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== Atheist morality ==

== Atheist morality ==

Atheists typically hold that no religious text can be our only source of morality, although they may contain useful ideas or principles. As atheists do not believe in any form of deity, books purported to be based upon the revealed words of such deities are not considered to have any more inherent moral authority than books written by people.

Although it is difficult to generalize about atheism because it is not an organization in the way that Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are, atheists typically hold that no religious text can be our only source of morality. However, many atheists believe that religious texts contain useful ideas and principles, such as the [[Golden Rule]]. As atheists do not believe in any form of deity, books purported to be based upon the revealed words of such deities are not considered to have any more inherent moral authority than books written by people.

== Origins ==

== Origins ==

Based on quotes in the Bible, atheism goes back to at least 1000 B.C. "The Fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." (Psalm 14).  In actuality, atheism has probably been around almost as long as theism, although in recorded history it has always been a minority view.

Based on quotes in the Bible, atheism goes back to at least 1000 B.C. "The Fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." (Psalm 14).  In actuality, atheism has probably been around almost as long as theism, although in recorded history it has always been a minority view.{{fact}}

== Atheist Population ==

== Atheist Population ==

It is difficult to accurately determine the proportion of the population that is atheist because survey definitions, and even real life definitions, are often unclear. In addition, many people are unsure of the existance of God, making them technically [[agnostic]], but they are sometimes counted as atheists. It is also important to keep in mind that surveys containing an option for "no religion" are not necessarily identifying atheists. Indeed, many individuals may believe strongly in some form of god but not subscribe to any particular religion, and as a result could enter a response of "no religion" on surveys.   

It is difficult to accurately determine the proportion of the population that is atheist because survey definitions, and even real life definitions, are often unclear. In addition, many people are unsure of the existance of God, making them technically [[agnostic]], but they are sometimes counted as atheists. It is also important to keep in mind that surveys containing an option for "no religion" are not necessarily identifying atheists. Indeed, many individuals may believe strongly in some form of god but not subscribe to any particular religion, and as a result could enter a response of "no religion" on surveys.   

Specific research on atheists conducted in 2006 [http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/allnewsbydate.asp?NewsID=1131 suggests] that the true proportion of atheists is 4% in the United States, 17% in Great Britain and 32% in France.

Specific research on atheists conducted in 2006 [http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/allnewsbydate.asp?NewsID=1131 suggests] that the true proportion of atheists is 4% in the United States, 17% in Great Britain and 32% in France. If agnostics are included, then the proportions are 18%, 52% and 64% respectively.

 

== Public Disapproval of Atheists in America ==

== Public Disapproval of Atheists in America ==

Research by Penny Edgell, Joseph Gerteis and Douglas Hartmann in the American Sociological Review [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asoca/asr/2006/00000071/00000002/art00003 indicates] that most Americans would be more willing to vote for a homosexual or Muslim presidential candidate than an atheist. The same study indicates that 47.6% of Americans would disapprove of their child marrying an atheist.

A recent [http://www.galluppoll.com/content/default.aspx?ci=26611&pg=1 Gallup] poll as well as [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asoca/asr/2006/00000071/00000002/art00003 Research] by Penny Edgell, Joseph Gerteis and Douglas Hartmann in the American Sociological Review indicate that most Americans would be more willing to vote for a homosexual or Muslim presidential candidate than an atheist. The same study indicates that 47.6% of Americans would disapprove of their child marrying an atheist.

<b>Edgell, Gerteis & Hartmann 2006- Table 1 (Percentage of respondents answering affirmatively):</b>

<b>Edgell, Gerteis & Hartmann 2006- Table 1 (Percentage of respondents answering affirmatively):</b>

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

*[http://creationwiki.org/Decline_of_atheism Decline of Atheism -CreationWiki]

*[http://creationwiki.org/Decline_of_atheism Decline of Atheism -CreationWiki]

*[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_225_report_en.pdf European Commission report on Social values, Science and Technology, includes info on Religious beliefs]

*[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_225_report_en.pdf European Commission report on Social values, Science and Technology, includes info on Religious beliefs]

==References==

==References==