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Line 1: − [[Atheism]], as defined by the ''Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', the ''Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', and other [[philosophy]] reference works, is the denial of the existence of [[God]].<ref>Multiple references:+ − *Smart, J. J. C. (August 8, 2011). [http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/atheism-agnosticism "Atheism and agnosticism"]. ''The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' (Spring 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.). − *Sarfati, Jonathan, Ph.D. (23 June 2007). [https://creation.com/atheism-is-more-rational "Atheism is more rational?"]. See [[Creation Ministries International]], [[Jonathan Sarfati]]. − *Day, Donn R. (2007). [http://www.thedivineconspiracy.org/athart3.htm "Atheism - etymology"]. − *[http://www.reasonablefaith.org/definition-of-atheism Definition of atheism] by [[William Lane Craig]] − </ref> See also: [[Definition of atheism]] − − Although many atheists deny that atheism is a [[worldview]], atheists commonly [[Atheism and beliefs|share a number of beliefs]] such as [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalism]], belief in [[evolution]]/[[Origin of life|abiogenesis]].<ref> − *[http://carm.org/atheism-worldview Is atheism a worldview?] by Matt Slick of [[CARM]] − *[http://www.apologetics.net/post/Atheism-a-worldview.aspx Atheism a worldview?] − *[http://www.apologetics.net/post/Atheism-is-a-worldview-%28II%29.aspx Atheism is a worldview II] − *[http://www.rzim.eu/the-scandanavian-sceptic-or-why-atheism-is-a-belief-system The Scandanavian Sceptic (or Why Atheism Is a Belief System)] by [[Ravi Zacharias|Ravi Zacharias International Ministries]] − </ref> − − == Some attributes of the atheist worldview == − − ''See also:'' [[Atheism and beliefs]] − − === Atheists and naturalism === − − ''See also:'' [[Naturalism (philosophy)|Naturalism]] − − A majority of atheists hold to the philosophy of [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalism]] which rejects the [[miracles|miraculous]]. − − However, when it comes to belief in life after death and other matters, a significant portion of atheists reject naturalism in various instances (see: [[Atheism and the supernatural]]). − − === Atheism and the origin of the universe === − − ''See also:'' [[Atheism and the origin of the universe]] − − Although many [[Atheism|atheists]] indicate that they do not know how the universe came into being, some prominent atheists claim that the universe came into existence from nothing.<ref>[http://canadafreepress.com/article/atheists-respond-to-my-challenge-to-put-up-or-shut-up/ Atheists Respond to my Challenge to Put Up or Shut Up!] by Dr. Don Boys</ref><ref>[https://dailyevidence.wordpress.com/2011/07/31/%E2%80%9Catheists-do-not-claim-that-nothing-created-everything-%E2%80%9D/ “Atheists do not claim that nothing created everything.”]</ref> For more information, please see: [[Atheism and the origin of the universe]] − − The [[steady state theory]], which posited an eternal universe, was formerly advocated by atheist cosmologists, but it has fallen out of disfavor. − − === Atheism offers a bleak ultimate future for individuals and mankind === − − ''See also:'' [[Atheism and meaninglessness]] and [[Hopelessness of atheism]] − [[Image:998086u.jpg|right|thumbnail|200px|[[Bertrand Russell]] ]] − Although [[Bertrand Russell]] was an [[agnosticism|agnostic]], he had favorable views of atheism.<ref>Russell, Bertrand (1947) "Am I An Atheist Or An Agnostic?"[http://www.luminary.us/russell/atheist_agnostic.html] Most online sources say "by which one prove," probably a mistake.</ref> Bertrand Russell wrote in 1903 about [[entropy]] and the [[universe]]: − {{cquote|That man is the product of causes that had no prevision of the end they were achieving; that his origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves and his beliefs, are but the outcome of accidental collocations of atoms; that no fire, no heroism, no intensity of thought and feeling, can preserve individual life beyond the grave; that all the labors of the ages, all the devotion, all the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius, are destined to extinction in the vast death of the solar system, and that the whole temple of Man's achievement must inevitably be buried beneath the debris of a universe in ruins- all these things, if not quite beyond dispute, are yet so nearly certain that no philosophy which rejects them can hope to stand. − − "Only within the scaffolding of these truths, only on the firm foundation of unyielding dispair, can the soul's habitation henceforth be safely built." <ref>[http://www.alamut.com/subj/ideologies/pessimism/entropy.html Entropy and heat death]</ref>}} − [[Image:Billcraig_czvx.jpg|thumbnail|left||200px|[[William Lane Craig]] ]] − [[William Lane Craig]] declares: − {{cquote|What we're asking here is not how atheists find meaning in life, which would be consistent with saying that life is objectively meaningless but somehow you've got to get through so how are you going to find some sort of meaning to your existence? Well, you'll invent projects that will bring you satisfaction and make you feel good and so forth, but that has nothing to do with whether or not life has an objective meaning or value of purpose.<ref>[http://www.reasonablefaith.org/where-do-atheists-find-meaning Where Do Atheists Find Meaning?]</ref>}} − − Craig further adds: − {{cquote|If God does not exist, then both man and the universe are inevitably [[Atheism and death|doomed to death]]. Man, like all biological organisms, must die. With no hope of immortality, man's life leads only to the grave. His life is but a spark in the infinite blackness, a spark that appears, flickers, and dies forever. Therefore, everyone must come face to face with what theologian Paul Tillich has called "the threat of non-being." For though I know now that I exist, that I am alive, I also know that someday I will no longer exist, that I will no longer be, that I will die. This thought is staggering and threatening: to think that the person I call "myself" will cease to exist, that I will be no more!... − − And the universe, too, faces death. Scientists tell us that the universe is expanding, and everything in it is growing farther and farther apart. As it does so, it grows colder and colder, and its energy is used up. Eventually all the stars will burn out and all matter will collapse into dead stars and [[black hole]]s. There will be no light at all; there will be no heat; there will be no life; only the corpses of dead stars and galaxies, ever expanding into the endless darkness and the cold recesses of space—a universe in ruins. So not only is the life of each individual person doomed; the entire human race is doomed. There is no escape. There is no hope.<ref>[http://www.reasonablefaith.org/the-absurdity-of-life-without-god The Absurdity of Life without God] by William Lane Craig</ref>}} − − === Atheism and views of death === − − ''See also:'' [[Atheism and death]] and [[Atheism and life after death]] − [[File:Gravestone.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|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. [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>]] − − ==== View of death for atheists who hold to naturalism ==== − − ''See also:'' [[Atheism and death]] and [[Atheism and Hell]] − − The atheist who holds to naturalism sees only [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/extinction oblivion and personal extinction] in [[death]]: ''cessation of existence, no knowledge, no pain, no pleasure, no activity, nothing: no heaven, no hell, no punishment for being evil, no reward for being holy. (See [http://biblehub.com/multi/revelation/22-11.htm Revelation 22:11].<ref>[http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/nirvana nirvana (Buddhist term)] (oxforddictionaries.com)</ref>) Significantly, the medical profession has found that the two groups who face death with the least degree of anguish are devout Christians and absolute atheists.<ref>[http://www.atheist-community.org/library/newsletters/2010-01.pdf Perspectives on Death and Dying by an Atheist Nurse] (atheist-community.org)</ref> − − 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. [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> Wink and Scott also found that moderately religious people fear death the most.<ref>[http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/050628_deathfearfrm.htm Fear of death: worst if you’re a little religious?], World of Science]</ref><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> − − ==== Atheists who believe in an afterlife ==== − ''Science Daily'' reported that ''Death anxiety increases [[Atheism|atheists]]' unconscious belief in God''.<ref>[https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094322.htm Death anxiety increases atheists' unconscious belief in God], ''Science Daily'', Date: April 2, 2012</ref> In a ''Psychology Today'' article, Dr. Nathan A. Heflick reported similar results in other studies.<ref>[http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-big-questions/201205/atheists-death-and-belief-in-god Atheists, Death and Belief in God The Effects of Death Reminders on Atheists' Supernatural Beliefs], ''Psychology Today'', Published on May 25, 2012 by Nathan A. Heflick, Ph.D. in The Big Questions</ref> − − The website the Skeptics Guide declared: − {{cquote|A survey compiled in 2014 by The Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture (AISFC) reveals that 32 percent of Americans who identified themselves as agnostics and atheists believe in an afterlife of some kind. In addition, 6 percent of the same non-theistic group expressed a belief in a “bodily resurrection”. These numbers were taken from a sample of 15,738 Americans, all of which were between the ages of 18 and 60. According to the data, 13.2 percent of Americans identify themselves as atheist, agnostic, or some other variation of non-believing. − − I found these results to be quite surprising. Having been immersed in circles of atheists and agnostics for the past 20 years, the numbers revealed by this study are higher than I would have guessed, by quite a lot. What stands out the most is that 6% expressed a belief in resurrection. It could be a statistical anomaly of some sort (perhaps the respondents did not understand the question about bodily resurrection?) Why an atheist or agnostic would believe that a dead person could come back to life seems entirely contrary to their worldview.<ref>[http://www.theskepticsguide.org/one-third-of-atheists-agnostics-believe-in-an-afterlife Survey: 32% of Atheists & Agnostics Believe in an Afterlife]</ref>}} − − === Atheism and evolution === − [[Image:Evolution.jpg|alt=evolution darwin theory|right|thumb|226px|Late in [[Charles Darwin|Charles Darwin's]] life, Darwin told the Duke of Argyll that he frequently had overwhelming thoughts that the natural world was the [[Intelligent design|result of design]].<ref>http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/teleological-arguments/notes.html</ref> See also: [https://creation.com/15-questions 15 questions for evolutionists] ]] − ''See also:'' [[Atheism and evolution]] − − The vast majority of [[Western World]] atheists are evolutionists. Since [[World War II]] a majority of the most prominent and vocal defenders of the theory of evolution which employs [[methodological naturalism]] have been atheists or [[agnosticism|agnostics]].<ref name="Batten and Sarfati">Multiple references: − * Batten, Dr. Don (December 1997). [https://creation.com/a-whos-who-of-evolutionists "A ''Who’s Who'' of evolutionists"]. Creation Ministries International. Originally published in ''Creation'' 20(1):32. − * Sarfati, Jonathan, Ph.D., F.M. (1999). [https://creation.com/refuting-evolution-chapter-1-evolution-creation-science-religion-facts-bias "Chapter 1: Facts and bias", ''Refuting Evolution''].</ref> As far as nontheist Buddhism, as no major beliefs/principles of [[Buddhism]] are contrary to it, many Buddhists are also evolutionists.<ref> − *[http://pewforum.org/Science-and-Bioethics/Religious-Differences-on-the-Question-of-Evolution.aspx Religious Differences on the Question of Evolution] − *[http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/religion_theseeker/2011/03/evolution-doesnt-bother-buddhists-.html Evolution doesn't bother Buddhists], ''Chicago Tribune'', December 23, 2013</ref> See: [[Atheism and evolution]] − − The atheist philosopher of science [[Michael Ruse]] admitted: "Evolution is a religion. This was true of evolution in the beginning, and it is true of evolution still today."<ref>Ruse, M. (May 13, 2000). "How evolution became a religion: creationists correct?" ''National Post'', pp. B1, B3, B7.</ref> In the their [[Question evolution! campaign]], [[Creation Ministries International]] asks as a part of their 15 questions for evolutionists: "Why is a fundamentally religious idea, a dogmatic belief system that fails to explain the evidence, taught in science classes?...If “you can’t teach religion in science classes”, why is evolution taught?<ref>Batten, Don (2011). [https://creation.com/15-questions "15 questions for evolutionists".] Creation Ministries International.</ref> − − === Atheism and morality === − − {{See also|Atheism and morality}} − − Not possessing a [[Religion|religious]] basis for [[morality]], which can provide a legitimate basis for [[objective morality]], [[atheist]]s are fundamentally [[Moral relativism|incapable]] of having a coherent system of morality.<ref> − *[http://www.paulcopan.com/articles/pdf/God-naturalism-morality.pdf God, Naturalism, and the Foundations of Morality] by − Paul Copan − *[http://www.bethinking.org/morality/can-moral-objectivism-do-without-god Can Moral Objectivism Do Without God?] by Peter S. Williams − *[http://www.equip.org/articles/atheists-and-the-quest-for-objective-morality/ Atheists and the Quest for Objective Morality] by Chad Meister − *[http://carm.org/failure-of-atheism-to-account-for-morality The failure of atheism to account for morality]</ref> For example, atheists have been the biggest mass murderers in history (see: [[Atheism and mass murder]]). − − For more information, please see: − − *[[Atheism and morality]] − − *[[Atheist population and immorality]] − − *[[Evolutionary belief and sexual immorality]] − − === ''Theodicy:'' the problem of evil === − − ''See also:'' [[Atheism and the Problem of Evil|Atheism and the problem of evil]] − − The atheist is faced with the problem of evil, and crime and violence prevention, but does not attribute the cause of evil to the devil or to human sin, only to the mystery of human [[behavioral psychology]] and [[genetics]].<ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Facing-Evil.aspx Facing Evil: Why Christians and Atheists Need Each Other] (beliefnet.com)</ref> − − === Atheism and meaninglessness === − − Under an atheist worldview, there is no objective meaning or purpose in life.<ref> − *[http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/can-life-have-meaning-without-god Can Life Have Meaning Without God?] by James Anderson − *[http://jwwartick.com/2011/01/03/atheism-meaningless/ Atheism’s Universe is Meaningless and Valueless] by J.W. Wartick, January 3, 2011 − *[http://winteryknight.wordpress.com/2014/06/03/can-atheists-have-meaning-and-purpose-in-life/ Can atheists have meaning and purpose in life?] − *[http://www.bethinking.org/atheism/reclaiming-reason-from-atheism Why atheism] by Katie Galloway, 2014 − *[http://aviewfromtheright.com/2012/04/19/heat-death-and-atheist-inconsistency-or-isnt-it-ironic/ Heat Death and Atheist Inconsistency (or, Isn’t It Ironic?)] − *[http://www.oocities.org/athens/delphi/8449/atheism.html Atheism and Death: Why the atheist must face death with despair] By Dustin Shramek − *[http://pleaseconvinceme.com/2013/apathy-atheism-and-the-absurdity-of-life-without-god/ Apathy, Atheism, and the Absurdity of Life Without God] by Aaron Brake − *[http://withalliamgod.wordpress.com/2010/12/16/the-meaningless-life-of-atheism/ The Meaningless Life Of Atheism] by Daniel Prayson, 2010</ref> Through [[Jesus Christ]], [[Christianity]] offers objective meaning and purpose to life.<ref> − *[http://carm.org/meaning-of-life What does the Bible say about the meaning/purpose of life?] − *[http://www.christianbiblereference.org/faq_MeaningLife.htm Under a Christian worldview: What is the purpose and meaning of life?]</ref> See: [[Atheism and meaninglessness]] − − === Atheism and epistemology === − − ''See also:'' [[Atheism and epistemology]] − − Atheism provides no ultimate starting point for knowledge.<ref>[http://answersforhope.org/portfolio_item/the-epistemological-argument-against-atheism/ The Epistemological Argument against Atheism]</ref> In addition, atheism lacks proof and evidence that it is a valid worldview (see: [[Attempts to dilute the definition of atheism]]). For more information, please see: [[Atheism and epistemology]] − − == Atheists and groupthink == − − ''See also:'' [[Atheism and groupthink]] − − Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of individuals in which the quest for harmony/conformity within the group results in irrational and/or poor decision-making. − − There are a number of notable cases of ahteists engaging in groupthink (see: [[Atheism and groupthink]]). − − == Atheism and political views == − − *[[Atheism and politics]] − − *[[Secular left]] − − *[[Secular right]] − − *[[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]] − − == See also == − − *[[Atheism and belief]] − *[[Atheism and depression]] − *[[Atheism and hedonism]] − *[[Atheist hypocrisy]] − *[[Atheist mindset]] − *[[Evolution]] − *[[Hedonism]] − *[[Hypocrisy]] − *[[Liberal hedonism]] − *[[Naturalism (philosophy)]] − *[[Origin of life]] − *[[Pragmatism]] − *[[Suicide]] − *[[Utilitarianism]] − <br /> − '''Atheism is a religion:''' − − *[[Atheism is a religion]] − *[[Evolution as a secular origins myth]] − <br /> − '''Commonly raised issues relating to the atheist worldview:''' − − *[[Christian apologetics websites|Evidence for Christianity]] − *[[Atheism and morality]] − *[[Atheist population and immorality]] − *[[Atheism and irrationality]] − *[[Atheism and the Problem of Evil|Atheism and the problem of evil]] − *[[Atheist worldview, nature and futility]] − *[[Hopelessness of atheism]] − *[[Atheism and death]] − <br /> − '''Causes of atheism:''' − − *[[Causes of atheism]] − <br /> − '''Arguments against atheism:''' − − *[[Rebuttals to atheist arguments|Common arguments against atheism]] − *[[Arguments for the existence of God]] − *[[Christian apologetics]] − − − '''Views on atheists:''' − − *[[Views on atheists]] − − == External links == − − *[http://carm.org/atheism-worldview Is atheism a worldview?] by Matt Slick of [[CARM]] − *[http://carm.org/christian-worldview-atheist-worldview-and-logic The Christian Worldview, the Atheist Worldview, and Logic] by Matt Sliok − *[http://www.christianapologeticsalliance.com/2014/02/27/is-matt-dillahuntys-atheism-a-worldview/ Is Matt Dillahunty’s Atheism a Worldview?] by Rob Lundberg − *[http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/christian-apologetics/defining-worldviews-atheistic-versus-theistic.html Defining Worldviews -- Atheistic Versus Theistic] − *[https://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/atheism/atheism-an-irrational-worldview/ Atheism: An irrational worldview] by Dr. Jason Lisle − *[http://www.rzim.eu/the-scandanavian-sceptic-or-why-atheism-is-a-belief-system The Scandanavian Sceptic (or Why Atheism Is a Belief System)] by [[Ravi Zacharias|Ravi Zacharias International Ministries]] − *[https://creation.com/atheism-no-objective-morality Atheism—no objective morality?] − *[http://coldcasechristianity.com/2014/the-inevitable-consequence-of-an-atheistic-worldview/ The Inevitable Consequence of An Atheistic Worldview] − *[http://americanhumanist.org/humanism/I_Was_an_Atheist_in_a_Foxhole I Was An Atheist In A Foxhole] − − Video: − − *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2hKf9h5YUk No neutrality, atheism is a worldview] by [[Greg Bahnsen]]
facts
"Religion has convinced people that there's an invisible man ... living in the sky. Who watches everything you do every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a list of ten specific things he doesn't want you to do. And if you do any of these things, he will send you to a special place, of burning and fire and smoke and torture and anguish for you to live forever, and suffer, and suffer, and burn, and scream, until the end of time. But he loves you. He loves you. He loves you and he needs money" – George Carlin
==References==
==References==