Changes

==Tenuousness of Atheism in Prominent Atheist==

==Tenuousness of Atheism in Prominent Atheist==

[[Image:Sartre1.gif|thumb|150px|right|[[Jean-Paul Sartre]]]]

[[Image:Sartre1.gif|thumb|150px|right|[[Jean-Paul Sartre]]]]

The atheism of notable people who claimed to be atheists has had the characteristic of tenuousness in regards to maintaining thoughts in accordance with atheism. For example, [[Jean-Paul Sartre]] was one of the leading proponents of atheism of the 20th Century.  Yet Jean-Paul Sartre made this candid confession:

The atheism of notable people who claimed to be atheists has had the characteristic of tenuousness in respect to maintaining thoughts in accordance with atheism. For example, [[Jean-Paul Sartre]] was one of the leading proponents of atheism of the 20th Century.  Yet Jean-Paul Sartre made this candid confession:

{{cquote|As for me, I don’t see myself as so much dust that has appeared in the world but as a being that was expected, prefigured, called forth. In short, as a being that could, it seems, come only from a creator; and this idea of a creating hand that created me refers me back to God. Naturally this is not a clear, exact idea that I set in motion every time I think of myself. It contradicts many of my other ideas; but it is there, floating vaguely. And when I think of myself I often think rather in this way, for want of being able to think otherwise.<ref>http://www.johnankerberg.org/Articles/apologetics/AP0702W4.htm</ref>}}

{{cquote|As for me, I don’t see myself as so much dust that has appeared in the world but as a being that was expected, prefigured, called forth. In short, as a being that could, it seems, come only from a creator; and this idea of a creating hand that created me refers me back to God. Naturally this is not a clear, exact idea that I set in motion every time I think of myself. It contradicts many of my other ideas; but it is there, floating vaguely. And when I think of myself I often think rather in this way, for want of being able to think otherwise.<ref>http://www.johnankerberg.org/Articles/apologetics/AP0702W4.htm</ref>}}

[[Image:darwin.jpg|thumb|120px|left|[[Charles Darwin]]]]

[[Image:darwin.jpg|thumb|120px|left|[[Charles Darwin]]]]

The atheism in [[communism|communist]] regimes has been and continues to be [[militant atheism]] and various acts of repression including the razing of thousands of religious buildings and the killing, imprisoning, and oppression of religious leaders and believers. <ref>http://www.academia.org/campus_reports/2000/March_2000_4.html</ref><ref>http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/frroman1.aspx</ref><ref name="ny">http://www.nysun.com/article/23082?page_no=1</ref><ref name="jjl">http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/5/7/120250.shtml</ref><ref name="mim">http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_26_116/ai_56249447</ref><ref name="daily">http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35818</ref><ref name="china">http://theworldnow.wordpress.com/tag/around-the-world/asia/china/</ref>  

The atheism in [[communism|communist]] regimes has been and continues to be [[militant atheism]] and various acts of repression including the razing of thousands of religious buildings and the killing, imprisoning, and oppression of religious leaders and believers. <ref>http://www.academia.org/campus_reports/2000/March_2000_4.html</ref><ref>http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/frroman1.aspx</ref><ref name="ny">http://www.nysun.com/article/23082?page_no=1</ref><ref name="jjl">http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/5/7/120250.shtml</ref><ref name="mim">http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_26_116/ai_56249447</ref><ref name="daily">http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35818</ref><ref name="china">http://theworldnow.wordpress.com/tag/around-the-world/asia/china/</ref>  

In regards to atheism, [[North Korea]] is a repressive communist state and is officially atheistic. <ref>http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/IE12Dg01.html</ref> The North Korean government practices brutal repression and atrocities against North Korean [[Christianity|Christians]]. <ref name="ny"/><ref name="jjl"/>

In respect to atheism, [[North Korea]] is a repressive communist state and is officially atheistic. <ref>http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/IE12Dg01.html</ref> The North Korean government practices brutal repression and atrocities against North Korean [[Christianity|Christians]]. <ref name="ny"/><ref name="jjl"/>

[[China]] is a communist country that is also officially atheistic. <ref>http://www.wtop.com/?nid=105&sid=1253071</ref> In 1999, the publication [[Christian Century]] reported that "[[China]] has persecuted religious believers by means of "harassment, prolonged detention, and incarceration in prison or `reform-through-labor' camps and police closure of places of worship." <ref name="mim"/> In 2003, owners of [[Bible]]s in China were sent to prison camps and 125 Chinese churches were closed.<ref name=daily/> China continues to practice religious oppression today. <ref name="china"/>

[[China]] is a communist country that is also officially atheistic. <ref>http://www.wtop.com/?nid=105&sid=1253071</ref> In 1999, the publication [[Christian Century]] reported that "[[China]] has persecuted religious believers by means of "harassment, prolonged detention, and incarceration in prison or `reform-through-labor' camps and police closure of places of worship." <ref name="mim"/> In 2003, owners of [[Bible]]s in China were sent to prison camps and 125 Chinese churches were closed.<ref name=daily/> China continues to practice religious oppression today. <ref name="china"/>

===Christian Apologetics Specifically Addressing the Issue of Atheism===

===Christian Apologetics Specifically Addressing the Issue of Atheism===

In respect to [[Atheism and Christianity|atheism and Christianity]], while there have been numerous notable books by [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologists]] addressing the various issues in regards to atheism and [[Christianity]] ([[Creation Science]], Bible Archaeology, etc.) there also number of books that have addressed the general issue of atheism in relation to Christianity. A notable book of this type is Dr. [[Norm Geisler]]'s and Frank Turek's book entitled ''[[I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist]]''.<ref>http://www.rzim.org/slice/slicetran.php?sliceid=1029</ref><ref>http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=38125</ref> In addition, two notable works were produced by [[Ravi Zacharias]] entitled ''A Shattered Visage: The Real Face of Atheism'' and ''Can Man Live Without God?''<ref>http://satisfiedinjesus.org/resources/reviews/pdf/Zacharias%20-%20The%20Real%20Face%20of%20Atheism.pdf</ref>  Also, [[Josh McDowell]] and Don Stewart coauthored a work entitled ''Understanding Secular Religions ''.<ref>http://www.greatcom.org/resources/secular_religions/ch01/default.htm</ref>  Lastly, Alister McGrath wrote a book entitled ''The Twilight of Atheism''.<ref>http://www.complete-review.com/reviews/religion/mcgratha.htm</ref>

In respect to [[Atheism and Christianity|atheism and Christianity]], while there have been numerous notable books by [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologists]] addressing the various issues in relation to atheism and [[Christianity]] ([[Creation Science]], Bible Archaeology, etc.) there also number of books that have addressed the general issue of atheism in relation to Christianity. A notable book of this type is Dr. [[Norm Geisler]]'s and Frank Turek's book entitled ''[[I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist]]''.<ref>http://www.rzim.org/slice/slicetran.php?sliceid=1029</ref><ref>http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=38125</ref> In addition, two notable works were produced by [[Ravi Zacharias]] entitled ''A Shattered Visage: The Real Face of Atheism'' and ''Can Man Live Without God?''<ref>http://satisfiedinjesus.org/resources/reviews/pdf/Zacharias%20-%20The%20Real%20Face%20of%20Atheism.pdf</ref>  Also, [[Josh McDowell]] and Don Stewart coauthored a work entitled ''Understanding Secular Religions ''.<ref>http://www.greatcom.org/resources/secular_religions/ch01/default.htm</ref>  Lastly, Alister McGrath wrote a book entitled ''The Twilight of Atheism''.<ref>http://www.complete-review.com/reviews/religion/mcgratha.htm</ref>

===Atheism and Mass Murder===

===Atheism and Mass Murder===

===Atheists in America and Charity===

===Atheists in America and Charity===

In regards to [[Atheism and Uncharitableness|atheism and uncharitableness]], charitable giving by atheists and agnostics in America is significantly less than by theists, according to a study by the [[Barna Group]]:

In respect to [[Atheism and Uncharitableness|atheism and uncharitableness]], charitable giving by atheists and agnostics in America is significantly less than by theists, according to a study by the [[Barna Group]]:

{{cquote|The typical no-faith American donated just $200 in 2006, which is more than seven times less than the amount contributed by the prototypical active-faith adult ($1500). Even when church-based giving is subtracted from the equation, active-faith adults donated twice as many dollars last year as did atheists and agnostics. In fact, while just 7% of active-faith adults failed to contribute any personal funds in 2006, that compares with 22% among the no-faith adults.<ref>[http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow&BarnaUpdateID=272 Atheists and Agnostics Take Aim at Christians] ''The Barna Update'', 2007.</ref>}}

{{cquote|The typical no-faith American donated just $200 in 2006, which is more than seven times less than the amount contributed by the prototypical active-faith adult ($1500). Even when church-based giving is subtracted from the equation, active-faith adults donated twice as many dollars last year as did atheists and agnostics. In fact, while just 7% of active-faith adults failed to contribute any personal funds in 2006, that compares with 22% among the no-faith adults.<ref>[http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow&BarnaUpdateID=272 Atheists and Agnostics Take Aim at Christians] ''The Barna Update'', 2007.</ref>}}

[[Image:112006top.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Atheists and agnostics in America generally give significantly less to charity than [[theism|theists]].]]

[[Image:112006top.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Atheists and agnostics in America generally give significantly less to charity than [[theism|theists]].]]

===Atheism and Miracles===

===Atheism and Miracles===

In regards to [[Atheism and Miracles|atheism and miracles]], modern scholars are divided on the issue of whether or not [[David Hume]] was an atheist.<ref>http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hume-religion/#10</ref>  With that caveat in mind, Hume is well known for arguing that it is always more probable that the testimony of a miracle is false than that the miracle occurred.<ref name="cp">http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/docs/creation-providence.html</ref> Christian apologists [[William Lane Craig]], [[Norman Geisler]], [[C.S. Lewis]], [[JP Holding]], and others have shown the inadequacy and unreasonableness of Hume's position regarding miracles. <ref name="cp"/></ref><ref>http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/docs/miracles.html</ref><ref>http://www.ses.edu/journal/articles/2.1Hoffman.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth19.html</ref><ref>http://www.cslewisinstitute.org/pages/resources/publications/knowingDoing/2004/Miracles.pdf</ref> <ref>http://www.tektonics.org/gk/hume01.html</ref> <ref>http://www.comereason.org/phil_qstn/phi060.asp</ref>

In respect to [[Atheism and Miracles|atheism and miracles]], modern scholars are divided on the issue of whether or not [[David Hume]] was an atheist.<ref>http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hume-religion/#10</ref>  With that caveat in mind, Hume is well known for arguing that it is always more probable that the testimony of a miracle is false than that the miracle occurred.<ref name="cp">http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/docs/creation-providence.html</ref> Christian apologists [[William Lane Craig]], [[Norman Geisler]], [[C.S. Lewis]], [[JP Holding]], and others have shown the inadequacy and unreasonableness of Hume's position regarding miracles. <ref name="cp"/></ref><ref>http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/docs/miracles.html</ref><ref>http://www.ses.edu/journal/articles/2.1Hoffman.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth19.html</ref><ref>http://www.cslewisinstitute.org/pages/resources/publications/knowingDoing/2004/Miracles.pdf</ref> <ref>http://www.tektonics.org/gk/hume01.html</ref> <ref>http://www.comereason.org/phil_qstn/phi060.asp</ref>

===Atheism and Questions of Origins===

===Atheism and Questions of Origins===

{{cquote|Dr. Stephen Joseph, from the University of Warwick, said: "Religious people seem to have a greater purpose in life, which is why they are happier. Looking at the research evidence, it seems that those who celebrate the Christian meaning of [[Christmas]] are on the whole likely to be happier.<ref>http://www.scienceblog.com/community/older/2003/A/20037338.html</ref>}}

{{cquote|Dr. Stephen Joseph, from the University of Warwick, said: "Religious people seem to have a greater purpose in life, which is why they are happier. Looking at the research evidence, it seems that those who celebrate the Christian meaning of [[Christmas]] are on the whole likely to be happier.<ref>http://www.scienceblog.com/community/older/2003/A/20037338.html</ref>}}

[[Image:Nietzsche.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Currently, there is an ongoing debate on whether atheism was a causal factor for [[Friedrich Nietzsche]]'s insanity or whether it was caused purely through disease.]]

[[Image:Nietzsche.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Currently, there is an ongoing debate on whether atheism was a causal factor for [[Friedrich Nietzsche]]'s insanity or whether it was caused purely through disease.]]

[[Duke University]] has established the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health.<ref>http://www.dukespiritualityandhealth.org/</ref>  The Duke University Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health is based in the Center for Aging at Duke and gives opportunities for scholarly trans-disciplinary conversation and the development of collaborative research projects.<ref>http://www.dukespiritualityandhealth.org/about/</ref> In regards to the atheism and mental and physical health, the center offers many studies which suggest that theism is more beneficial than atheism.<ref>http://www.dukespiritualityandhealth.org/publications/latest.html</ref>

[[Duke University]] has established the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health.<ref>http://www.dukespiritualityandhealth.org/</ref>  The Duke University Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health is based in the Center for Aging at Duke and gives opportunities for scholarly trans-disciplinary conversation and the development of collaborative research projects.<ref>http://www.dukespiritualityandhealth.org/about/</ref> In respect to the atheism and mental and physical health, the center offers many studies which suggest that theism is more beneficial than atheism.<ref>http://www.dukespiritualityandhealth.org/publications/latest.html</ref>

Currently, there is an ongoing debate regarding whether atheism was a causal factor for [[Friedrich Nietzsche]]'s insanity or whether it was caused strictly by disease.<ref>http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/hutchison/070307</ref><ref>http://www.ukapologetics.net/truthaboutnietzsche.html</ref><ref>http://www.hkbu.edu.hk/~ppp/top/top19</ref><ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17087793?dopt=Abstract</ref>

Currently, there is an ongoing debate regarding whether atheism was a causal factor for [[Friedrich Nietzsche]]'s insanity or whether it was caused strictly by disease.<ref>http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/hutchison/070307</ref><ref>http://www.ukapologetics.net/truthaboutnietzsche.html</ref><ref>http://www.hkbu.edu.hk/~ppp/top/top19</ref><ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17087793?dopt=Abstract</ref>

[[Image:Ron2.jpg|right|thumbnail|150px|Dr. Ron Rhodes]]

[[Image:Ron2.jpg|right|thumbnail|150px|Dr. Ron Rhodes]]

Those who advocate atheism commonly state that the existence of evil is a problem for [[theism]] which holds to a good and powerful God.<ref>http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/evil.html</ref> [[Theodicy]] is the branch of study in theology and philosophy that defends the goodness of God despite the existence of evil.<ref>http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861719540/theodicy.html</ref> In traditional Christianity and Judaism the book of [[Job]] is used to explain the existence of evil.<ref>http://apologetics.com/default.jsp?bodycontent=/articles/doctrinal_apologetics/bowman-job.html</ref>  In recent times [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologists]] often cite [[Alvin Plantinga]]'s free will defense in regards to the existence of evil. <ref>http://www.xenos.org/essays/evilpo.htm</ref><ref>http://www3.baylor.edu/~Scott_Moore/handouts/free_will_defense.html</ref>The work of [[St. Augustine]] is also cited in regards to theodicy. <ref>http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5124</ref> Dr. [[Ron Rhodes]] of [[Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministry]] states regarding this issue regarding the existence of evil in relation to atheism:  

Those who advocate atheism commonly state that the existence of evil is a problem for [[theism]] which holds to a good and powerful God.<ref>http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/evil.html</ref> [[Theodicy]] is the branch of study in theology and philosophy that defends the goodness of God despite the existence of evil.<ref>http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861719540/theodicy.html</ref> In traditional Christianity and Judaism the book of [[Job]] is used to explain the existence of evil.<ref>http://apologetics.com/default.jsp?bodycontent=/articles/doctrinal_apologetics/bowman-job.html</ref>  In recent times [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologists]] often cite [[Alvin Plantinga]]'s free will defense when it comes to the subject of  the existence of evil. <ref>http://www.xenos.org/essays/evilpo.htm</ref><ref>http://www3.baylor.edu/~Scott_Moore/handouts/free_will_defense.html</ref>The work of [[St. Augustine]] is also cited in respect to theodicy. <ref>http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5124</ref> Dr. [[Ron Rhodes]] of [[Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministry]] states regarding this issue regarding the existence of evil in relation to atheism:  

{{cquote|...it is impossible to distinguish evil from good unless one has an infinite reference point which is absolutely good. Otherwise one is like a boat at sea on a cloudy night without a compass (i.e., there would be no way to distinguish north from south without the absolute reference point of the compass needle).

{{cquote|...it is impossible to distinguish evil from good unless one has an infinite reference point which is absolutely good. Otherwise one is like a boat at sea on a cloudy night without a compass (i.e., there would be no way to distinguish north from south without the absolute reference point of the compass needle).

[[Britain|British]] philosopher [[Anthony Flew]] abandoned atheism and became an [[Deism|deist]] after as a result of the [[intelligent design]] issue.  According to the news organization [[MSNBC]], Flew became a deist because he believed a super-intelligence was the only good explanation for the [[origin of life]] and the complexity of nature.<ref>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6688917/</ref> In 2006, Flew and 12 prominent academics urged that intelligent design be taught in [[Britain|British]] government schools.<ref>http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/newspapers/sunday_times/britain/article1265412.ece?token=null&offset=12</ref>

[[Britain|British]] philosopher [[Anthony Flew]] abandoned atheism and became an [[Deism|deist]] after as a result of the [[intelligent design]] issue.  According to the news organization [[MSNBC]], Flew became a deist because he believed a super-intelligence was the only good explanation for the [[origin of life]] and the complexity of nature.<ref>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6688917/</ref> In 2006, Flew and 12 prominent academics urged that intelligent design be taught in [[Britain|British]] government schools.<ref>http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/newspapers/sunday_times/britain/article1265412.ece?token=null&offset=12</ref>

The work of ex-atheist and psychologist Dr. [[Paul Vitz]] is often cited in regards to atheism.  As alluded to earlier, Dr. Vitz wrote the work ''Faith of the Fatherless''.

The work of ex-atheist and psychologist Dr. [[Paul Vitz]] is often cited in respect to atheism.  As alluded to earlier, Dr. Vitz wrote the work ''Faith of the Fatherless''.

==Atheism and its Decline as a Theoretical Position==

==Atheism and its Decline as a Theoretical Position==

The Bible is still loved by millions, read by millions, and studied by millions.<ref>http://www.why-the-bible.com/bible.htm</ref>}}

The Bible is still loved by millions, read by millions, and studied by millions.<ref>http://www.why-the-bible.com/bible.htm</ref>}}

In regards to the proponents of atheism, Christian apologists have responded to their various claims that the Bible contains errors or contradictions.<ref>http://www.tektonics.org/index2.html</ref><ref>http://www.christian-thinktank.com/</ref><ref>http://www.apologeticspress.org/allegeddiscrepancies/</ref><ref>http://www.inerrancy.org/</ref>

Christian apologists have responded to various claims of those who advocate atheism in respect to their claims that the Bible contains errors or contradictions.<ref>http://www.tektonics.org/index2.html</ref><ref>http://www.christian-thinktank.com/</ref><ref>http://www.apologeticspress.org/allegeddiscrepancies/</ref><ref>http://www.inerrancy.org/</ref>

In addition, many Christian scientists and apologists such as the Christian scientists and apologists at [[Creation Ministries International]] and [[CreationWiki]] assert that the [http://creationwiki.org/index.php/Bible_scientific_foreknowledge Bible contains knowledge that shows an understanding of scientific knowledge beyond that believed to exist at the time the Bible was composed].<ref>[http://creationwiki.org/index.php/Bible_scientific_foreknowledge  Bible Scientific Foreknowledge]</ref><ref>http://creationontheweb.com/content/view/1718/</ref>

In addition, many Christian scientists and apologists such as the Christian scientists and apologists at [[Creation Ministries International]] and [[CreationWiki]] assert that the [http://creationwiki.org/index.php/Bible_scientific_foreknowledge Bible contains knowledge that shows an understanding of scientific knowledge beyond that believed to exist at the time the Bible was composed].<ref>[http://creationwiki.org/index.php/Bible_scientific_foreknowledge  Bible Scientific Foreknowledge]</ref><ref>http://creationontheweb.com/content/view/1718/</ref>

''For more information please see'': [[Atheist Population]]

''For more information please see'': [[Atheist Population]]

In regards to the [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] as a percentage of various countries' populations, 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.  A survey published in the 2005 ''[[Encyclopedia Britannica]]'' stated that 2.3% of the world's population consists of individuals who profess "atheism, skepticism, disbelief, or irreligion, including the militantly antireligious."<ref>http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9432620</ref> In regards to the 2.3% figure just mentioned, the 2005 survey cited by ''Encyclopedia Britannica'' survey did not include [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] in regards to the 2.3% figure and Buddhism can be [[Theism|theistic]] or atheistic.<ref>http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/beliefs/atheism.htm</ref><ref>http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9432620</ref>

In respect to the [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] as a percentage of various countries' populations, 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.  A survey published in the 2005 ''[[Encyclopedia Britannica]]'' stated that 2.3% of the world's population consists of individuals who profess "atheism, skepticism, disbelief, or irreligion, including the militantly antireligious."<ref>http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9432620</ref> In regards to the 2.3% figure just mentioned, the 2005 survey cited by ''Encyclopedia Britannica'' survey did not include [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] in regards to the 2.3% figure and Buddhism can be [[Theism|theistic]] or atheistic.<ref>http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/beliefs/atheism.htm</ref><ref>http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9432620</ref>

== Other Well Known Proponents of Atheism ==

== Other Well Known Proponents of Atheism ==