money-came-slave-trade.html Revealed: How atheist Richard Dawkins' family fortune came from the slave trade, Daily Mail, February 20, 2012]</ref>]]  

Don Batten of [[Creation Ministries International]] wrote:

Don Batten of [[Creation Ministries International]] wrote:

{{cquote|Recently, I have had a lot of conversations with atheists. Many express a strong hatred of God. I have been at a loss to explain this. How can you hate someone you don’t believe in? Why the hostility? If God does not exist, shouldn’t atheists just relax and seek a good time before they become plant food? Why should it matter if people believe in God? Nothing matters if atheism is true<ref>[http://creation.com/atheist-god-hate Atheists hate God]</ref>}}

{{cquote|Recently, I have had a lot of conversations with atheists. Many express a strong hatred of God. I have been at a loss to explain this. How can you hate someone you don’t believe in? Why the hostility? If God does not exist, shouldn’t atheists just relax and seek a good time before they become plant food? Why should it matter if people believe in God? Nothing matters if atheism is true<ref>[https://creation.com/atheist-god-hate Atheists hate God]</ref>}}

== Denial of objective beauty ==

== Denial of objective beauty ==

Atheists/evolutionists often engage in hypocrisy on the issue of [[beauty]] in God's universe and engage in self-refuting arguments which argue that beauty is merely subjective, yet non-beauty/ugliness is an objective reality (non-beauty arose after the [[fall of man]]).<ref>[http://www.everyjoe.com/2014/07/03/politics/robbed-of-beauty-by-the-left/ How We’ve Been Robbed of Beauty by the Left]</ref><ref>[http://www.quodlibet.net/articles/williams-aesthetic.shtml Aesthetic arguments for the existence of God] by Peter Williams</ref><ref>[http://creation.com/darwins-arguments-against-god Darwin's arguments against God]</ref> See: [[Argument from beauty]]

Atheists/evolutionists often engage in hypocrisy on the issue of [[beauty]] in God's universe and engage in self-refuting arguments which argue that beauty is merely subjective, yet non-beauty/ugliness is an objective reality (non-beauty arose after the [[fall of man]]).<ref>[http://www.everyjoe.com/2014/07/03/politics/robbed-of-beauty-by-the-left/ How We’ve Been Robbed of Beauty by the Left]</ref><ref>[http://www.quodlibet.net/articles/williams-aesthetic.shtml Aesthetic arguments for the existence of God] by Peter Williams</ref><ref>[https://creation.com/darwins-arguments-against-god Darwin's arguments against God]</ref> See: [[Argument from beauty]]

== Hermant Mehta and his endorsement of the Brights Movement ==

== Hermant Mehta and his endorsement of the Brights Movement ==