Difference between revisions of "Atheism"

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[[File:Atheism.jpg|thumb|alt=atheism|right|226px|[[Portrait]] of [[Paul-Henri Thiry]], Baron d'Holbach (1723 - 1789) was an early advocate of atheism in [[Europe]].]]
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According to you guys, Atheists don't exist, so neither does this page anymore :)
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'''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:
 
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*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.). Retrieved July 17, 2014.
 
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*Sarfati, Jonathan, Ph.D. (23 June 2007). [http://creation.com/atheism-is-more-rational "Atheism is more rational?"]. Retrieved July 17, 2014.  See [[Creation Ministries International]], [[Jonathan Sarfati]].
 
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*Day, Donn R. (2007). [http://www.thedivineconspiracy.org/athart3.htm "Atheism - etymology"].  Retrieved July 15, 2014.</ref>
 
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As far as individuals adopting an [[Atheist worldview|atheistic worldview]], atheism has a number of causal factors which will be addressed shortly.
 
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In addition, an examination of atheism will be offered and some of the historical events relating to atheism will also be covered. For example, since [[World War II]] a majority of the most prominent and vocal defenders of the [[evolution|theory of evolution]] which employs [[methodological naturalism]] have been atheists or [[agnosticism|agnostics]].<ref name="Batten and Sarfati">Multiple references:
 
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* Batten, Dr. Don (December 1997). [http://creation.com/a-whos-who-of-evolutionists "A ''Who’s Who'' of evolutionists"].  Creation Ministries International. Originally published in ''Creation'' 20(1):32. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
 
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* Sarfati, Jonathan, Ph.D., F.M. (1999). [http://creation.com/refuting-evolution-chapter-1-evolution-creation-science-religion-facts-bias "Chapter 1: Facts and bias", ''Refuting Evolution''].  Retrieved July 17, 2014.
 
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</ref>
 
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==Types of atheism==
 
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''See also:'' [[Schools of atheist thought]] and [[Atheist factions]]
 
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[[File:Diagoras of melos.jpg|thumbnail|150px|right|[[Diagoras of Melos]] was an [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greek]] atheist, poet and [[sophism|sophist]] of the 5th century BC.]]
 
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===Atheism and why do atheists state they disbelieve?===
 
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Atheists claim there are two main reasons for their denial of the existence of God and/or disbelief in God: the conviction that there is positive evidence or argument that God does not exist ([[Strong atheism]] which is also sometimes called positive atheism), and their claim that theists bear the burden of proof to show that God exists, that they have failed to do so, and that belief is therefore unwarranted ([[Weak atheism]]).
 
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=== Some common manifestations of atheism ===
 
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Below are three common ways that atheism manifests itself:
 
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* [[Militant atheism]] which continues to suppress and oppress religious believers today (see also: [[Atheism and communism]]).
 
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* [[Philosophy|Philosophical]] atheism - Atheist philosophers assert that God does not exist. (See also: [[Naturalism (philosophy)|Naturalism]])
 
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* [[Practical atheism]]: atheism of the life - that is, ''living'' as though God does not exist.<ref>Dr. [[Martin Luther King]] in his sermon ''Rediscovering Lost Values'' spoke of "practical atheism".  King, Dr. Martin Luther (1954). [http://www.globatron.org/truth/rediscovering-lost-values-martin-luther-king-early-sermon "Rediscovering lost values"].  Retrieved from Globatron, July 16, 2014.  Caution:  Presumably copyrighted work in the U.S. until 2049 and in Canada until 2018.  For fair educational use only.</ref>
 
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=== Atheist factions ===
 
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''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Schools of atheist thought]] and [[Atheist cults]]
 
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Jacques Rousseau wrote in the ''Daily Maverick'': "[[Elevatorgate]]..has resulted in three weeks of infighting in the secular community. Some might observe that we indulge in these squabbles fairly frequently."<ref>Rousseau, Jacques (July 13, 2011). [http://dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2011-07-13-sticks-and-stones-may-break-my-bones-but-words-can-rip-my-soul "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can rip my soul"]. Daily Maverick [South Africa].  Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref> An ex-atheist wrote: "As an Atheist for 40 years, I noticed that there is not just a wide variety of [[Schools of atheist thought|Atheist positions]], but there exists an actual battle between certain [[Atheist factions]]."<ref>Forty Year Atheist, The (2007).  [http://www.atheism-analyzed.net/The%20Reasoning%20Atheist.htm "The reasoning atheist"].  Atheism Analyzed: The Reality Approach.  Retrieved July 16, 2014</ref>
 
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==== Testimony of Blair Scott about atheist infighting ====
 
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''See also:'' [[Atheist movement]]
 
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Blair Scott served on the [[American Atheists]] board of directors.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20140701062412/http://atheists.org/about-us/board-of-directors "Board of directors"] (July 1, 2014).  American Atheists.  Retrieved from Internet Archive, July 16, 2014.</ref>  Mr. Scott formerly served as a State Director for the [[American Atheists]] organization in the state of [[Alabama]].  On December 1, 2012 he quit his post as a director of outreach for the American Atheists due to infighting within the American [[atheist movement]].<ref name="Blair Scott">Scott, Blair (December 1, 2012). [http://news.atheists.org/2012/12/01/an-open-letter-from-blair-scott/ "An open letter from Blair Scott"].  American Atheists.  Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref>
 
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Mr. Blair wrote:
 
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{{cquote|I have spent the last week mulling over what I want to do at this point in the movement. I’m tired of the in-fighting: at every level. I am especially tired of allowing myself to get sucked into it and engaging in the very behavior that is irritating...me.<ref name="Blair Scott"/>}}
 
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=== Attempts to dilute the definition of atheism ===
 
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See: [[Attempts to dilute the definition of atheism]]
 
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== Biblical statements concerning atheism ==
 
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''see also:'' [[Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian]]
 
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[[File:Psalmist David2.jpg|thumb|115px|left|The psalmist [[David]] wrote: "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'"]]
 
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The writers of the [[Bible]] considered the existence of God to be self-evident and [[Moses]] simply wrote: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." ([[Genesis]] 1:1).<ref>Harr, Ken and Lisle, Dr. Jason (August 9, 2007). [http://www.answersingenesis.org/is-god-real/is-there-really-god/ "Chapter 1: Is there really a God?"] ''The New Answers Book''.  Answers in Genesis.  Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref>
 
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Accordingly, the psalmist [[David]] declared:
 
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"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." — [[Psalms]] 14:1 ([[King James Bible|KJV]])
 
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The psalmist David also wrote "The heavens declare the glory of God..." — Psalms 19:1
 
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In his letter to the Romans the [[Apostle Paul]] declared:
 
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"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse..." — [[Romans]] 1:19-20 (NKJV)
 
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== Atheists have a low retention rate compared to other worldviews ==
 
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[[File:Georgetown 2.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|In 2012, a [[Georgetown University]] study was published indicating that only about 30 percent of those who grow up in an atheist household remain atheists as adults.<ref name="retention rate">Nazworth, Nap (July 11, 2012). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-atheists-have-lowest-retention-rate-compared-to-religious-groups-78029/ "Study: atheists have lowest 'retention rate' compared to religious groups"]. christianpost.com. Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref>]]
 
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''See also:'' [[Atheism has a lower retention rate compared to other worldviews]] and [[Desecularization]]
 
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In 2012, a [[Georgetown University]] study was published indicating that only about 30 percent of those who grow up in an atheist household remain atheists as adults.<ref name="retention rate"/>  Similarly, according to recent research by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, in the United States, a majority of those surveyed who were raised in atheist or [[agnosticism|agnostic]] households, or where there was no specific religious attachment, later chose to join a religious faith.<ref>Multiple references:
 
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*Pearson, Christopher (May 9, 2009). [http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/defectors-to-faith-mark-a-growing-trend/story-e6frg7ko-1225710667095 "Defectors to faith mark a growing trend"]. from theaustralian.com.  Retrieved July 16, 2014.
 
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*Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life (February 2011). [http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1204/religion-changes-affiliations-survey "Faith in Flux"] from ''Faith in Flux:  Changes in Religious Affiliation in the U. S.''  PewResearchCenter.  Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref> See also: [[Atheism and poor relationships with parents]]
 
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A 2012 study by the General Social Survey of the social science research organization NORC at the University of Chicago found that belief in God rises with age, even in atheistic nations<ref>Harms, William (April 18, 2012). [http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2012/04/18/belief-god-rises-age-even-atheist-nations "Belief in God rises with age, even in atheist nations".] UChicagoNews.  Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref> See also: [[Atheism and immaturity]].
 
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In addition, in atheistic [[Communism|Communist]] China, Christianity is experiencing rapid growth.<ref name="Geoff, Robertson">Multiple references:
 
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*B., Geoff (August 9, 2007).  [http://www.millennialstar.org/christianity-exploding-in-china/ "Christianity exploding in China"]. The Millennial Star.  Retrieved July 16, 2014.
 
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*Robertson, Laura and Thomas, George (August 15, 2008). [http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/shows/cwn/2008/August/Christianity-Growing-in-China-/ "Christianity growing in China"] from cbn.com website.  Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref>  On July 3, 2005, the ''[[New York Times]]'' reported concerning many countries in the former [[Soviet Union]]: "A return to religion in [[Romania]] and the region's other formerly Communist countries has in many places outrun the speed at which the church can screen and train clergy..."<ref>Smith, Craig S. (July 3, 2005). [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/03/international/europe/03romania.html "A casualty on Romania's road back from atheism"]. From NYTimes.com.  Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref> See also: [[Desecularization]]
 
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=== Participation in the atheist community more difficult than in many communities ===
 
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''See also:'' [[Internet atheism]]
 
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In an essay entitled ''How the Atheist Movement Failed Me'', an [[atheism and women|atheist woman]] noted that participation in the atheist community is often expensive due to the cost of attending atheist conferences and even local atheist meetings in restaurants and bars challenged her modest budget.<ref>Amanda (August 10, 2012).  [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/08/10/how-the-atheist-movement-failed-me-part-1-cost/ "How the atheist movement failed me–part 1: cost"].  Friendly Atheist blog.  Retrieved on September 9, 2014.</ref>  As a result of the challenges that atheists commonly have in terms of socializing in person, many atheists [[Internet atheism|turn to the internet]] in terms of communicating with other atheists.<ref>Norris, Chuck (May 21, 2007).  [http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55789 "How to outlaw Christianity (steps 2 & 3)"].  WorldNetDaily.  Retrieved on September 9, 2014.  See [[Chuck Norris]].</ref> Often internet communication between atheists turns acrimonious and contentious (see: [[Atheist factions]]).
 
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== Atheism and education ==
 
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[[File:Alister McGrath.jpg|right|thumb|175px|[[Alister McGrath]] ]]
 
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''See also:'' [[Religion and education]] and [[Atheist indoctrination|Atheistic indoctrination and education]] and [[Atheism and intelligence]] and [[Atheism and academia]]
 
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In the [[United States]], religious belief is positively correlated to education; a scholarly study published in an academic journal titled the ''Review of Religious Research'' demonstrated that increased education is correlated with belief in God and that "education positively affects religious participation, devotional activities, and emphasizing the importance of religion in daily life."<ref>Multiple references:
 
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* Schwadel, Philip (2011). [http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13644-011-0007-4 "The effects of education on Americans’ religious practices, beliefs, and affiliations" [abstract&#93;.] ''Review of Religious Research'' 53:2. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13644-011-0007-4 DOI:10.1007/s13644-011-0007-4]. "(2) [E]ducation positively affects religious participation, devotional activities, and emphasizing the importance of religion in daily life; (3) education positively affects switching religious affiliations, particularly to a mainline Protestant denomination, but not disaffiliation; (4) education is positively associated with questioning the role of religion in secular society but not with support for curbing the public opinions of religious leaders; and (5) the effects of education on religious beliefs and participation vary across religious traditions. Education does influence Americans’ religious beliefs and activities, but the effects of education on religion are complex."  Abstract retrieved from link.springer.com, July 16, 2014.
 
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*{{cite web|title="Study: more educated tend to be more religious, by some measures"|author=Jim Kavanagh|date=11 August 2011|publisher=CNN|url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/11/study-more-educated-tend-to-be-more-religious-by-some-measures/|quote=‘With more years of education, you aren’t relatively more likely to say, “I don’t believe in God,”’ he said. ‘But you are relatively more likely to say, “I believe in a higher power.”’}} Retrieved July 17, 2014. See [[CNN]].
 
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*{{cite web|author=Daily Mail reporter|title="The more education people receive, the more religious they become?"|date=12 August 2011|publisher=Daily Mail|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2025166/The-education-people-receive-religious-become.html|quote=By analyzing data from a large national survey, sociologist Philip Schwadel of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that people tend to become more religious—by certain definitions—as they further their education. The survey also qualified what concept of God or a 'higher power' individuals held, as well as whether they had any doubts. Mr Schwadel said that: 'With more years of education, you aren’t relatively more likely to say, "I don’t believe in God," but you are relatively more likely to say, "I believe in a higher power."'}} Retrieved July 17, 2014.  See [[Daily Mail]].
 
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*{{cite web|author=Winkler, Amanda|title="More is more when it comes to education and religion", study says|date=13 August 2011|publisher=The Christian Post|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/who-is-more-religious-53865/|quote=Sociologist Philip Schwadel from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) studied this phenomenon. He discovered that people today tend to become more religious as they further their education.}} Retrieved July 17, 2014.</ref>
 
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One of the reasons education is positively correlated with belief in God in the United States is that the [[demography|demographics]] of people attending higher education has shifted due to more women and southerners attending higher education (these two groups are more likely to be [[theism|theists]].  See: [[Atheism and women]]).<ref>Bosmin, Barry (February 17, 2011).  [http://www.scienceandreligiontoday.com/2011/02/17/why-do-we-believe-that-higher-education-leads-to-atheism-if-it-doesnt/ "Why do we believe that higher education leads to atheism if it doesn’t?"] Science + religion Today.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.</ref>
 
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Stijn Ruiter, senior researcher at the [[Netherlands]] Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, and Frank van Tubergen, a professor of [[sociology]] in [[Utrecht]], analyzed 'religious participation' in 60 countries. Their research found no effect of education, but instead indicated that social/economic insecurity and the environment people grow up in have a significant impact.<ref>Multiple references:
 
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*Vlasblom, Dirk (October 22, 2009).  [http://vorige.nrc.nl/international/Features/article2394314.ece/Insecurity_not_education_determines_church_attendance "Insecurity not education determines church attendance"].  nrc.nl.  Retrieved on September 9, 2014.
 
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*Field, Clive (February 21, 2010).  [http://www.brin.ac.uk/news/2010/religious-attendance-in-cross-national-perspective/ "Religious attendance in cross-national perspective"].  British Religion in Numbers, University of Manchester.  Retreived on September 9, 2014. 
 
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*Ruiter, Stijn and van Tubergen, Frank (November 2009).  "Religious attendance in cross-national perspective: a multilevel analysis of 60 countries". ''American Journal of Sociology'', vol. 115, no. 3, pp. 863-95.</ref>
 
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=== Atheism in academia ===
 
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''See also:'' [[Atheism and academia]]
 
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In 2001, the atheist and [[Philosophy|philosopher]] Quentin Smith declared:
 
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{{cquote|[[Naturalism|Naturalists]] [atheists] passively watched as realist versions of [[theism]] … began to sweep through the philosophical community, until today perhaps one-quarter or one-third of philosophy professors are theists, with most being orthodox Christians…. God is not 'dead' in academia; he returned to life in the 1960's and is now alive and well in his last academic stronghold, philosophy departments."<ref>Craig, William Lane (2012).[http://www.reasonablefaith.org/theistic-critiques-of-atheism "Theistic critiques of atheism"].  Reasonable Faith.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014.  Unabridged version of article published 2007.  See [[William Lane Craig]].</ref>}}
 
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In 2004, Professor [[Alister McGrath]], professor of historical theology at Wycliffe Hall, [[Oxford University]] declared, "The golden age of atheism is over."<ref>Stewart, Marilyn (August 10, 2004).  [http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?ID=18837 "Nobts’ Oxford Study Program spans notable lectures & historical sites"].  Baptist Press.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014.</ref>
 
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For more information please see:
 
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*[[Atheist indoctrination|Atheistic indoctrination and education]]
 
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*[[Religion and education]]
 
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== Atheism and intelligence ==
 
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[[File:Howard gardner.jpg|thumbnail|205px|right|[[Howard Gardner]] developed the [[theory of multiple intelligences]]. ]]
 
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''See also:'' [[Atheism and intelligence]] and [[Atheism and the theory of multiple intelligences|Atheism and Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences]] and [[Causes of atheism]]
 
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Within various countries, standardized [[intelligence testing|intelligence test]] (IQ) scores related to the issue of atheists/[[agnosticism|agnostics]] vs. [[theism|theists]] intelligence scores yield conflicting results.<ref>[http://www.doxa.ws/other/smarter.html "Who is smarter; are atheists smarter than Christians?  An examination of studies"] (2007).  Doxa: Christian Thought in the 21st Century.  Retrieved on October 29, 2014.</ref> Part of the problem is that social scientists use variant [[Definition of atheism|definitions of atheism]].<ref>Multiple references:
 
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*Briggs, Dr. William M. (2013).  [http://www.strangenotions.com/atheists-higher-iqs/ "Do atheists really have higher IQs than believers?"]  Strange Notions.  Retrieved on October 29, 2014.
 
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*Wright, Bradley (January 26, 2012).  [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/blackwhiteandgray/2012/01/how-many-americans-are-atheists-fewer-than-you-might-think/ "How many Americans are atheists? Fewer than you might think"].  Black, White and Gray.  Retrieved on October 29, 2014.</ref>
 
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However, within individuals, families and societies irreligion/religion can have an effect on intelligence - especially over time (See: [[Atheism and intelligence]]).
 
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=== Flynn effect on intelligence: Secular/religious countries ===
 
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The Flynn effect is the significant and long-sustained increase intelligence test scores measured in many parts of the world from roughly 1930 to the present.<ref name=R2000>Raven, John (2000). [http://eyeonsociety.co.uk/resources/RPMChangeAndStability.pdf "The Raven's Progressive Matrices: Change and stability over culture and time"].  ''Cognitive Psychology'', vol. 41, pp. 1-48.  {{doi|10.1006/cogp.1999.0735}}.  Retrieved on October 29, 2014.</ref>  In some secular, economically developed countries, the Flynn effect has ceased and their scores on standardized intelligence tests are falling.<ref>Multiple references:
 
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*Singh, Gunjan (July 31, 2010).  [http://www.examiner.com/article/how-the-world-s-iq-is-decline "How the world's IQ is in decline"].  Examiner.com.  Retrieved on October 26, 2014. 
 
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*Lynn, Richard and Vanhanen, Tatu (2006).  ''IQ and Global Inequality'' (Augusta, GA:  Washington Summit Publishers). ISBN 1-59368-025-2
 
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*Hally, Thomas (aft. 2010).  [http://www.academia.edu/1203173/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_World_1_ "The Rise and Fall of the World's IQ"].  Academia.edu.  Retrieved on October 26, 2014.
 
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*Hunter, Philip (March 21, 2012).  [http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/science-and-technology/intelligence-quotient-james-flynn "Received wisdom: Average IQ is falling in Britain and beyond, explains Philip Hunter"].  ''Prospect'', April 2012.  Retrieved from Prospect Magazine website on October 26, 2014.</ref> However, the Flynn effect is continuing in developing countries which tend to be more religious (see: [[Intelligence trends in religious countries and secular countries]]).
 
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=== Intelligence trends: Secular countries and religious countries ===
 
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See: [[Intelligence trends in religious countries and secular countries]]
 
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=== Atheism and the theory of multiple intelligences ===
 
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See: [[Atheism and the theory of multiple intelligences|Atheism and the theory of multiple intelligences]]
 
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[[Howard Gardner]] at [[Harvard University]] developed the [[theory of multiple intelligences]] which has identified various distinct intelligences:  interpersonal, intrapersonal, visual–spatial, verbal–linguistic, logical–mathematical, musical–rhythmic, bodily–kinesthetic, and naturalistic.<ref>Lane, Carla.  [http://www.tecweb.org/styles/gardner.html "Multiple Intelligences"].  Excerpt from "The Distance Learning Technology Resource Guide".  Retrieved from The Education Coalition website on October 26, 2014.</ref> Gardner later suggested that [[moral intelligence]] may merit being included in his multiple intelligence model.<ref>Smith, Mark K. (2002, 2008).  [http://infed.org/mobi/howard-gardner-multiple-intelligences-and-education/ "Howard Gardner and multiple intelligences"].  The Encyclopedia of Informal Education.  Retrieved on October 26, 2014.</ref>
 
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For information related to atheism and various forms of intelligence, please see:
 
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* [[Atheism and the theory of multiple intelligences]]
 
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*[[Atheism and intelligence]]
 
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== Claims about the conditionality of atheism and doubts that atheists exist ==
 
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=== Conditionality or non-conditionality of atheism ===
 
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''See also:'' [[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]]
 
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Hannah More wrote: "[T]he mind, which knows not where to fly, flies to God.  In agony, nature is no Atheist.  The soul is drawn to God by a sort of natural impulse; not always, perhaps by an emotion of piety; but from a feeling conviction, that every other refuge is 'a refuge of lies'."<ref>More, Hannah (1815).  [http://archive.org/details/anessayoncharac00moregoog ''An Essay on the Character and Practical Writings of St. Paul''], 5th ed., vol. 2 (London:  T. Cadell and W. Davies), p. 234.  Retrieved from Internet Archive, July 16, 2014.</ref>
 
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=== Atheism and death anxiety ===
 
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[[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>Multiple references:
 
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*[http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/050628_deathfearfrm.htm "Fear of death: Worst if you’re a little religious?"] (July 13, 2005).  World Science.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.
 
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*Wink, P. L. and Scott, J. A. (July 2005).  [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" [abstract&#93;].  ''The Journals of Gerontology, series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences'', vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 207-14.  Abstract retrieved from PubMed.gov on October 6, 2014.</ref> See: [[Atheism and death]] ]]
 
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''See also:'' [[Atheism and death]] and [[Atheism and cryonics]] and [[Atheism and Hell]]
 
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On April 2, 2012, ''Science Daily'' reported that ''Death anxiety increases atheists' unconscious belief in God''.<ref name="Otago">University of Otago [New Zealand] (April 2, 2012).  [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094322.htm "Death anxiety increases atheists' unconscious belief in God"].  ScienceDaily.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.</ref> In a 2012 ''Psychology Today'' article, Dr. Nathan A. Heflick reported similar results in other studies.<ref name="Heflick">Heflick, Nathan A. (May 25, 2012).  [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 website.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.</ref>
 
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For more information on death anxiety in atheists and other types of individuals based on brain research studies (including studies that examined the effects of stress), please see the article: [[Atheism and death]]
 
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(Under stress, the brain's processing works in a way that prefers unconscious thinking.<ref>Multiple references:
 
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*Ruhr University Bochum (August 9, 2012). [http://aktuell.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/pm2012/pm00263.html.en "Learn to forecast the weather after stress"].  aktuell.ruhr-uni-bochum.de.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.
 
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*Gregoire, Carolyn (July 31, 2013).  [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/31/learn-under-stress-brain_n_3678222.html "How the brain learns successfully, even under stress"].  The Huffington Post.  Retrieved on October 3, 2013.</ref>)
 
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A United States study and a [[Taiwan]]ese study indicated that the irreligious fear death more than the very religious (Please see the article: [[Atheism and death]]).
 
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=== Atheism and hell ===
 
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''See also:''  [[Atheism and Hell]]
 
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The journalist and [[ex-atheists|ex-atheist]] [[Peter Hitchens]], who is the brother of the late atheist [[Christopher Hitchens]], said upon seeing an art exhibit of [[Michelangelo]]'s painting ''The Last Judgment'' he came to the realization that he might be judged which startled him.<ref name="PH">[http://vimeo.com/10354237 "Peter Hitchens author interview—The rage against God"] [interview of Peter Hitchens] (March 22, 2010).  Vimeo video, 8:38, posted by Gorilla Poet Productions.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.</ref> This started a train of thought within Peter Hitchens that eventually led him to become a [[Christian]].<ref name="PH"/> 
 
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For more information, please see: [[Atheism and Hell]]
 
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=== Atheism and cryonics ===
 
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See: [[Atheism and cryonics]] and [[Atheist cults]]
 
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[[Cryonics]] is a [[pseudoscience]] that tries to extend life or achieve immortality in a non-theistic way after a person is legally dead (Cryonic procedures are performed shortly after a person's death).<ref name="cryogenesis">Multiple references:
 
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*[http://dujs.dartmouth.edu/winter-2012/cryogenesis-a-review#.VDHE0RYy5l4 "Cryogenesis: A Review"] (March 11, 2012). Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science website.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.
 
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*Barbaro, Valerie (17 June 2011).  [http://thehumanist.com/july-august-2011/heaven-for-atheists/ "Heaven for atheists"].  TheHumanist.com.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.</ref>  Atheists [[Robert Ettinger]] and [[Isaac Asimov]] played a notable role in the founding of the cryonics movement.<ref name="Ettinger">Multiple references:
 
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*[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/science-obituaries/8658435/Robert-Ettinger.html "Robert Ettinger"] (July 24, 2011).  The Telegraph website.  Retrieved October 6, 2014.  "Despite his Jewish roots, he grew up a determined atheist."
 
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*Klein, Bruce (August 13, 2004).  [http://www.longecity.org/forum/topic/4112-the-father-of-cryonics-robert-c-w-ettinger/ "The Father of Cryonics, Robert C. W. Ettinger"] [Interview with Robert C. W. Ettinger].  Longecity.org.  Retrieved October 6, 2014.
 
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*Pascal, David (November/December 2005).  [http://www.cryonicssociety.org/articles_mensajournal.html "A brain is a terrible thing to waste.  Mensans, cryonics, and the fight to extend human life"].  Mensa Bulletin.  Retrieved from The Cryonics Society website on October 6, 2014.
 
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*[http://www.cryonicssociety.org/aboutcryonics_critics.html "Cryonics and critics"] (2012).  The Cryonics Society website.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.</ref>  According to The Cryonics Society, Asimov said of cryonics, "Though no one can quantify the probability of cryonics working, I estimate it is at least 90%..."<ref name="critics">[http://www.cryonicssociety.org/aboutcryonics_critics.html "Cryonics and critics"] (2012).  The Cryonics Society website.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.</ref>  For more information, please see: [[Atheism and cryonics]]
 
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=== Atheism and transhumanism ===
 
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See: [[Atheism and transhumanism]]
 
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=== There are no atheists in foxholes ===
 
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[[File:Foxhole.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Reverend William T. Cummings is famous for declaring ''[[There Are No Atheists In Foxholes|There are no atheists in foxholes]]''.<ref>Taylor-Blake, Bonnie (September 24, 2006). [http://listserv.linguistlist.org/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0609D&L=ads-l&P=15696 "'There are no atheists in [the&#93; foxholes'"]. Message posted to The American Dialect Society [Electronic] Mailing List, archived at ListServ 16.0.  Retrieved July 16, 2014.</ref>]]
 
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''See also:'' [[There Are No Atheists In Foxholes|There are no atheists in foxholes]] and [[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]]
 
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Reverend William T. Cummings is famous for declaring "[[There Are No Atheists In Foxholes|There are no atheists in foxholes]]."<ref>[http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,792459,00.html "Milestones [excerpt&#93;"] (October 15, 1945).  ''Time''.  Retrieved from Time magazine website, July 17, 2014.</ref> Chaplain F. W. Lawson of the 302d Machine Gun Battalion, who was wounded twice in wartime, stated "I doubt if there is such a thing as an atheist.  At least there isn't in a front line trench."<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9905EFD91239E13ABC4D51DFB7678383609EDE "Tells of religion in army.  Chaplain Lawson says there are no atheists in front line"] (November 25, 1918).  ''New York Times'', p. 13.  Retrieved from nytimes.com on July 17, 2014.</ref>On the other hand, the news organization NBC featured a story in which atheist veterans claimed that there are atheists in foxholes.<ref>Breen, Tom (April 2, 2011).[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/42391558/ns/us_news-military/t/army-group-coming-out-atheist-closet/#.UbgMndihjSg "Army group 'coming out of the atheist closet'"] from NBCNews.com Retrieved July 17, 2014.</ref>
 
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Research indicates that heavy combat has a positive correlation to the strength of the religious faith in soldiers during the battles and subsequent to the war if they indicated their experience was a negative experience (for more information please see: [[There Are No Atheists In Foxholes|There are no atheists in foxholes]]).
 
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Also, due to research showing that death anxiety increases atheists' unconscious belief in God, Dr. Nathan Heflick declared in a ''Psychology Today'' article, "But, at a less conscious (or pre-conscious) level, this research suggests that there might be less atheism in foxholes than atheists in foxholes report."<ref name="Heflick"/> Please see: [[Atheism and death]]
 
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=== Denials that atheists exist ===
 
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''See also:'' [[Denials that atheists exist]] and [[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]]
 
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It has been asserted by various theists that atheists do not exist and that atheists are actively suppressing their belief and knowledge of God and enigmatically engage in self-deception and in the deception of others (see: [[Denials that atheists exist]] and [[Atheism and deception]]). In atheistic [[Japan]], researchers found that Japanese children see the world [[Intelligent design|as designed]].<ref name="Catchpoole">[http://creation.com/children-see-the-world-as-designed Children see the world as designed] by David Catchpoole, Published: 16 July 2009(GMT+10) at Creation.com</ref><ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=BGU7LZ2bQ4cC&pg=PA109&lpg=PA109&dq=As+for+me,+I+don%E2%80%99t+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.&source=bl&ots=die9xMUdsB&sig=3dAJOK34aBalYieFKcJLdGpwFjY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=NXhqVMSmHMexyASUyYKIBw&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=As%20for%20me%2C%20I%20don%E2%80%99t%20see%20myself%20as%20so%20much%20dust%20that%20has%20appeared%20in%20the%20world%20but%20as%20a%20being%20that%20was%20expected%2C%20prefigured%2C%20called%20forth.%20In%20short%2C%20as%20a%20being%20that%20could%2C%20it%20seems%2C%20come%20only%20from%20a%20creator%3B%20and%20this%20idea%20of%20a%20creating%20hand%20that%20created%20me%20refers%20me%20back%20to%20God.&f=false ''Escape from God: The Use of Religion and Philosophy to Evade Responsibility'' By Dean Turner, page 109]</ref>
 
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== Atheists/agnostics seeing their lives and the world as being the product of design ==
 
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''See also:'' [[Atheists and belief in fate and in intelligent design]] and [[Atheism and beliefs]]
 
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One of the most popular arguments for God's existence is the [[teleological argument]]. Derived from the Greek word ''telos'', which refers to purpose or end, this argument hinges on the idea that the world gives evidence of being designed, and concludes that a divine designer must be posited to account for the orderly world we encounter.
 
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Research and historical data indicate that a significant portion of atheists/agnostics often see their lives and the world as being the product of purposeful design (see: [[Atheists and belief in fate and in intelligent design]]).<ref>
 
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*[http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/19/opinion/sunday/does-everything-happen-for-a-reason.html ''Does everything happen for a reason?''],'' New York Times'', October 17, 2014
 
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*[http://creation.com/children-see-the-world-as-designed Children see the world as designed] by  David Catchpoole, [[Creation Ministries International]], Published: 16 July 2009
 
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*Atheist [[Jean-Paul Sartre]] made the candid confession: "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 wont of being able to think otherwise." Source: ''Escape from God: The Use of Religion and Philosophy to Evade Responsibility'' By Dean Turner, page 109
 
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*The ''Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' declares about the agnostic/[[weak atheism|weak atheist]] [[Charles Darwin]]: "In 1885, the Duke of Argyll recounted a conversation he had had with Charles Darwin the year before Darwin's death: In the course of that conversation I said to Mr. Darwin, with reference to some of his own remarkable works on the Fertilization of [[Orchid]]s, and upon The [[Earthworm]]s, and various other observations he made of the wonderful contrivances for certain purposes in nature — I said it was impossible to look at these without seeing that they were the effect and the expression of Mind. I shall never forget Mr. Darwin's answer. He looked at me very hard and said, 'Well, that often comes over me with overwhelming force; but at other times,' and he shook his head vaguely, adding, 'it seems to go away.'(Argyll 1885, 244)[http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/teleological-arguments/notes.html Notes to Teleological Arguments for God's Existence]</ref> For example, late in his life, the [[agnosticism|agnostic]]/[[weak atheism|weak atheist]] and evolutionist [[Charles Darwin]] often had overwhelming thoughts that the world [[Intelligent design|was designed]].<ref>[http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/teleological-arguments/notes.html Notes to Teleological Arguments for God's Existence]</ref>
 
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See also:
 
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*[[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]]
 
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==Atheism and [[communism]] ==
 
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''see also:'' [[Atheism and communism]] and [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheism and economics]] and [[Atheism and Mass Murder|Atheism and mass murder]] and [[Atheist cults]] and [[Atheism and Karl Marx]]
 
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[[Image:Khvhkgfiy.jpg|left|thumbnail|150px|[[Vladimir Lenin]]]]
 
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=== Atheists Karl Marx and Vladmir Lenin ===
 
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[[Karl Marx]] said "[Religion] is the opium of the people".  Marx also stated: "[[Communism]] begins from the outset (Owen) with atheism; but atheism is at first far from being communism; indeed, that atheism is still mostly an abstraction.<ref>Mulligan, Martin (1959). [http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1844/manuscripts/comm.htm "Private property and communism"] translation of Marx, Karl (1932), ''Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844'' (Moscow:  Progress Publishers).  Retrieved on July 17, 2014.  Caution:  Presumably copyrighted in the United States until 2054 and in the United Kingdom until 2029.  For fair educational use only.</ref>
 
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[[Vladimir Lenin]] similarly wrote regarding atheism and communism: "A Marxist must be a [[materialism|materialist]], i.e., an enemy of religion, but a dialectical materialist, i.e., one who treats the struggle against religion not in an abstract way, not on the basis of remote, purely theoretical, never varying preaching, but in a concrete way, on the basis of the [[class struggle]] which is going on in practice and is educating the masses more and better than anything else could."<ref>Rothstein, Andrew and Issacs, Bernard (1973). [http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1909/may/13.htm "The attitude of the worker's party to religion"] translation of Lenin, Vladimir (1909), ''Proletary'', No. 45, May 13 (26), ''Collected Works'', (Moscow: Progress Publishers) vol. 15, pp. 402-13.  Retrieved on July 17, 2014.  Caution:  Presumably copyrighted in the United States until 2068.  For fair educational use only. </ref>
 
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=== The Russian revolution caused the most notable spread of atheism ===
 
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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> Vitalij Lazarʹevič Ginzburg, a Soviet physicist, wrote that the "[[Bolshevik]] communists were not merely atheists but, according to [[Lenin]]'s terminology, [[militant atheist]]s."<ref name="Lenin & militant atheism">{{cite web|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=ufC9Ar8iuDcC&pg=PA161&dq=The+Bolshevik+communists+were+not+merely+atheists+but,+according+to+Lenin%27s+terminology,+militant+atheists.&hl=en&sa=X&ei=1oFUUdj6PIiK0QGvq4CAAw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=The%20Bolshevik%20communists%20were%20not%20merely%20atheists%20but%2C%20according%20to%20Lenin's%20terminology%2C%20militant%20atheists.&f=false|title =''On Superconductivity and Superfluidity: A Scientific Autobiography'' |author=Vitalij Lazarʹevič Ginzburg|publisher = Springer Science+Business Media|pages=p. 161|year=2009|quote=The Bolshevik communists were not merely atheists but, according to Lenin's terminology, militant atheists.|accessdate = July 17, 2014}}</ref> However, prior to this, the [[Reign of Terror]] of the [[French Revolution]] established an [[atheist state]], with the official ideology being the [[Cult of Reason]]; during this time thousands of believers were suppressed and executed by the [[guillotine]].<ref>Multiple references:
 
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<!-- Guillotine -->*{{cite web|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=bf3m7IVAa9gC&pg=PA461&dq=France+atheism+guillotine++Christians+executed&hl=en&sa=X&ei=l4lUUaTRBufG0QGe0IHACA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=France%20atheism%20guillotine%20%20Christians%20executed&f=false|title =''Christianity: The eBook''|author=James Adair|publisher = JBE Online Books|year=2007|quote=Although the Civil Constitution called for religious liberty, which was extended to Jews as well as Christians, many revolutionaries pushed for the establishment of a new state religion, either the Cult of Reason (atheists) or the Cult of the Supreme Being (Deists). Changes to the calendar eliminated references to Christian holidays, and even the ancient seven-day week, and a list of officially recognized saints included such famous thinkers such as Socrates, Jesus, Marcus Aurelius, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. A period of political persecution, often with religious overtones, broke out, known as the Reign of Terror. Thousands of people were executed by the guillotine, including many of the original leaders of the French Revolution.|pages=p. 461|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}
 
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<!-- France -->*{{cite web|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=9WkBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA105&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =''Memoirs of the Reign of George III. to the Session of Parliament ending A.D. 1793'', Volume 5|page=105|author=William Belsham|publisher = G.G. & J. Robinson|year=1801|quote=In allusion to the monstrous transactions of this portentous period, it has been eloquently and energetically observed, 'that the reign of atheism in France was avowed the reign of terror. In the full madness of their career, in the highest climax of their horrors, they shut up the temples of God, abolished His worship, and proclaimed death to be an eternal sleep:—in the very centre of Christendom, Revelation underwent a total eclipse, while atheism, performing on a darkened theatre its strange and fearful tragedy, confounded the first elements of society, blended every age, rank, and sex, indiscriminate proscription and massacre, and convulsed all Europe to its centre, that the imperishable memorial of these events might teach the last generations of mankind to consider religion as the pillar of society, the parent of social order, and the safe-guard of nations.'<br>"It is wonderful that, amid the horrors of this dismal period, while 'the death dance of democratic revolution' was still in rapid movement, among the tears of affliction, and the cries of despair, 'the masque, the song, the theatric scene, the buffoon laughter, went on as regularly as in the gay hour of festive peace.'|pages=pp. 105-6|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}
 
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<!-- Reign of Terror -->*{{cite web|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=Tt5rqiCP1p8C&pg=PA57&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =''Christianity, Islam, and Atheism: The Struggle for the Soul of the West''|author=William Kilpatrick|publisher = Ignatius Press|year=2012|quote=Actually, it's helpful to think in terms of two Enlightenments: the Enlightenment that cut itself off from God. The former led to the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the abolition of slavery, and the civil rights movement. The latter led to the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, the suppression of church by state, and the godless philosophies of Marx and Nietzsche and their offspring—National Socialism and communism. More recently the abandonment of God has led to the regime of cultural relativism that regards rights as arbitrary constructions.<br>"It's this second Enlightenment tradition that Cardinal Ratzinger referred to when he wrote, 'The radical detachment of the Enlightenment philosophy from its roots ultimately leads it to dispense with man.' Actually this transition happened not 'ultimately' but almost immediately. The first instance occurred when Enlightenment worship of abstract 'reason' and 'liberty' degenerated quickly into the mass murders committed during the antireligious Reign of Terror in France. 'Liberty, what crimes are committed in your name', said Madam Rolande as she faced the statue of Liberty in the Place de la Revolution movements before her death at the guillotine. She was one of the early victims of a succession of secular systems based on rootless notions of 'liberty', 'equality', and 'reason'.<br>"As many historians have pointed out, the atheist regimes of modern times are guilty of far more crimes than any committed in the name of religion. Communist governments alone were guilty of more than one hundred million murders, most of them committed against their own people.|pages=p. 57|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}</ref>
 
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=== Communism, militant atheism, repression, mass murder and Christian persecution ===
 
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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>Multiple references:
 
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*Kent, Jo Ling (April 28, 2011). [http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/28/china.church.crackdown/index.html?hpt=T2 "Underground Christians fear China crackdown"]. CNN.com.  Retrieved July 18, 2014.
 
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*Yakovlev, Alexander N. (2002). [http://books.google.com/books?visbn=0300103220&id=ChRk43tVxTwC&pg=PA165&lpg=PA165&ots=ICIxg28Jud&dq=a+century+of+violence+in+soviet+russia+the+Russian+Orthodox+clergy&ie=ISO-8859-1&sig=C9k9Hr7Vn222WCHf_1iSJOHVsgo#v=onepage&q=&f=false ''A Century of Violence in Soviet Russia''] translated by Austin, Anthony (New Haven: Yale University Press), p. 165.  Retrieved July 18, 2014.
 
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*Braga, Fr. Roman (1996). [http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/frroman1.aspx "On compromise in the hierarchy during the Communist yoke"].  Orthodox Christian Information Center.  Retrieved July 18, 2014.
 
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*Clyne, Meghan (November 16, 2005). [http://www.nysun.com/article/23082?page_no=1 "Korean reds targeting Christians"]. The New York Sun. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
 
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*Siemon-Netto, Uwe (May 7, 2003). [http://northkoreanchristians.com/chinese-atrocities.html "North Korean and Chinese atrocities against Christians worsen"].  NewsMax.  Retrieved from NorthKoreanChristians.com on July 18, 2014.
 
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*[http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35818 "China sends Bible owners to labor camp"] (November 26, 2003). WorldNetDaily. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
 
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*[http://theworldnow.wordpress.com/tag/around-the-world/asia/china/ "China: Christians tortured while under arrest"] (September 27, 2006).  The World Now.  Retrieved July 18, 2014.</ref> 
 
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The [[persecution of Christians in the USSR|persecution of Christians in the Soviet Union]] was the result of the violently atheist [[Soviet]] government.  In the first five years after the [[October Revolution]], 28 bishops and 1,200 priests were murdered, many on the orders of [[Leon Trotsky]].  When [[Joseph Stalin]] came to power in 1927, he ordered his secret police, under [[Genrikh Yagoda]] to intensify persecution of Christians.  In the next few years, 50,000 clergy were murdered, many were [[torture]]d, including [[crucifixion]].  "Russia turned red with the blood of martyrs", said Father Gleb Yakunin of the [[Russian Orthodox Church]].<ref>Ostling, Richard N. (December 4, 1989).  [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,150718,00.html "Cross meets Kremlin: Gorbachev and Pope John Paul II"]. ''Time''.  Retrieved from Time magazine website July 18, 2014.</ref>  According to Orthodox Church sources, as many as fifty million Orthodox believers may have died in the twentieth century, mainly from persecution by [[Communists]].<ref>Moore, Rev. Fr. Raphael (October 1999). [http://www.serfes.org/printerVersion2.asp?URL=/orthodox/memoryof.htm "In memory of the 50 million victims of the Orthodox Christian Holocaust"], Spiritual Nourishment for the Soul, Serfes, Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios, compiler.  Retrieved July 18, 2014.</ref>
 
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In addition, in the atheistic and communist Soviet Union, 44 anti-religious museums were opened and the largest was the 'The Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism' in [[Leningrad]]’s Kazan cathedral.<ref>Humphrey (December 16, 2008). [http://bedejournal.blogspot.com/2008/12/merry-anti-christmas.html "Merry Anti-Christmas!"] Quodlibeta.  Retrieved July 18, 2014.</ref>  Despite intense effort by the atheistic leaders of the Soviet Union, their efforts were not effective in converting the masses to atheism.<ref>Multiple references:
 
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*Humphrey (December 16, 2008). [http://bedejournal.blogspot.com/2008/12/merry-anti-christmas.html "Merry Anti-Christmas!"] Quodlibeta.  Retrieved July 18, 2014.
 
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*Froese, Paul (March 2004). [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bpl/jssr/2004/00000043/00000001/art00003?crawler=true "Forced secularization in Soviet Russia:  why an atheistic monopoly failed" [abstract&#93;].  ''Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion'', vol. 43, 1, pp. 35-50.  Abstract retrieved from Ingentaconnect on July 18, 2014.</ref>
 
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[[File:China location.png|thumbnail|right|250px|With its large population, [[China]] has the largest population of atheists with 8 - 14% of Chinese being atheists.<ref>[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf "The largest atheist/agnostic populations"].  Chris & Terri Chapman.  Retrieved July 18, 2014.  Countries with the largest atheist populations.</ref> The religious landscape of China is quickly changing, however, due to the rapid growth of Christianity. <ref name="Geoff, Robertson"/> See also: [[Global atheism]] ]]
 
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[[China]] is a communist country. 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." In 2003, owners of [[Bible]]s in China were sent to prison camps and 125 Chinese churches were closed.<ref>[http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35818 "China sends Bible owners to labor camp"] (November 26, 2003). ''WorldNetDaily''. Retrieved July 18, 2014.</ref>  China continues to practice religious oppression today.<ref>[http://theworldnow.wordpress.com/tag/around-the-world/asia/china/ "China: Christians tortured while under arrest"] (September 27, 2006). ''The World Now''.  Retrieved July 18, 2014.</ref>
 
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The efforts of China's atheist leaders in promoting atheism, however, is increasingly losing its effectiveness and the number of [[Christianity|Christians]] in China is rapidly growing.<ref name="Geoff, Robertson"/>  China's state sponsored atheism and atheistic indoctrination has been a failure and a 2007 religious survey in China indicated that only 15% of Chinese identified themselves as atheists.<ref>Briggs, David (January 23, 2011).  [http://life.nationalpost.com/2011/01/23/huffington-post-chinas-state-sponsored-atheism-a-failure/ "Huffington Post: China’s state-sponsored atheism a failure" [excerpt&#93;].  National Post website.  Excerpt retrieved July 18, 2014.</ref>
 
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[[North Korea]] is a repressive communist state and is officially atheistic.<ref>Lee, Sunny (May 12, 2007). [http://web.archive.org/web/20130521065544/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/IE12Dg01.html "God forbid, religion in North Korea?"]  Asia Times Online.  Archived at Internet Archive on May 21, 2013.  Retrieved on July 18, 2014.</ref> The North Korean government practices brutal repression and atrocities against North Korean [[Christianity|Christians]].<ref>Multiple references:
 
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*Clyne, Meghan (November 16, 2005). [http://www.nysun.com/article/23082?page_no=1 "Korean reds targeting Christians"]. The New York Sun. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
 
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*Siemon-Netto, Uwe (May 7, 2003). [http://northkoreanchristians.com/chinese-atrocities.html "North Korean and Chinese atrocities against Christians worsen"].  NewsMax.  Retrieved from NorthKoreanChristians.com on July 18, 2014.</ref>
 
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==== Atheistic communism and mass murder ====
 
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It has been estimated that in less than the past 100 years, governments under the banner of communism have caused the death of somewhere between 40,472,000 to 259,432,000 human lives.<ref>Multiple references:
 
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*[http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/finalconflict/fcrevb102.html "The black book of communism"].  Review of ''The Black Book of Communism''.  Final Conflict [U. K.] website.  Retrieved July 19, 2014.
 
−
*[http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~hpcws/lelivrenoir.htm "''The Black Book of Communism''"].  Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences website:  Cold War Studies.  Retrieved July 19, 2014.
 
−
*Rummel, R. J. (November 1993).  [http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/COM.ART.HTM "How many did communist regimes murder?"]  University of Hawaii website; Freedom, Democracy, Peace; Power, Democide, and War.  Retrieved July 19, 2014.
 
−
*White, Matthew (February 2011).  [http://necrometrics.com/20c5m.htm "Source list and detailed death tolls for the primary megadeaths of the twentieth century"].  Necrometrics.  Retrieved July 19, 2014.
 
−
*Radosh, Ronald (February 2000).  [http://www.firstthings.com/article.php3?id_article=2526 "''The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression''"]. First Things [journal] website.  Retrieved July 19, 2014.</ref> Dr. R. J. Rummel, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Hawaii, is the scholar who first coined the term democide (death by government). Dr. R. J. Rummel's mid estimate regarding the loss of life due to communism is that communism caused the death of approximately 110,286,000 people between 1917 and 1987.<ref>Rummel, R. J. (November 1993).  [http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/COM.ART.HTM "How many did communist regimes murder?"]  University of Hawaii website; Freedom, Democracy, Peace; Power, Democide, and War.  Retrieved July 19, 2014.</ref> [[Richard Dawkins]] has attempted to [[Richard Dawkins, atheist atrocities, and historical revisionism|engage in historical revisionism concerning atheist atrocities and Dawkins was shown to be in gross error]].
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism, politics and related matters ===
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Militant atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and mass murder]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and communism]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[History of Atheism|History of atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and politics]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and economics]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and forced labor]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Criticism of atheism and the atheist community ==
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian|Resources for leaving atheism]] and [[Christian apologetics]] and [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments]]
 
−
 
 
−
The word apologetics comes directly from the ancient Greek word apologia which is a derivative of a word meaning to speak in one's defence.<ref>[http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/apologia.html Apologia], BibleStudytools.com</ref> [[Christian apologetics]] is a field of Christian [[theology]] which focuses on the evidence and arguments for [[Christianity]] and the evidence and arguments opposing other [[worldview]]s.
 
−
 
 
−
===Commonly Cited Arguments Against Atheism and For Theism ===
 
−
[[Image:Anselm.jpg|thumbnail|right|150px|[[Anselm of Canterbury]]'s  version of the [[ontological argument]] appeared in his work ''Proslogium''.]]
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Christian apologetics]] and [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments]]
 
−
 
 
−
In relation to the debate between theism and atheism, theists often criticize atheism as being contrary to persuasive argument and have a number of arguments against atheism. [[Arguments for the existence of God]] include:
 
−
<br />
 
−
* [[Teleological argument]]: The universe exhibits overwhelming evidence of deliberate, intelligent, purposeful design, which implies an [[intelligent design]]er. See also: [[Evolution|Arguments against evolution]] and [[Origin of life]]
 
−
 
 
−
*Lack of objective moral standards. Not possessing a coherent basis for [[morality]], [[atheist]]s are fundamentally [[Moral_relativism|incapable]] of having a coherent system of morality.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Copan, Paul (2008). [http://www.paulcopan.com/articles/pdf/God-naturalism-morality.pdf "God, naturalism, and the foundations of morality"].  ''The Future of Atheism'', ed. Robert Stewart (Minneapolis: Fortress Press), pp. 141-161.  Retrieved form PaulCopan.com on October 3, 2014.
 
−
*Williams, Peter S. (2011). [http://www.bethinking.org/morality/can-moral-objectivism-do-without-god "Can moral objectivism do without God?"].  Bethinking.org Retrieved on October 3, 2014.
 
−
*Meister, Chad (2010).  [http://www.equip.org/articles/atheists-and-the-quest-for-objective-morality/ "Atheists and the quest for objective morality"].  ''Christian Research Journal'', vol. 33, no. 2.  Retrieved from Christian Research Institute website on October 3, 2014.
 
−
*Slick, Matt (2009).  [http://carm.org/failure-of-atheism-to-account-for-morality "The failure of atheism to account for morality"].  Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry website.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.</ref>  See also: [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Moral failures of the atheist community|List of the moral failures of the atheist community]] and [[Atheism and hedonism]] and [[Atheist hypocrisy]]
 
−
 
 
−
* [[Cosmological argument]]: Every event in our [[universe]] necessarily has a cause. However, it is impossible that there should be an unending chain of causes going back. Therefore, there necessarily must be a cause ''distinct'' from the universe as we know it which is capable of causing all things and is itself uncaused. Atheism denies that that [[First Cause|first cause]] is God. The scientific evidence demonstrates that the [http://www.creationencounter.com/space/lawsofscience.php universe is not eternal] and Christians point out that [http://creation.com/who-created-god the question "Who created God" is an illogical question.]
 
−
*[[Atheism and irrationality]] - Atheism cannot account for the laws of logic, consciousness or human reason.
 
−
 
 
−
* [[Bible prophecy]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and the Problem of Evil]] (see also: [[Atheism and hell]] and [[Pascal's wager]])
 
−
 
 
−
* Historical arguments for the existence of God. For example, arguments stemming from historical accounts such as [[Christian apologetics|Christian historical apologetics]], [[Christian Legal Apologetics|Christian legal apologetics]] and archaeological evidence such as [[Bible Archaeology|Bible archaeology]];
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Rebuttals to atheist arguments|Common arguments against atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
* [[Ontological argument]]: According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, "Ontological arguments are arguments, for the conclusion that God exists, from premises which are supposed to derive from some source other than observation of the world — e.g., from reason alone."<ref>Oppy, Graham (July 15, 2011). [http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ontological-arguments/ "Ontological arguments"]. ''The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' (Spring 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.). Retrieved July 19, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
[[Image:Bahnsen.jpg‎|thumb|150px|Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] became known as "the man [[atheism|atheists]] fear most" due to [[Michael Martin]]'s cancellation of their scheduled debate.<ref name="MartinBahnsen">Multiple references:
 
−
*Frame, John (2012).  [http://www.frame-poythress.org/frame_articles/Bahnsen.htm "Bahnsen at the Stein debate"].  Frame and Poythress.  Retrieved on October 23, 2014.
 
−
*[http://simpleapologetics.com/thegreatdebate.html "The great debate: Greg Bahnsen vs Gordon Stein"] (2012).  Simple Apologetics.  Retrieved on October 23, 2014.</ref>]]
 
−
 
 
−
* Experiential arguments for the existence of God: Arguments based on personal experience and human intuition. According to philosopher [[Alvin Plantinga]] belief in the existence of God exists is a "properly basic" belief and not based on inference from other beliefs but is rationally justified due to one's circumstances of immediate experience of God.<ref>Craig, William Lane (1991).  [http://www.leaderu.com/truth/3truth01.html "Introduction:  the resurrection of theism"].  ''Truth: A Journal of Modern Thought'', vols. 3 & 4.  Retrieved from LeadershipU on July 19, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Presuppositional Apologetics]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and love]].  Atheists cannot give a satisfactory/robust explanation for the existence of [[love]].<ref>[http://www.strangenotions.com/atheists-love/ How do atheists define love?]</ref><ref>[https://atheistforum.wordpress.com/2014/07/09/what-is-love-how-materialist-atheism-fails-to-have-a-satisfactory-answer/ What is love? how materialist atheism fails to have a satisfactory answer], July 9, 2014</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Argument from beauty]]<ref>Williams, Peter (Summer 2001).  [http://www.quodlibet.net/articles/williams-aesthetic.shtml "Aesthetic arguments for the existence of God"].  ''Quodlibet Journal'' vol. 3:3.  Retrieved from Quodlibet Journal website on July 19, 2014.</ref> See also: [[Atheism and musical–rhythmic intelligence and artistic intelligence|Atheism and art/music]] and [[Atheism and a lack of appreciation for the beauty of the human body|Atheism and the beauty of the human body]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and Miracles]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://creationwiki.org/Bible_scientific_foreknowledge Bible scientific foreknowledge]
 
−
 
 
−
* Lack of proof and evidence that atheism is true contrasted with the strong evidence supporting Christianity. A [[Shockofgod|popular YouTube Christian channel]] has flustered the [[Internet atheism|internet atheist community]] by asking atheists what proof and evidence they have that atheism is true.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bBE1bos6JU "Shockofgod calls into atheist radio show - hilarious! Part 1"] (November 26, 2009).  YouTube video, 9:37, posted by MultiArchangel.  Retrieved on July 19, 2014.
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKBZoWDfQA4 "Shockofgod calls into atheist radio show.  Hilarious! Part 2"] (November 26, 2009).  YouTube video, 8:31, posted by theshockawards.  Retrieved on July 19, 2014.
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjS__cWr0Y0 "The question that is causing atheists to abandon atheism"] (August 6, 2010).  YouTube video, 14:54, posted by shockofgod.  Retrieved on July 19, 2014.</ref> Atheism requires blind faith. Atheism is a [[Atheism is a religion|faith based religion]] and it is a [[worldview]] which has no evidential support.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciVL86XQlvM "There is no proof and evidence that atheism is true:  thus atheism is null and void"] (January 13, 2012).  YouTube video, 1:28, posted by shockofgod.  Retrieved on July 19, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and the Bible]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism website resources|Various Christian apologetic resources focusing on atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and the suppression of science]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Argument from desire]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian]]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
For more information, please see: [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments|Refutations of atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
===Atheism and mass murder===
 
−
[[Image:Stalin-140508 27880t.jpg|right|202px|thumb|The [[militant atheism|militant atheistic]] regime of [[Joseph Stalin]] killed tens of millions of people.]]
 
−
:''See articles: [[Atheism and Mass Murder]]'' and [[Atheism and communism]] and [[Atheism and sadism]] and [[Atheism and forced labor]]
 
−
Christian apologist Gregory Koukl wrote relative to [[Atheism and Mass Murder|atheism and mass murder]] that "the assertion is that religion has caused most of the killing and bloodshed in the world.
 
−
There are people who make accusations and assertions that are empirically false. This is one of them."<ref name="Koukl">Koukl, Gregory (February 20, 2013). [http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5527 "The real murderers:  atheism or Christianity?"] Stand to Reason.  Retrieved July 19, 2014.</ref>
 
−
Koukl details the number of people killed in various events involving theism and compares them to the much higher tens of millions of people killed under regimes which advocated atheism.<ref name="Koukl" />  As noted earlier, [[Richard Dawkins]] has attempted to [[Richard Dawkins, atheists atrocities, and historical revisionism|engage in historical revisionism concerning atheist atrocities and Dawkins was shown to be in gross error]].
 
−
 
 
−
Koukl summarized by stating:
 
−
{{cquote|It is true that it's possible that religion can produce evil, and generally when we look closer at the detail it produces evil because the individual people are actually living in a rejection of the tenets of Christianity and a rejection of the God that they are supposed to be following. So it can produce it, but the historical fact is that outright rejection of God and institutionalizing of atheism actually does produce evil on incredible levels. We're talking about tens of millions of people as a result of the rejection of God.<ref name="Koukl" />}}
 
−
[[Image:Solzhenitsyn.jpg‎|thumb|150px|left|[[Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn]]]]
 
−
[[Nobel Prize]] winner [[Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn]] was asked to account for the great tragedies that occurred under the brutal [[communism|communist]] regime he and fellow citizens suffered under.
 
−
 
 
−
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote:
 
−
{{cquote|Over a half century ago, while I was still a child, I recall hearing a number of old people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen [[Russia]]: "Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened.''
 
−
 
 
−
Since then I have spend well-nigh 50 years working on the history of our revolution; in the process I have read hundreds of books, collected hundreds of personal testimonies, and have already contributed eight volumes of my own toward the effort of clearing away the rubble left by that upheaval. But if I were asked today to formulate as concisely as possible the main cause of the ruinous revolution that swallowed up some 60 million of our people, I could not put it more accurately than to repeat: "Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened."<ref>Humber, Paul G., M.S. (1987). [http://www.icr.org/article/stalins-brutal-faith/ "Stalin's brutal faith"].  ''Acts & Facts''. 16 (10).  Retrieved from Institute for Creation Research on July 19, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
[[File:Vox Day.jpg|thumbnail|right|175px|[[Vox Day]] ]]
 
−
In 2008, [[Vox Day]] notes concerning atheism and mass murder:
 
−
{{cquote|Apparently it was just an amazing coincidence that every Communist of historical note publicly declared his atheism … .there have been twenty-eight countries in world history that can be confirmed to have been ruled by regimes with avowed atheists at the helm … These twenty-eight historical regimes have been ruled by eighty-nine atheists, of whom more than half have engaged in democidal acts of the sort committed by Stalin and Mao …
 
−
 
 
−
The total body count for the ninety years between 1917 and 2007 is approximately 148 million dead at the bloody hands of fifty-two atheists, three times more than all the human beings killed by war, civil war, and individual crime in the entire twentieth century combined.
 
−
 
 
−
The historical record of collective atheism is thus 182,716 times worse on an annual basis than Christianity’s worst and most infamous misdeed, the Spanish Inquisition. It is not only Stalin and Mao who were so murderously inclined, they were merely the worst of the whole [[Atheism and Hell|Hell]]-bound lot. For every Pol Pot whose infamous name is still spoken with horror today, there was a Mengistu, a Bierut, and a Choibalsan, godless men whose names are now forgotten everywhere but in the lands they once ruled with a red hand.
 
−
 
 
−
Is a 58 percent chance that an atheist leader will murder a noticeable percentage of the population over which he rules sufficient evidence that atheism does, in fact, provide a systematic influence to do bad things? If that is not deemed to be conclusive, how about the fact that the average atheist crime against humanity is 18.3 million percent worse than the very worst depredation committed by Christians, even though atheists have had less than one-twentieth the number of opportunities with which to commit them. If one considers the statistically significant size of the historical atheist set and contrasts it with the fact that not one in a thousand religious leaders have committed similarly large-scale atrocities, it is impossible to conclude otherwise, even if we do not yet understand exactly why this should be the case. Once might be an accident, even twice could be coincidence, but fifty-two incidents in ninety years reeks of causation!<ref>Mariano (June 11, 2009).  [http://creation.com/atheism "Atheism"].  Creation Ministries International.  Retrieved on July 19, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
See also:
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Militant atheism]]
 
−
*[[Atheism and communism]]
 
−
*[[Atheism and forced labor]]
 
−
*[[Soviet Union and morality]]
 
−
*[[Secular left]]
 
−
*[[Atheism and politics]]
 
−
[[Image:228130875 35181424e3.jpg|thumb|right|225px|A comprehensive study by [[Harvard University]] professor Robert Putnam found that religious people are more charitable than their irreligious counterparts.<ref name="Burke Campbell">Multiple references:
 
−
*Burke, Daniel, Religion News Service (May 13, 2009). [http://web.archive.org/web/20130310113024/http://www.pewforum.org/Religion-News/Religious-people-make-better-citizens-study-says.aspx "Religious people make better citizens, study says"]. Pew Research Forum. Archived on March 10, 2013 by Internet Archive.  Retrieved July 19, 2014.
 
−
*Campbell, David and Putnam, Robert (November 14, 2010).  [http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-11-15-column15_ST_N.htm "Religious people are 'better neighbors'"]. USA Today website.  Retrieved on July 19, 2014.</ref>]]
 
−
 
 
−
==== Academic studies consistently challenge the link between religion and war ====
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Irreligion/religion and war/peace]]
 
−
 
 
−
Louise Ridley (assistant news editor at the ''Huffington Post UK''), [[Vox Day]] and others point out that academic studies and other research consistently challenge the link between religion and war.<ref>*[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/11/14/religions-war-cause-responsible-evidence_n_6156878.html Does Religion Really Cause War - And Do Atheists Have Something To Answer for?] by Louise Ridley, assistant news editor at the Huffington Post UK
 
−
*[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2012/08/atheists-abandon-religion-causes-war.html Atheists abandon "religion causes war" argument]
 
−
*[http://carm.org/religion-cause-war The Myth that Religion is the #1 Cause of War] by Robin Schumacher at [[CARM]]
 
−
*[http://www.bethinking.org/is-religion-harmful/religion-causes-wars "Religion causes wars"] by Tom Price
 
−
</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
==== Darwinism and war ====
 
−
 
 
−
There is historical evidence indicating that [[Darwinism]] was a causal factor for [[WWI]] and [[WWII]] (see: [[Irreligion/religion and war/peace]] and [[World War I and Darwinism]]).
 
−
 
 
−
===Atheism and uncharitableness  ===
 
−
:''See also: [[Atheism and charity]]'' and [[Atheism and depression]] and  [[Atheism, uncharitableness and depression]]
 
−
 
 
−
Concerning the issue of [[Atheism and Uncharitableness|atheism and uncharitableness]], the evidence indicates that per capita 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/barna-update/article/12-faithspirituality/102-atheists-and-agnostics-take-aim-at-christians "Atheists and agnostics take aim at Christians"] (June 11, 2007).  Barna Update.  Retrieved July 19, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
A comprehensive study by [[Harvard University]] professor Robert Putnam found that religious people are more charitable than their irreligious counterparts.<ref name ="Burke Campbell"/> The study revealed that forty percent of worship service attending Americans volunteer regularly to help the poor and elderly as opposed to 15% of Americans who never attend services.<ref name = "Burke Campbell"/> Moreover, religious individuals are more likely than non-religious individuals to volunteer for school and youth programs (36% vs. 15%), a neighborhood or civic group (26% vs. 13%), and for health care (21% vs. 13%).<ref name = "Burke Campbell"/>
 
−
<br />
 
−
==== American atheist organizations focus on church/state issues and creationism - poor largely ignored ====
 
−
 
 
−
See also: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]] and [[Western atheism and race]] and [[Atheism and love]]
 
−
 
 
−
In June of 2014, the African- American atheist woman Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson wrote in the ''Washington Post'' that white atheists organizations generally focus on church/state separation and creationism issues and not the concerns the less affluent African American population faces.<ref name="Hutchinson">Hutchinson, Sikivu (June 16, 2014).  [http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/16/blacks-are-even-discriminated-against-by-atheists/ "Atheism has a big race problem that no one’s talking about"].  Washington Post website.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.</ref> Hutchinson also mentioned that church organizations do focus on helping poor African Americans.<ref name="Hutchinson"/>
 
−
 
 
−
Also, according to a video posted at [[Freethoughtblogs]] storefront churches provide assistance to local residents including women, and this partly explains the dearth of Hispanic and African-American women atheists in America (Atheists give less to charity than Christians. See: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]).<ref>Myers, P. Z. (August 6, 2013).  [http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2013/08/06/sikivu-ophelia-and-rebecca-who-says-atheism-lacks-women-stars/ "Sikivu, Ophelia, and Rebecca—who says atheism lacks women stars?"]  Pharyngula.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Irreligion and domestic violence ===
 
−
[[Image:Cycle.gif|thumbnail|255px|right|Research suggests that irreligiousity is a causal factor for domestic violence.<ref name="vaw">Ellison, C. G., Trinitapoli, J. A., et al. (November 2007). [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17951587 "Race/ethnicity, religious involvement, and domestic violence"] [abstract with link to full article].  ''Violence Against Women'', doi: 10.1177/1077801207308259, vol. 13, no. 11, pp. 1094-1112.  Abstract retrieved from PubMed.gov on October 25, 2014.</ref>]]
 
−
''See also:'' [[Irreligion and domestic violence]] and [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and rape]]
 
−
 
 
−
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 name="vaw"/>}} 
 
−
 
 
−
A September 9, 2012 article at ''Atlantic Wire'' wrote about the noted atheist [[John Lennon]]:
 
−
{{cquote|But people have mostly forgotten that Lennon was also physically abusive towards women. "I used to be cruel to my woman," he said, citing the lyrics to "Getting Better" in a Playboy interview near the end of his life. "Physically—any woman. I was a hitter. I couldn't express myself and I hit. I fought men and I hit women." In his biography The Lives of John Lennon, Albert Goldman also maintains that Lennon was guilty of spousal abuse.<ref>Wagner, David (September 19, 2012).  [http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2012/09/john-lennon-and-chris-brown-have-something-common/57040/ "John Lennon and Chris Brown have something in common"].  The Wire website.  Retrieved on October 25, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
For more information, please see:
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Irreligion and domestic violence]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and women]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and rape]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and love]]
 
−
 
 
−
==== Secular Europe and domestic violence ====
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Secular Europe and domestic violence]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[File:Flag of Sweden.png|thumbnail|280px|right|Sweden is one of the most atheistic countries in the world.<ref name="Top 50">[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf "Top 50 countries with highest proportion of atheists/agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)"].  Chris and Terri Chapman.  Retrieved on September 10, 2014.</ref>  In Sweden, 81 percent of women said they had been harassed at some point after the age of 15 - compared to the EU average of 55 percent.<ref name="stands">Törnkvist, Ann (March 5, 2014, 8:34).  [http://www.thelocal.se/20140305/sweden-out-top-in-eu-domestic-violence-league "Sweden stands out in domestic violence study"].  The Local.  Retrieved on October 25, 2014.</ref>]]
 
−
 
 
−
In March of 2014, the [[Sweden|Swedish]] news website ''The Local'' published an article entitled ''Sweden stands out in domestic violence study'' which declared:
 
−
{{cquote|A new EU review of violence against women has revealed that one in three European women has been assaulted, and one in twenty has been raped, with the Scandinavian countries at the top of the league tables.
 
−
 
 
−
In the Scandinavian countries, in contrast, around half of the women reported physical or sexual violence, which researchers at the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights said could have several explanations...
 
−
 
 
−
In Sweden, 81 percent of women said they had been harassed at some point after the age of 15 - compared to the EU average of 55 percent. After Sweden, which had the highest rate, Denmark, France, the Netherland and Finland all saw rates above 70 percent. The EU member state with the lowest rate - 24 percent - was Bulgaria.<ref name="stands"/>}}
 
−
 
 
−
[[Sweden]] is one of the most atheistic countries in the world and the website adherents.com reported that in 2005 46 - 85% of Swedes were agnostics/atheists/non-believers in God.<ref name="Top 50"/>  Sweden also has the 3rd highest rate of belief in evolution as far as [[Western World]] nations.<ref>Owen, James (August 10, 2006). [http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/21329204.html "Evolution less accepted in U.S. than other Western countries, study finds [photo and caption&#93;"].  National Geographic News.  Photo and caption retrieved on October 25, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
For more information, please see: [[Irreligion and domestic violence]]
 
−
 
 
−
===Atheism and immoral views===
 
−
 
 
−
:''See: [[Atheism and morality]]'' and [[Moral failures of the atheist community|Atheist moral failures]] and [[Evolutionary belief and sexual immorality]] and [[Atheist hypocrisy]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[File:Larry Flynt Wheelchair.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|The [[pornography|pornographer]] [[Larry Flynt]] is an atheist.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Flynt writes, "I have left my religious conversion behind and settled into a comfortable state of atheism": see the epilogue of Flynt, Larry and Ross, Kenneth (June 1, 2008).  ''An Unseemly Man: My Life as Pornographer, Pundit, and Social Outcast''. 
 
−
*"I am not saying he don't believe in God. I am just saying I don't believe in God. That puts me at odds with him." [http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/9701/11/falwell.v.flynt/lkl.00.html "Larry Flynt and Jerry Falwell" [transcript&#93;] (January 10, 1996).  Larry King Live.  Transcript retrieved from CNN.com on October 3, 2014. </ref> See: [[Atheism and pornography]] <br /><br />
 
−
<small>(photo obtained from [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Larry_Flynt_Wheelchair.jpg Wikimedia Commons], see: [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en license agreement])</small>]]
 
−
 
 
−
==== Barna Group study on atheism and morality ====
 
−
 
 
−
The [[Barna Group]] found regarding [[Atheism and Morality|atheism and morality]] that those who hold to the worldviews of atheism or agnosticism in America were more likely, than theists in America, to look upon the following behaviors as morally acceptable:  [[Illegal drugs|illegal drug use]]; excessive [[Atheism and alcoholism|drinking]]; sexual relationships outside of marriage; [[abortion]]; cohabitating with someone of opposite sex outside of marriage; [[Profanity|obscene]] language; [[gambling]]; [[pornography]] and obscene sexual behavior; and engaging in [[homosexuality]]/[[bisexuality]].<ref name="barna">[http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/58-practical-outcomes-replace-biblical-principles-as-the-moral-standard "Practical outcomes replace biblical principles as the moral standard"] (September 10, 2001).  Barna Update.  Retrieved on July 19, 2014.</ref> Given the [[Homosexuality and health|many diseases associated with homosexuality]], the [[Bible|biblical]] prohibition against [[homosexuality]] is quite arguably one of the many example where the Bible exhibited knowledge [http://creationwiki.org/Bible_scientific_foreknowledge that was ahead of its time].  See also: [[Atheism and child pornography]]
 
−
 
 
−
==== University of Kentucky study by Will M. Gervais ====
 
−
 
 
−
In 2014, a University of Kentucky study was published by Will M. Gervais, which was entitled "Everything is permitted? People intuitively judge immorality as representative of atheists", and the study indicated that "even atheist participants viewed immorality as significantly more representative of atheists than of other people."<ref>Gervais, Will M. (April 9, 2014).  "Everything is permitted?  People intuitively judge immorality as representative of atheists". ''PLOS ONE'', {{doi|10.1371/journal.pone.0092302}}.  Retrieved on October 29, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and pornography ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and pornography]]
 
−
 
 
−
One of the [[causes of atheism]] is a [[hedonism|hedonistic]] lifestyle. See: [[Atheism and hedonism]].
 
−
 
 
−
The infamous [[pornography|pornographers]] [[Hugh Hefner]] and [[Larry Flynt]] are both atheists.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Gottesdiener, Laura (February 23, 2010).  [http://www.salon.com/2013/02/23/10_celebs_you_didnt_know_were_atheists_partner/ "10 celebs you didn't know were atheists"].  Salon.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.
 
−
*Flynt writes, "I have left my religious conversion behind and settled into a comfortable state of atheism": see the epilogue of Flynt, Larry and Ross, Kenneth (June 1, 2008).  ''An Unseemly Man: My Life as Pornographer, Pundit, and Social Outcast''.
 
−
*"I am not saying he don't believe in God. I am just saying I don't believe in God. That puts me at odds with him." [http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/9701/11/falwell.v.flynt/lkl.00.html "Larry Flynt and Jerry Falwell" [transcript&#93;] (January 10, 1996).  Larry King Live.  Transcript retrieved from CNN.com on October 3, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
In 2003, ''Arena magazine'' magazine listed Flynt as #1 on the "50 Powerful People in Porn" list.<ref>[http://www.onenewspage.us/people/ms9j0/Larry-Flynt.htm "Larry Flynt"].  One News Page.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.</ref>  Flynt is paralyzed from the waist down due to injuries sustained from a 1978 assassination attempt by the serial killer Joseph Paul Franklin.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Flynt, Larry and Ross, Kenneth (June 1, 2008).  ''An Unseemly Man: My Life as Pornographer, Pundit, and Social Outcast'', pp. 170–171.
 
−
*[http://www.onenewspage.us/people/ms9j0/Larry-Flynt.htm "Larry Flynt"].  One News Page.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and child pornography ===
 
−
 
 
−
See: [[Atheism and child pornography]]
 
−
 
 
−
In 2014, atheistic [[Japan]] was the world's largest producer and consumer of child [[pornography]].<ref name="Eriko">Multiple references:
 
−
*Adelstein, Jake and Kubo, Angela Eriko (June 3, 2014). [http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/03/japan-s-kiddie-porn-empire-bye-bye.html "Japan's kiddie porn empire: bye-bye?"] The Daily Beast.  Retrieved on September 10, 2014.
 
−
*[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf "Top 50 countries with highest proportion of atheists/agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)"].  Chris and Terri Chapman.  Retrieved on September 10, 2014.
 
−
*Fisher, Max and Dewey, Caitlin (May 23, 2013).  [http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ "A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live"].  Washington Post website.  Retrieved on September 10, 2014.</ref> In a 2008 interview with former Pokémon anime storyboard director Masamitsu Hidaka, the latter admitted that the production staff constantly switches out the girls specifically for eyecandy purposes, with the girls in the show being 10 years old.<ref>Water Pokémon Master (July 4, 2008).  [http://pokebeach.com/2008/07/second-pokemon-interview-with-masamitsu-hidaka-many-interesting-points "Second interview with Masamitsu Hidaka"].  PokéBeach.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism, pedophilia/pederasty and NAMBLA ===
 
−
 
 
−
''see also:'' [[Atheism, pederasty and NAMBLA]] and [[Teenage homosexuality]] and [[Homosexuality and pederasty]]
 
−
[[Image:Harry Hay.jpg|thumbnail|150px|Many consider atheist [[Harry Hay]] to be the founder of the American [[homosexuality|homosexual]] movement.]]
 
−
In 2014, atheistic [[Japan]] was the world's largest producer and consumer of child [[pornography]].<ref name="Eriko"/>  See also: [[Atheism and child pornography]]
 
−
 
 
−
The [[North American Man-Boy Love Association]] (NAMBLA) was founded in December 1978 and is an activist homosexuality and [[pedophilia]]/pederasty coalition group.
 
−
 
 
−
Some of the well known atheist advocates of the North American Man-Boy Love Association (NAMBLA) are:
 
−
 
 
−
1. The atheist and [[homosexuality|homosexual]] [[David Thorstad]] was a founding member of the North American Man-Boy Love Association (NAMBLA).<ref>Abbott, Matt C. (August 22, 2010).  [http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/abbott/100822 "The mind of a pederast"]. RenewAmerica.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
2. '''[[Harry Hay]]''' (1912 - 2002) was an [[liberal]] advocate of [[statutory rape]] and the widely acknowledged founder and progenitor of the  activist [[homosexual agenda]] in the [[United States]]. Hay joined the [[Communist Party of the United States]] (CPUSA) in 1934. <ref>Bronski, Michael (October 31, 2002).  [http://bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/other_stories/documents/02511115.htm "The real Harry Hay"].  The Phoenix.com.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.</ref>  Harry Hay was an atheist.<ref>Kincaid, Cliff, Accuracy in Media (January 7, 2010). [http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2010/ss_politics0010_01_07.asp "Twisted: administration's 'safe schools czar' and the North American Man-Boy Love Association"].  WorldTribune.com.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.</ref> He was a vociferous advocate of man/boy love. <ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Lord, Jeffrey (October 5, 2006).  [http://spectator.org/articles/46366/when-nancy-met-harry "Special report:  when Nancy met Harry"].  The American Spectator website.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014. 
 
−
*Kincaid, Cliff, Accuracy in Media (January 7, 2010). [http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2010/ss_politics0010_01_07.asp "Twisted: administration's 'safe schools czar' and the North American Man-Boy Love Association"].  WorldTribune.com.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.</ref> In 1986, Hay marched in a [[homosexual|gay]] parade wearing a shirt emblazoned with the words "[[NAMBLA]] walks with me."<ref>Baldwin, Hon. Steve (2002). [http://www.mega.nu/ampp/baldwin_pedophilia_homosexuality.pdf "Child molestation and the homosexual movement"]. ''Regent University Law Review'', vol. 14, pp. 267-282.  Retrieved from The Architecture of Modern Political Power on July 20, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
3. The writer [[Samuel R. Delany]] is an atheist and a [[homosexuality|homosexual]].<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Delany, Samuel R. (2006).  ''About Writing:  Seven Essays, Four Letters, and Five Interviews'' (Middletown: Wesleyan), p. 36.
 
−
*[http://www.enotes.com/topics/samuel-r-delany/critical-essays/delany-samuel-r-vol-141#critical-essays-delany-samuel-r-vol-141-introduction "Introduction"] (2001).  ''Contemporary Literary Criticism'', ed. Hunter, Jeffrey W., vol. 141 (Gale Cengage).  Retrieved from eNotes.com on July 20, 2014.</ref> Delaney said he was a supporter of NAMBLA.<ref>Freedman, Carl (2009).  ''Conversations with Samuel R. Delany'' (Jackson: Univ. Press of Mississippi), p. 143.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
See also: [[Richard Dawkins on child molestation and so called "gentle pedophiles"]] and [[John Maynard Keynes and pederasty]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Immorality of prominent atheists ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheist leaders and immoral relationships]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[James Randi]] is a leader within the atheist community. Brian Thompson, former James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) Outreach Coordinator, wrote:
 
−
{{cquote|But I no longer identify with this community of benevolent know-it-alls, because not all of them are the best folks in the world. In fact, a good percentage of the top ten worst humans I’ve ever met are prominent members of the skeptics’ club. They’re dishonest, mean-spirited, narcissistic, [[misogyny|misogynistic]]. Pick a personality flaw, and I can probably point you to someone who epitomizes it. And that person has probably had a speaking slot at a major skeptical conference.
 
−
 
 
−
I grew particularly disgusted with the boys’ club attitude I saw among skeptical leaders and luminaries. The kind of attitude that’s dismissive of women, sexually predatory, and downright gross. When I first started going to skeptical conferences as a fresh-faced know-it-all, I started hearing things about people I once admired. Then I started seeing things myself. Then I got a job with the JREF, and the pattern continued.<ref>Myers, P. Z. (March 31, 2014).  [http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/03/31/when-will-this-situation-improve/ "When will this situation improve?"] Pharyngula. Retrieved on July 19, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and abortion ===
 
−
 
 
−
[[Image:115523-004-FA619CA3.jpg|thumb|right|251px| The perverse and cruel atheist [[Marquis de Sade]] in prison, 18th century line engraving.]]
 
−
The ''Journal of Medical Ethics'' declared concerning the atheist and [[sadism|sadist]] [[Marquis de Sade]]:
 
−
{{cquote|In 1795 the Marquis de Sade published his ''La Philosophie dans le boudoir'', in which he proposed the use of induced abortion for social reasons and as a means of [[population control]]. It is from this time that medical and social acceptance of abortion can be dated, although previously the subject had not been discussed in public in modern times. It is suggested that it was largely due to de Sade's writing that induced abortion received the impetus which resulted in its subsequent spread in western society.<ref>Farr, A. D. (1980).  [http://jme.bmj.com/content/6/1/7.abstract "The Marquis de Sade and induced abortion"].  ''Journal of Medical Ethics'', 6, pp. 7-10.  Retrieved from Journal of Medical Ethics website on July 20, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
[[Population control]] is based on [[pseudoscience]] and ill founded [[economics|economic]] assumptions.<ref>Egnor, Michael (November 30, 2010).  [http://www.evolutionnews.org/2010/11/pz_myers_on_abortion040971.html "P. Z. Myers on abortion"].  Evolution News and Views.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.</ref> ''[[CBS News]]'' reported: "According to a mail-in survey of nearly 4,000 British doctors, those who were atheist or agnostic were almost twice as willing to take actions designed to hasten the end of life."<ref>Katz, Neil (August 26, 2010).  [http://www.cbsnews.com/news/study-atheist-doctors-twice-as-likely-to-pull-plug/ "Study: atheist doctors twice as likely to pull plug"]. CBSNews.com.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and lower empathy for others ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]] and [[Atheism and love]]
 
−
 
 
−
In 2007 the Baptist Press reported:
 
−
{{cquote|...a pollster at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, found that adults who profess a belief in God are significantly more likely than atheists to say that forgiveness, patience, generosity and a concern for others are "very important." In fact, the poll found that on 11 of 12 values, there was a double-digit gap between theists and atheists, with theists more likely to label each value "very important."
 
−
 
 
−
The survey by sociologist and pollster Reginald Bibby examined the beliefs of 1,600 Canadians, 82 percent who said they believed in "God or a higher power" and 18 percent who said they did not.<ref>Foust, Michael (October 23, 2007).  [http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=26675 "Poll:  Atheists less likely to 'do good'"] Baptist Press.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and moral relativism ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Moral relativism]] and [[Atheism and morality]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[Image:998086u.jpg|right|thumbnail|200px|An essay by the [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] Dr. James Spiegel describes [[Bertrand Russell]] as a "misogynistic and a serial adulterer; a chronic seducer of women, especially very young women, even in his old age."<ref>Spiegel, James (2010).  ''The Making of an Atheist: How Immorality Leads to Unbelief'', p. 72. Chicago:  Moody Publishers.</ref>  Bertrand Russell was an agnostic who had favorable views towards atheism.<ref> Russell, Bertrand (1947). [http://web.archive.org/web/20100411082750/http://www.luminary.us/russell/atheist_agnostic.html "Am I an atheist or an agnostic?"]  www.luminary.us.  Archived at Internet Archive on April 11, 2010.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.  Caution:  Presumably copyrighted in the U.S. until 2042 and in Canada until 2020.  For fair educational use only.  Most online sources say "by which one prove," probably a mistake.</ref>]]
 
−
Dr. Phil Fernandes states the following regarding atheism and [[Moral relativism|moral relativism]]:
 
−
{{cquote|[[Friedrich Nietzsche|Nietzsche]] preached that a group of "supermen" must arise with the courage to create their own values through their "will to power." Nietzsche rejected the "soft" values of [[Christianity]] (brotherly love, turning the other cheek, charity, compassion, etc.); he felt they hindered man's creativity and potential....
 
−
 
 
−
Many other atheists agree with Nietzsche concerning moral relativism. British philosopher [[Bertrand Russell]] (1872-1970) once wrote, "Outside human desires there is no moral standard." [[A. J. Ayer]] believed that moral commands did not result from any objective standard above man. Instead, Ayer stated that moral commands merely express one's subjective feelings. When one says that murder is wrong, one is merely saying that he or she feels that murder is wrong. [[Jean-Paul Sartre]], a French [[existentialism|existentialist]], believed that there is no objective meaning to life. Therefore, according to Sartre, man must create his own values.
 
−
 
 
−
There are many different ways that moral relativists attempt to determine what action should be taken. [[Hedonism]] is probably the most extreme. It declares that whatever brings the most pleasure is right. In other words, if it feels good, do it. If this position is true, then there is no basis from which to judge the actions of [[Adolph Hitler]] as being evil.<ref>Fernandes, Phil (May 25, 1997). [http://instituteofbiblicaldefense.com/1997/05/refuting-moral-relativism/ "Refuting moral relativism"].  Institute of Biblical Defense.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
Given that atheistic [[evolution|evolutionary]] thinking has engendered [[social darwinism]] and given that [[Atheism and morality|the proponents of atheism have no rational basis for morality in their ideology]], the immoral views that atheists often hold and [[Atheism and Uncharitableness|the low per capita giving of American atheists]] is not unpredictable.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and profanity ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and profanity]]
 
−
 
 
−
Studies indicate that atheists engage in more [[profanity]] than Christians/theists and are more likely to believe that obscene language is acceptable to engage in.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*[http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/58-practical-outcomes-replace-biblical-principles-as-the-moral-standard "Practical outcomes replace biblical principles as the moral standard"] (September 10, 2001).  Barna Update.  Retrieved on July 19, 2014.
 
−
*Jay, Timothy and Janschewitz, Kristin (May/June 2012).  [http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/2012/may-june-12/the-science-of-swearing.html "The Science of Swearing"].  ''Observer'', vol. 25, no. 5.  Retrieved from The Association for Psychological Science website on October 25, 2014.
 
−
*Ritter, Ryan S., Preston, J. L. et al. (June 18, 2013). [http://spp.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/06/18/1948550613492345.full.pdf+html "Happy tweets: Christians are happier, more socially connected, and less analytical than atheists on Twitter" [abstract&#93;].  ''Social Psychological and Personality Science'', 1948550613492345.  Abstract retrieved from Sage Journals on October 25, 2014.  Subscription required for full article.</ref>
 
−
Use of profanity by individuals is negatively correlated with conscientiousness and agreeableness.<ref>Jay, Timothy and Janschewitz, Kristin (May/June 2012).  [http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/2012/may-june-12/the-science-of-swearing.html "The Science of Swearing"].  ''Observer'', vol. 25, no. 5.  Retrieved from The Association for Psychological Science website on October 25, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
For more information, please see: [[Atheism and profanity]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and bestiality ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and bestiality]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[Bestiality]] is the act of engaging in sexual relations with an animal. The [[atheist]] philosopher Peter Singer defends the practice [[bestiality]] (as well as [[abortion]], infanticide and [[euthanasia]]).  Despite holding these views the liberal and pro-[[evolution]] academic establishment rewarded his views with a bioethics chair at [[Princeton University]].<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Smith, Justin (November 22, 2006).  [http://creation.com/the-basis-of-a-christian-worldview "The basis of a Christian worldview"].  Creation Ministries International.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.
 
−
*Sarfati, Jonathan (June 2, 2007).  [http://creation.com/answer-to-philosophy-religion-professor-on-biblical-exegesis-and-the-problem-of-evil "CMI answers philosophy/religion professor on biblical exegesis and the problem of evil"].  Creation Ministries International.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
The prominent atheist [[PZ Myers|P. Z. Meyers]] declared, "I don’t object to bestiality in a very limited set of specific conditions...."<ref name="achilles">Multiple references:
 
−
*Warden, Rick (August 10, 2012).  [http://templestream.blogspot.com/2012/08/atheist-achilles-heels-objective.html "Atheist achilles heels: objective morality and sacred life"].  Templestream Blog.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.
 
−
*Myers, P. Z. (May 22, 2012).  [http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2012/05/22/the-objective-morality-gotcha/ "The 'objective morality' gotcha"]  Pharyngula.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.</ref>
 
−
[[File:Peter-Singer.jpg|right|thumbnail|250px|The [[atheist]] philosopher [[Peter Singer]] defends the practice of [[bestiality]]  Despite holding these immoral views academia rewarded his views with a bioethics chair at [[Princeton University]].<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Smith, Justin (November 22, 2006).  [http://creation.com/the-basis-of-a-christian-worldview "The basis of a Christian worldview"].  Creation Ministries International.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.
 
−
*Sarfati, Jonathan (June 2, 2007).  [http://creation.com/answer-to-philosophy-religion-professor-on-biblical-exegesis-and-the-problem-of-evil "CMI answers philosophy/religion professor on biblical exegesis and the problem of evil"].  Creation Ministries International.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.
 
−
*Carter, Joe (June 22, 2011).  [http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/06/the-dangerous-mind-of-peter-singer "The dangerous mind of Peter Singer"].  First Things.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.  See [[First Things]].</ref> See: [[Atheism and bestiality]] ]]
 
−
The Bible says that bestiality is a perversion and, under the [[Old Testament]] [[Pentateuch|Jewish Law]], punishable by death (Exodus 22:19, Leviticus 18:23, Leviticus 20:15 and Deuteronomy 27:21). The atheistic worldview does not lend itself to the establishment of morality within society and individuals (see: [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Atheism and deception]]).
 
−
 
 
−
The [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] and author Michael Caputo writes:
 
−
{{cquote|Although bestiality is not openly supported by well known [[Militant atheism|Militant Atheist]] sites, support for it is inherent in their insistence that decisions of a sexual nature should be left up to the individual adults to determine. God disagrees.<ref>Caputo, Michael (betw. 2008-11). [http://atheismexposed.tripod.com/god_bible_bestiality.htm "God, the Bible and bestiality"].  Militant Atheism Exposed.  Retrieved on July 20, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
For additional information please see:
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and bestiality]]
 
−
*[[Evolutionary belief and bestiality]]
 
−
*[[Christopher Hitchens on bestiality]]
 
−
*[[Academia and bestiality|Atheism, academia and bestiality]]
 
−
 
 
−
In areas of the [[Western World]] where there is a significant amount of atheism and [[evolution]]ary belief, there have been notable problems related to bestiality (see: [[Geographic areas where bestiality is posing a notable problem]]).
 
−
 
 
−
==== Other issues relating to atheism and immorality ====
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and rape]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Irreligious prison population]]
 
−
 
 
−
For more more information please see:  [[Atheism and morality]] and  [[Moral failures of the atheist community|List of the moral failures of the atheist community]] and [[Atheism and hedonism]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and hypocrisy ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheist hypocrisy]]
 
−
 
 
−
In order to attempt to justify their atheism, atheists often engage in [[Hypocrisy|hypocritical]] argumentation.  In addition, atheists often engage in hypocritical behavior. Please see: [[Atheist hypocrisy]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Why atheism is irrational ===
 
−
[[File:113320508 2b86fdb94a.jpg|thumb|201px|right|A common and legitimate criticism of the [[atheist worldview]] is that [[Atheism and irrationality|atheism is irrational]].<ref name="athdef">Multiple references:
 
−
*Slick, Matt (2010).  [http://carm.org/cut-atheism "Atheism"].  Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.
 
−
*Samples, Kenneth R. (Fall 1991 and Winter 1992). [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/web/crj0131a.html "Putting the atheist on the defensive"].  ''Christian Research Institute Journal'', p. 7.  Retrieved from Internet Christian Library on September 22, 2014.
 
−
*Gilson, Tom (March 21, 2012).  [http://www.faithstreet.com/onfaith/2012/03/21/atheists-dont-own-reason/10924 "Atheists don’t own reason"].  FaithStreet/On Faith.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014. 
 
−
*McInerny, Professor Ralph (1985).  [http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth11.html "Why the burden of proof is on the atheist"].  ''Truth Journal'', vol. 1.  Retrieved from LeadershipU on October 3, 2014. 
 
−
*Platinga, Alvin (1991).  [http://www.leaderu.com/truth/3truth02.html "Theism, atheism, and rationality"]. ''Truth Journal'', vol. 3.  Retrieved from LeadershipU on October 3, 2014.  See [[Alvin Plantinga]].
 
−
*Day, Vox (2008). [http://www.voxday.net/mart/TIA_free.pdf ''The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens''](Dallas TX:  Benbella Books). ISBN-10: 1933771364; ISBN-13: 978-1933771366.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.  Caution:  Copyrighted material.  For fair educational use only.</ref> In short, atheism is a fundamentally incoherent worldview with a number of inconsistencies.<ref name="inconsist">Multiple references:
 
−
*Grayknight (May 29, 2010).  [http://grayknight.hubpages.com/hub/Top-10-Atheist-Inconsistencies "Top 10 atheist inconsistencies"].  Grayknight.hubpages.com.  Retrieved on October 8, 2014.
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4K_WZpIkM4 "William Lane Craig on scientific naturalism"] (January 12, 2008).  YouTube video, 9:55, posted by Drcraigvideos.  Retrieved on October 8, 2014.
 
−
*Sullivan, Dr. Scott (August 19, 2014).  [http://www.scottmsullivan.com/why-atheism-is-incoherent/ "Why atheism is incoherent"].  Podcast, 23:17.  Spiritual Combat.  Retrieved from ClassicalTheist on October 8, 2014.
 
−
*[http://vimeo.com/102663614 "The Summit lecture series: Scientific naturalism worldview with J.P. Moreland, part 1"] (August 5, 2014).  Vimeo video, 8:10, posted by Jefferson Drexler.  Retreived on October 8, 2014.
 
−
*[http://vimeo.com/103277405 "The Summit lecture series: Scientific naturalism with J.P. Moreland, part 2"] (August 12, 2014).  Vimeo video, 7:43, posted by Jefferson Drexler.  Retrieved on October 8, 2014.
 
−
*[http://vimeo.com/103865278 "The Summit lecture series: Scientific naturalism worldview with J.P. Moreland, part 3"] (August 19, 2014).  Vimeo video, 7:21, posted by Jefferson Drexler.  Retrieved on October 8, 2014.
 
−
*[http://vimeo.com/105068126 "The Summit lecture series: Scientific naturalism worldview with J.P. Moreland, part 4"] (September 2, 2014).  Vimeo video, 6:40, posted by Jefferson Drexler.  Retrieved on October 8, 2014.
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6cTlDn4PiU "The incoherence of atheism - Ravi Zacharias"] (February 5, 2013).  YouTube video, 51:59, posted by Christianity Reason and Science.  Retrieved on October 8, 2014.
 
−
*Cooper, Jordan (August 31, 2012).  [http://justandsinner.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-incoherence-of-atheism.html "The incoherence of atheism"].  Just and Sinner blog.  Retrieved on October 8, 2014.
 
−
*Randy (November 12, 2012).  [http://ephesians4-15.blogspot.com/2012/11/more-on-inconsistent-atheists.html "More on inconsistent atheists"].  Speak the Truth in Love.  Retrieved on October 8, 2014.
 
−
*Geisler, Norman and McCoy, Daniel J. (June 2014).  ''The Atheist's Fatal Flaw: Exposing Conflicting Beliefs'' (Ada, MI:  Baker Publishing Group).  See [[Norman Geisler]]</ref>]]
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and irrationality]] and [[Irreligion and superstition]]
 
−
 
 
−
A common and legitimate criticism of the [[atheist worldview]] is that [[Atheism and irrationality|atheism is irrational]]. <ref name="athdef"/> In short, atheism is a fundamentally incoherent worldview with a number of inconsistencies.<ref name="inconsist"/>  For example, the atheistic worldview cannot account for the laws of [[logic]].<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Lisle, Dr. Jason (October 10, 2007).  [http://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/atheism/atheism-an-irrational-worldview/ "Atheism: An irrational worldview"]. AnswersinGenesis.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.
 
−
*Slick, Matt (2010).  [http://carm.org/christian-worldview-atheist-worldview-and-logic "The Christian worldview, the atheist worldview, and logic"].  Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.
 
−
*Petersen, Jason (2013).  [http://answersforhope.org/portfolio_item/can-atheism-coherently-explain-the-laws-of-logic/ "Can atheism coherently explain the laws of logic?"] Answers for Hope.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.
 
−
*Audio of a formal 1985 debate between Christian Greg Bahnsen and skeptic Gordon Stein at the University of California, Irvine on the question "Does God exist?"  See Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]]
 
−
**[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1hSx2evTGM "Greg Bahnsen vs. Gordon Stein:  The Great Debate (FULL)"] (May 19, 2011).  YouTube video, 2:10:44, posted by Argin Gerigorian.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.
 
−
**Andy (December 5, 2006).  [http://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2006/12/05/greg-bahnsen-vs-gordon-stein-the-great-debate/ "Greg Bahnsen vs Gordon Stein mp3"].  The Domain for Truth.  Retrieved on October 4, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
The atheist worldview cannot explain the existence of [[consciousness]] either and the [[theism|theistic]] worldview can offer a reasonable explanation.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Piippo, John (March 20, 2012).  [http://www.johnpiippo.com/2012/03/argument-from-consciousness-for.html "The argument from consciousness for the existence of God"].  John Piippo. Retrieved on October 6, 2014.
 
−
*Piippo, John (April 14, 2014).  [http://www.johnpiippo.com/2014/04/one-of-atheisms-irresolvable-problems.html "Consciousness:  One of atheism's irresolvable problems"].  John Piippo.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.</ref> 
 
−
 
 
−
Additionally, naturalism and reason are incompatible and believing in naturalism is therefore self-defeating. In short, if naturalism is true, then we ought not to trust our capacity for reason for the human brain would be a byproduct of blind/unintelligent natural forces.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Jones, Stephen E. (September 5, 2006).  [http://creationevolutiondesign.blogspot.com/2006/09/cs-lewis-argument-from-reason.html "C.S. Lewis' argument from reason"].  Creationevolutiondesign.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.
 
−
*Richards, Jay W. (November 25, 2013).  [http://www.evolutionnews.org/2013/11/cs_lewis_and_th079541.html "C.S. Lewis and the argument from reason"].  Evolution News and Views.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.
 
−
*West, John G. (November-December 1996) [http://www.acton.org/pub/religion-liberty/volume-6-number-6/cs-lewis-and-materialism "C.S. Lewis and materialism"].  ''Religion and Liberty'', vol. 6, no. 6.  Retrieved from ActonInstitute website on October 6, 2014.
 
−
*Briggs, Matt (July 30, 2013).  [http://wmbriggs.com/blog/?p=8669 "C.S. Lewis on the validity of reasoning"].  William M. Briggs [blog].  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.
 
−
*Chad (April 9, 2012).  [http://truthbomb.blogspot.com/2012/04/cs-lewis-on-rationality-and-materialism.html "C.S. Lewis on rationality and materialism"].  Truthbomb Apologetics.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
For more information, please see: [[Atheism and irrationality]] and [[Irreligion and superstition]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and meaninglessness ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and meaninglessness]]
 
−
 
 
−
Under an atheistic worldview, there is no objective meaning or purpose in life.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Anderson, James (July 16, 2013).  [http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/can-life-have-meaning-without-god "Can life have meaning without God?"] The Gospel Coalition.  Retrieved on October 4, 2014.
 
−
*Wartick, J. W. (January 3, 2011).  [http://jwwartick.com/2011/01/03/atheism-meaningless/ "Atheism’s universe is meaningless and valueless"]. J.W. Wartick—"Always Have a Reason" [blog].  Retrieved on October 4, 2014.
 
−
*Galloway, Katie (December 23, 2013).  [http://www.bethinking.org/atheism/reclaiming-reason-from-atheism "Reclaiming reason from atheism".]  Bethinking.  Retrieved on October 4, 2014.  ["Why atheism?"]
 
−
*Sirrahc (April 19, 2012).  [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?)"].  A View from the Right.  Retrieved on October 5, 2014.
 
−
*Shramek, Dustin (2009).  [http://www.oocities.org/athens/delphi/8449/atheism.html "Atheism and death: Why the atheist must face death with despair"].  Contend for the Faith [archive].  Archive retrieved on October 5, 2014.
 
−
*Brake, Aaron (2013).  [http://pleaseconvinceme.com/2013/apathy-atheism-and-the-absurdity-of-life-without-god/ "Apathy, atheism, and the absurdity of life without God"].  Pleaseconvinceme.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.
 
−
*Prayson, Daniel (December 16, 2010).  [http://withalliamgod.wordpress.com/2010/12/16/the-meaningless-life-of-atheism/ "The meaningless life of atheism"].  With All I Am.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.</ref>  Through [[Jesus Christ]], [[Christianity]] offers objective meaning and purpose to life.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Slick, Matt (2012).  [http://carm.org/meaning-of-life "What does the Bible say about the meaning/purpose of life?"].  Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry website.  Retrieved on October 4, 2014.
 
−
*[Under a Christian worldview] [http://www.christianbiblereference.org/faq_MeaningLife.htm "What is the purpose and meaning of life?"] (2009).  Christian Bible Reference Site.  Retrieved on October 4, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
For more information, please see: [[Atheism and meaninglessness]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Arrogance of atheism/atheists ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and arrogance]] and [[Atheism and deception]] and [[Atheism and the suppression of science]]
 
−
[[Image:Cherry Blossom Japan.jpg|thumb|250px|Even in atheistic [[Japan]], researchers found that Japanese children see the world [[Intelligent design|as designed]].<ref name="Catchpoole"/>]]
 
−
 
 
−
One of the common and well-founded charges against atheists is their arrogance and presumptuousness.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Samples, Kenneth R. (Fall 1991 and Winter 1992). [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/web/crj0131a.html "Putting the atheist on the defensive"].  ''Christian Research Institute Journal'', p. 7.  Retrieved from Internet Christian Library on September 22, 2014.
 
−
*Copan, Paul (April 6, 2009).  [http://www.equip.org/articles/the-presumptuousness-of-atheism/ "The presumptuousness of atheism"].  Christian Research Institute.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.
 
−
*Cupp, S. E. (December 29, 2010).  [http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/arrogance-atheists-batter-believers-religion-smug-certainty-article-1.469613 "The arrogance of the atheists: They batter believers in religion with smug certainty"].  ''New York Daily News''.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.  See atheist commentator [[S.E. Cupp]]
 
−
*O'Neill, Brendan (August 14, 2013).  [http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/brendanoneill2/100230985/how-atheists-became-the-most-colossally-smug-and-annoying-people-on-the-planet/ "How atheists became the most colossally smug and annoying people on the planet"].  The Telegraph website/Brendan O'Neill [blog].  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.  [atheist author] 
 
−
*Delzell, Dan (October 17, 2011).  [http://www.christianpost.com/news/how-anger-fuels-atheistic-arrogance-58281/ "How anger fuels atheistic arrogance"].  Christian Post website.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.
 
−
*[http://atheismexposed.tripod.com/atheist_arrogance.htm "Militant atheist arrogance and pride"] (2007).  Militant Atheism Exposed.  Retrieved on October 3, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
==== Why atheism is an arrogant ideology  ====
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments|Arguments against atheism]] and [[Atheism and arrogance]]
 
−
 
 
−
Atheists [[Attempts to dilute the definition of atheism|lack proof and evidence]] that God does not exist and ignore the [[Christian apologetics websites|clear and abundant proof and evidence]] that He does exist.  The philosopher [[Mortimer Adler]] pointed out that atheism asserts an unreasonable [[Universal negative|universal negative]] that is self-defeating.<ref name="defensive">Samples, Kenneth R. (Fall 1991 and Winter 1992). [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/web/crj0131a.html "Putting the atheist on the defensive"].  ''Christian Research Institute Journal'', p. 7.  Retrieved from Internet Christian Library on September 22, 2014.</ref> 
 
−
 
 
−
Contrary to the mistaken notion of individuals who are inexperienced in [[logic]]/[[philosophy]], there are plenty of cases where universal negatives [[Universal negative|can be proven]].<ref>Ferguson, Shawn (August 14, 2014).  [http://blog.faithbeyondbelief.ca/2014/08/the-universal-negative-can-it-be-proven.html "The universal negative: Can it be proven?"]  Faith Beyond Belief.  Retrieved on September 22, 2014.</ref>  However, atheists' universal negative claim that God does not exist is not a reasonable universal negative claim.<ref name="defensive"/>
 
−
 
 
−
Given their limited understanding of the vast expanse of the universe/reality, atheists unconvincing pretend to have godlike powers when they claim to know God does not exist.<ref name="defensive"/>
 
−
 
 
−
As noted above, the popular YouTube Christian [[Shockofgod]] created an uproar when he asked the atheist community the question, "What proof and evidence do you have that atheism is accurate and correct?"<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjS__cWr0Y0 "The question that is causing atheists to abandon atheism"] (August 6, 2010).  YouTube video, 14:54, posted by shockofgod.  Retrieved on July 19, 2014.</ref>  See also: [[Attempts to dilute the definition of atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
==== Study relating the arrogance of New Atheists and discovery of errors by New Atheists ====
 
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−
Using special text analysis software, the social psychologist Jonathan Haidt found that [[New Atheism|New Atheists]] very often wrote in dogmatic terms in their major works using words such as  “always,” “never,” “certainly,” “every,” and “undeniable.”<ref name="JHaidt">Haidt, Jonathan (March 5, 2014). [http://www.thisviewoflife.com/index.php/magazine/articles/why-sam-harris-is-unlikely-to-change-his-mind10 "Why Sam Harris is unlikely to change his mind"].  This View of Life.  Retrieved on September 22, 2014.</ref>  Of the 75,000 words in [[Sam Harris]]'s ''The End of Faith'', 2.24% of them connote or are associated with certainty.<ref name="JHaidt"/>  And sadly, the works of New Atheists often betray an amateurish knowledge of philosophy/religion. For example, atheist philosopher Dr. [[Michael Ruse]] declared concerning [[Richard Dawkins]]' book ''The God Delusion'': "''The God Delusion'' makes me embarrassed to be an atheist."<ref>McGrath, Alister (January 25, 2007).  [http://www.alternet.org/media/47052?page=entire "The Dawkins delusion"].  AlterNet.  Retrieved on September 22, 2014.</ref> [[Vox Day]]'s book ''[http://www.voxday.net/mart/TIA_free.pdf The Irrational atheist]'' found multiple errors in reasoning and factual errors when it came to the works of New Atheist authors.<ref>Cosner, Lisa (December 2008).  [http://creation.com/review-irrational-atheist-by-vox-day "Excellent refutation of ‘new atheists’ flawed by heterodox open theism"].  Review of Day, Vox (2008), ''The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens'' (Dallas TX:  Benbella Books).  ''Journal of Creation'', vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 28-31.  Retrieved from Creation.com on September 22, 2014.</ref> See also: [[Richard Dawkins and pseudoscience]]
 
−
 
 
−
==== Militant atheism, arrogance and religious freedom ====
 
−
 
 
−
In addition, historically [[militant atheism|militant atheists]] have commonly endeavored to limit the religious freedom of others while imposing their errant, atheistic ideology on others.
 
−
 
 
−
==== Pretentious monikers ====
 
−
 
 
−
Atheists have also given themselves pretentious monikers such as freethinker, rationalist and "bright". See also: [[Brights Movement]] and [[Atheism and intelligence]] and [[Atheism and the theory of multiple intelligences]]
 
−
 
 
−
==== Other instances of the arrogance of atheists ====
 
−
 
 
−
For more instances of the arrogance of atheists, please see: [[Atheism and arrogance]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Angry and bitter demeanor of many atheists ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and anger]] and [[Atheism and interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]] and  [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]]
 
−
 
 
−
On January 1, 2011, [[CNN]] reported:
 
−
{{cquote|People unaffiliated with organized religion, atheists and agnostics also report anger toward God either in the past, or anger focused on a hypothetical image - that is, what they imagined God might be like - said lead study author Julie Exline, Case Western Reserve University psychologist.
 
−
 
 
−
In studies on college students, atheists and agnostics reported more anger at God during their lifetimes than believers.<ref>Landau, Elizabeth (January 1, 2011).  [http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/01/anger-at-god-common-even-among-atheists/ "Anger at God common, even among atheists"].  CNN/The Chart website.  Retrieved on September 23, 2014.</ref>}}
 
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[[File:G. Christina.jpg|thumbnail|right|230px|Picture of [[Greta Christina]] in 2010.
 
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<br />
 
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<br />
 
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<small>(photo from [https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgipps/4988339630/in/photolist-2rDM3o-bt3Ftm-bFXxr4-5nz1zL-7fobnw-7fobys-7fjigk-7fjiwX-7fobh5-5T99Aj-5T4L6K-5T98K1-5T96wf-5T4NZF-7e8Beb-7c7bCe-7e8zi9-7caZdy-8ANxzG-7e8xjS-8AKsPT-68xpDc-68xpDt-6rdw8-bHrFL6-bHrFKZ-fznm8w-eUwdEY-bqezJr-e3JzYN-fQtemN-axf5DW-dQotEq-7agx5n-okT16-MvRwB-8ANxss-8ANxSw-8UMG16-9LdtG8-bnvf16-adV2DK-bG97z6-bG97fc-bG96TK-btehjh-82T2J-oAdNG-2VKxNd-2uHoFH Flickr], see: [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/ license agreement])</small>]]
 
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Various studies found that traumatic events in people's lives has a positive correlation with "emotional atheism".<ref>Carter, Joe (January 12, 2011). [http://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2011/01/when-atheists-are-angry-at-god "When atheists are angry at God"].  First Things [The Institute on Religion and Public Life] website.  Retrieved on September 23, 2014.</ref>
 
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−
The atheist and [[lesbianism|lesbian]] [[Greta Christina]] told the journalist Chris Mooney on the Point of Inquiry podcast, "there isn't one emotion" that affects atheists "but anger is one of the emotions that many of us have ...[it] drives others to participate in the movement."<ref>Mooney, Chris (May 14, 2012).  [http://www.pointofinquiry.org/greta_christina_why_are_you_atheists_so_angry/ "Greta Christina—Why are you atheists so angry?"] [interview of Greta Christina] Point of Inquiry website.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
[[Vox Day]] declared:
 
−
{{cquote|...the age at which most people become atheists indicates that it is almost never an intellectual decision, but an emotional one. (This is why most self-identified atheists are angry, bitter, and immature. The anger, bitterness, and immaturity are usually the [[Causes of atheism|cause of the atheism]], they are not, as many Christians erroneously suppose, the effects.)<ref>Day, Vox (January 11, 2011).  [http://voxday.blogspot.com/2011/01/answering-atheists-question.html "Answering an atheist's question"].  Vox Popoli.  Retrieved on September 22, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
For more information please see: [[Atheism and anger]] and [[Atheism and interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]] and  [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]]
 
−
 
 
−
===Atheism and miracles===
 
−
[[Image:Billcraig_czvx.jpg‎‎|thumb|150px|Dr. [[William Lane Craig]] ]]
 
−
:''See main article: [[Atheism and Miracles]]''
 
−
In relation to [[Atheism and Miracles|atheism and miracles]], modern scholars are divided on the issue of whether or not [[David Hume]] was an atheist.<ref>Russell, Paul (February 11, 2013). [http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hume-religion/#10 "Hume on religion"]. ''The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' (Spring 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.). Retrieved July 20, 2014.
 
−
</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>Multiple references:
 
−
*Lennox, John (2009).  [http://www.bethinking.org/are-miracles-possible/the-question-of-miracles-the-contemporary-influence-of-hume "The question of miracles: the contemporary influence of Hume"].  BeThinking.  Retrieved on July 21, 2014.
 
−
*Craig, Dr. William Lane (1986).  [http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/docs/miracles.html "The problem of miracles: a historical and philosophical perspective"].  ''Gospel Perspectives'', vol 6, ed. by David Wenham and Craig Blomberg (Sheffield, England: JSOT Press), pp. 9-40.  Retrieved from LeadershipU on July 20, 2014.</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>Multiple references:
 
−
*Lennox, John (2009).  [http://www.bethinking.org/are-miracles-possible/the-question-of-miracles-the-contemporary-influence-of-hume "The question of miracles: the contemporary influence of Hume"].  BeThinking.  Retrieved on July 21, 2014.
 
−
*Craig, Dr. William Lane (1986).  [http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/docs/miracles.html "The problem of miracles: a historical and philosophical perspective"].  ''Gospel Perspectives'', vol 6, ed. by David Wenham and Craig Blomberg (Sheffield, England: JSOT Press), pp. 9-40.  Retrieved from LeadershipU on July 20, 2014.
 
−
*Hoffman, Paul K. (Spring 1999).  [http://www.galaxie.com/article/caj02-1-03?highlight=hoffmanA "A jurisprudential analysis of Hume’s ‘in principal’ argument against miracles" [excerpt&#93;].  ''Christian Apologetics Journal'', 2:1, p. 2.  Retrieved from Galaxie Software on July 21, 2014.  Subscription required for full article.
 
−
*Geisler, Professor Norman (1985).  [http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth19.html "Miracles and modern scientific thought"].  ''Truth Journal'', vol. 1.  Retrieved from LeadershipU on July 21, 2014.
 
−
*Lewis, C. S. (1960).  [http://books.google.com/books/about/Miracles.html?id=tH8di3qQDhEC ''Miracles''] (New York:  HarperCollins).  Abstract retrieved from Google Books on July 20, 2014.
 
−
*Holding, J. P. [http://www.tektonics.org/gk/hume01.html "David Hume: a critique"].  Tekton Apologetics.  Retrieved on July 21, 2014.
 
−
*Esposito, Lenny (2002).  [http://www.comereason.org/phil_qstn/phi060.asp "Are miracles logically impossible?"]  Come Reason Ministries.  Retrieved July 21, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
===Atheism and questions of origins===
 
−
 
 
−
:''See articles: [[Atheism and Evolution]]'' and [[Evolution as a secular origins myth]]
 
−
[[Creationism|Creationist]] scientists state that the [[First Law of Thermodynamics|first law of thermodynamics]] and the [[Second Law of Thermodynamics|second law of thermodynamics]] argue against an eternal universe or a universe created by natural processes and argue for a universe created by [[God]].<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Hergenrather, John (2004).  [http://www.creationencounter.com/space/lawsofscience.php "Evidences for God from space:  can laws of science explain the origin of the universe?"]  Creation Encounter.  Retrieved on July 21, 2014.
 
−
*Thompson, Bert (2003).  [http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2329 "So long, eternal universe; 'Hello beginning, hello end!'"]  Apologetics Press.  Retrieved on July 21, 2014.
 
−
*Brown, Dr. Walt (2008).  [http://www.creationscience.com/onlinebook/AstroPhysicalSciences14.html "Chapter 2: astronomical and physical sciences", p. 53.]  ''In the Beginning: Compelling Evidence for Creation and the Flood'', 8th ed.  Retrieved on July 23, 2014 from The Center for Scientific Creation.</ref> A majority of the most prominent and vocal defenders of the evolutionary position which employs [[methodological naturalism]] since [[World War II]] have had the worldview of atheism.<ref name="Batten and Sarfati"/>  [[Creation science|Creation scientists]] assert that the theory of [[Evolution|evolution]] is an inadequate explanation for the variety of life forms on earth.<ref>Morris, Henry M., PhD. (January 2001). [http://www.icr.org/home/resources/resources_tracts_scientificcaseagainstevolution/ "The scientific case against evolution"].  Institute for Creation Research. Retrieved on July 23, 2014. </ref> In addition, the current [[origin of life|naturalistic explanations for the origin of life are inadequate]].  The theory of evolution [[Social effects of the theory of evolution|has had a number of negative social effects]].
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheists and the history of Christianity/atheism ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheists and historical illiteracy]] and [[History of Atheism|History of atheism]] and [[Atheist indoctrination]]
 
−
 
 
−
A common complaint concerning many atheists is their lack of depth when it comes to knowledge of [[history]] and [[historiography]] - particularly in areas such as [[historicity of Jesus|historicity of Jesus Christ]] and [[Atheism and Mass Murder|atheist mass murders in history]].<ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-ignorance-of-cosmos.html The ignorance of Cosmos] by [[Vox Day]], March 10, 2014</ref><ref name="Koukl">Koukl, Gregory (February 20, 2013). [http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5527 "The real murderers:  atheism or Christianity?"] Stand to Reason.  Retrieved July 19, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
For more information, please see: [[Atheists and historical illiteracy]]
 
−
 
 
−
==Atheism and mental and physical health==
 
−
 
 
−
:''See also:'' [[Atheism and health]] and [[Atheism and obesity]] and [[Atheism and alcoholism]]
 
−
 
 
−
The is considerable amount of [[science|scientific]] evidence that suggest that theism is more conducive to mental and physical health than atheism and some of the more significant findings are given below <ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Mueller, Dr. Paul S. et al. (December 2001). [http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2811%2962799-7/fulltext "Religious involvement, spirituality, and medicine: implications for clinical practice"]. ''Mayo Clinic Proceedings'' vol. 76:12, pp. 1225-1235.  Retrieved from Mayo Clinic Proceedings website on July 20, 2014.
 
−
*[http://www.spiritualityandhealth.duke.edu/index.php/research/research-library "Research library"].  Duke University Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health.  Retrieved on July 24, 2014.
 
−
*McCullough, Michael E. et al. (2000).  [http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/rel_mort_meta.pdf "Religious involvement and mortality: a meta-analytic review"].  ''Health Psychology''. vol. 19:3. pp. 211-222.  Retrieved from University of Miami, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology website on July 24, 2014.
 
−
*Casey, Professor Patricia (April 3, 2009).  [http://www.ionainstitute.ie/pdfs/Religion-Exec_summary.pdf "The psycho-social benefits of religious practise" [executive summary&#93;].  Iona Institute for Religion and Society [Ireland] website.  Retrieved on July 24, 2014.
 
−
*McCullough, Michael E. and Willoughby, Brian L. B. (2009).  [http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf "Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: associations, explanations, and implications"]. ''Psychological Bulletin'', vol. 135: 1, pp. 69–93.  Retrieved from University of Miami, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology website on July 24, 2014.
 
−
*University of Colorado at Boulder (May 17, 1999).  [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/05/990517064323.htm "Research shows religion plays a major role in health, longevity"].  ScienceDaily.  Retrieved on July 24, 2014.
 
−
*Dervic, Kanita, et al. (December 2004).  [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15569904 "Religious affiliation and suicide attempt" [abstract&#93;]. ''The American Journal of Psychiatry'', vol. 161:12, pp. 2303-8.  Abstract retrieved from National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Pub Med on July 24, 2014.
 
−
*University of Warwick (December 2003).  [http://www.scienceblog.com/community/older/2003/A/20037338.html "Psychology researcher [Dr. Stephen Joseph&#93; says spiritual meaning of Christmas brings more happiness than materialism"].  Scienceblog.  Retrieved on July 24, 2014.
 
−
</ref> (For more information please see: [[Atheism and health]]).
 
−
 
 
−
=== Mayo Clinic, university studies, and other research ===
 
−
[[Image:Mayo-clinic-gondaoverview.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The prestigious [[Mayo Clinic]] found that that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better physical health, mental health, health-related quality of life and other health outcomes.<ref name="Mueller">Mueller, Dr. Paul S. et al. (December 2001). [http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2811%2962799-7/fulltext "Religious involvement, spirituality, and medicine: implications for clinical practice"]. ''Mayo Clinic Proceedings'' vol. 76:12, pp. 1225-1235.  Retrieved from Mayo Clinic Proceedings website on July 20, 2014.</ref>]]
 
−
The prestigious [[Mayo Clinic]] reported the following on December 11, 2001:
 
−
{{cquote|In an article also published in this issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Mayo Clinic researchers reviewed published studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews and subject reviews that examined the association between religious involvement and spirituality and physical health, mental health, health-related quality of life and other health outcomes.
 
−
 
 
−
The authors report a majority of the nearly 350 studies of physical health and 850 studies of mental health that have used religious and spiritual variables have found that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes.<ref name="Mueller"/>}}
 
−
 
 
−
The [[Iona Institute]] reported:
 
−
{{cquote|A meta-analysis of all studies, both published and unpublished, relating to religious involvement and longevity was carried out in 2000. Forty-two studies were included, involving some 126,000 subjects. Active religious involvement increased the chance of living longer by some 29%, and participation in public religious practices, such as church attendance, increased the chance of living longer by 43%.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Casey, Professor Patricia (April 3, 2009).  [http://www.ionainstitute.ie/pdfs/Religion-Exec_summary.pdf "The psycho-social benefits of religious practise" [executive summary&#93;].  Iona Institute for Religion and Society [Ireland] website.  Retrieved on July 24, 2014.
 
−
*McCullough, Michael E. et al. (2000).  [http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/rel_mort_meta.pdf "Religious involvement and mortality: a meta-analytic review"].  ''Health Psychology''. vol. 19:3. pp. 211-222.  Retrieved from University of Miami, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology website on July 24, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
In December of 2003, the University of Warwick reported:
 
−
{{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>University of Warwick (December 2003).  [http://www.scienceblog.com/community/older/2003/A/20037338.html "Psychology researcher [Dr. Stephen Joseph&#93; says spiritual meaning of Christmas brings more happiness than materialism"].  Scienceblog.  Retrieved on July 24, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
[[Duke University]] has established the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health.<ref>[http://www.spiritualityandhealth.duke.edu/ Duke University Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health]  Retrieved on July 24, 2014.</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.spiritualityandhealth.duke.edu/index.php/about-us "About us."]  The Duke University Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health.  Retrieved on July 24, 2014.</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.spiritualityandhealth.duke.edu/index.php/research/research-library "Research library"].  Duke University Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health.  Retrieved on July 24, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Religious belief and self-control ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and obesity]] and [[Atheism and alcohol abuse]] and [[Atheism and depression]] and [[Atheism and suicide]]
 
−
 
 
−
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>Multiple references:
 
−
*McCullough, Michael E. and Willoughby, Brian L. B. (January 2009).  [http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf "Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: associations, explanations, and implications"] ''Psychological Bulletin'', vol. 135, no. 1, pp. 69-93.  Retrieved from University of Miami department of psychology website on September 10, 2014.
 
−
*Alternate source of abstract: [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210054 "Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: associations, explanations, and implications" [abstract&#93;].  Retrieved from PubMed.gov on September 10, 2014.</ref> Furthermore, a 2012 Queen's University study published in ''Psychological Science'' found that religion replenishes self-control.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Rounding, Kevin and Lee, Albert et al. [Queen’s University] (June 2012). [http://pss.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/05/02/0956797611431987.abstract "Religion replenishes self-control" [abstract&#93;]. ''Psychological Science'', vol. 23, no. 6, pp. 635-642.  Retrieved from Sage Journals on September 13, 2014.  Purchase required for full article.
 
−
*Craig, Anne (January 24, 2012). [http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-01/qu-qsf012412.php "Queen's study finds religion helps us gain self-control"].  Queen's University website [Canada].  Retrieved from EurekAlert on September 13, 2014.</ref>  Also, numerous studies indicate that those who engage in regular spiritual practices have lower mortality rates.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*McCullough, M. E. and Hoyt, W. T. et al. (May 2000).  [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10868765 "Religious involvement and mortality: a meta-analytic review" [abstract&#93;].  ''Health Psychology'', 19:3, pp. 211-22.  Retrieved from PubMed on September 13, 2014.
 
−
*Puchalski, Christina M. (October 2001). [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1305900/ "The role of spirituality in health care"].  ''Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings'', 14:4, pp. 352–357.  Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information on September 13, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
===Atheism and suicide===
 
−
 
 
−
:''See also:'' [[Atheism and depression]] and [[Atheism and suicide]] and [[Hopelessness of atheism]] and [[Atheism, gender and suicide]] and [[Atheism, marriage and suicide]]
 
−
 
 
−
Although there are recent studies relating to [[Atheism and suicide|atheism being a causal factor for suicide for some individuals]], an early proponent of atheism being a causal factor for [[suicide]] was the Reverend Dr. [[Robert Stuart MacArthur]].<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Dervic, Kanita, et al. (December 2004).  [http://www.adherents.com/misc/religion_suicide.html "Religious affiliation and suicide attempt" [summary&#93;]. ''The American Journal of Psychiatry'', vol. 161:12, pp. 2303-8.  Summary retrieved from Adherents.com on July 25, 2014.  Website contains link to article at American Journal of Psychiatry website.
 
−
*Dervic, Kanita, et al. (December 2004).  [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15569904 "Religious affiliation and suicide attempt" [abstract&#93;]. ''The American Journal of Psychiatry'', vol. 161:12, pp. 2303-8.  Abstract retrieved from National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Pub Med on July 24, 2014.
 
−
*[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9507E2DC1131E033A25754C1A96F9C94659ED7CF "Atheism a cause of suicide; Dr. MacArthur preaches on the sin and cowardice of self-destruction"] (September 17, 1894).  ''New York Times'', p. 2.  Retrieved from nytimes.com on July 24, 2014.</ref> In 1894, the [[NY Times|''New York Times'']] stated the following in relation to atheism and suicide:
 
−
{{cquote|Dr. Martin urged that a great cause of suicide was atheism. It was, he said, a remarkable fact that where atheism prevailed most, there suicides were most numerous. In [[Paris]], a recent census showed one suicide to every 2,700 of the population. After the publication of Paine's "Age of Reason" suicides increased.<ref name="nytimes">[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9507E2DC1131E033A25754C1A96F9C94659ED7CF "Atheism a cause of suicide; Dr. MacArthur preaches on the sin and cowardice of self-destruction"] (September 17, 1894).  ''New York Times'', p. 2.  Retrieved from nytimes.com on July 24, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
[[Image:Desperation_man.jpg‎ |thumb|right|200px|Pitzer College sociologist Phil Zuckerman stated concerning suicide rates: "this is the one indicator of societal health in which religious nations fare much better than secular nations."]]
 
−
The same ''New York Times'' article quotes the Reverend Dr. MacArthur describing suicide in the following manner:
 
−
{{cquote|It is mean and not manly; it is dastardly and not daring. A man who involves his innocent wife and children in financial disaster and disgrace and takes his life and leaves them to bear the burden he was unwilling to bear, is a coward.<ref name="nytimes"/>}}
 
−
 
 
−
In 2004, the ''American Journal of Psychiatry'' reported:
 
−
{{cquote|Religiously unaffiliated subjects had significantly more lifetime suicide attempts and more first-degree relatives who committed suicide than subjects who endorsed a religious affiliation. Unaffiliated subjects were younger, less often married, less often had children, and had less contact with family members. Furthermore, subjects with no religious affiliation perceived fewer reasons for living, particularly fewer moral objections to suicide. In terms of clinical characteristics, religiously unaffiliated subjects had more lifetime impulsivity, aggression, and past substance use disorder. No differences in the level of subjective and objective depression, hopelessness, or stressful life events were found.<ref>Dervic, Kanita, et al. (December 2004).  [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15569904 "Religious affiliation and suicide attempt" [abstract&#93;]. ''The American Journal of Psychiatry'', vol. 161:12, pp. 2303-8.  Abstract retrieved from National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Pub Med on July 24, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
For more information please see:
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and suicide]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Hopelessness of atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[File:Stephen-Fry.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|[[Stephen Fry]] is an [[atheist]] and a [[homosexual]]. See: [[Atheism and obesity]] ]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and obesity ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and obesity]]
 
−
 
 
−
According to the [[Gallup Organization]], "Very religious Americans are more likely to practice healthy behaviors than those who are moderately religious or nonreligious."<ref name="Gallup">Newport, Frank, et al. (December 23, 2010).  [http://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspx "Very religious Americans lead healthier lives"].  Gallup.  Retrieved on July 25, 2014.</ref>  For more information please [[Atheism and obesity]]
 
−
 
 
−
Gallup declared concerning the study which measured the degree to which religiosity affects health practices: "[[Generalized linear model]] analysis was used to estimate marginal scores all five reported metrics after controlling for age (in years), gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, education (number of years), log of income, and region of the country... Results are based on telephone interviews conducted as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index survey Jan. 2-July 28, 2010, with a random sample of 554,066 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, selected using random-digit-dial sampling."<ref name="Gallup"/>
 
−
 
 
−
[[China]] has the world's largest atheist population.<ref name="athmap">Multiple references:
 
−
*[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf "Top 50 countries with highest proportion of atheists/agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)"].  Chris and Terri Chapman.  Retrieved on September 10, 2014.
 
−
*Fisher, Max and Dewey, Caitlin (May 23, 2013).  [http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ "A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live"].  The Washington Post website.  Retrieved on September 13, 2014.</ref>  In 2014, the ''Wall Street Journal'' reported that atheistic China has 300 million overweight individuals and it has the second highest obesity rate in the world.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E "Chubby China: nation of 300 million overweight people"] (May 30, 2014).  YouTube video, 3:52, posted by Wall Street Journal.  Retrieved on September 13, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
According to a 2012 report by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of obese children in China has reached 120 million.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_yk-aM0cyk "Child obesity reaches 120 million in China"] (August 31, 2012).  YouTube video, 1:37, posted by NTDTV.  Retrieved on September 13, 2014.</ref>  A recent study published in the ''Obesity Reviews'' journal, found that Chinese teenagers' rate of [[diabetes]] was four times that of their [[United States|American]] peers.<ref name="Pang Li">Li, Pang (September 14, 2012). [http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-09/14/content_26521029.htm "Obesity is a growing concern in China"].  China.org.cn.  Retrieved on September 14, 2014.</ref>  Due to their past [[One-child Policy|one-child policy]], which had exceptions, China now has a lot of over-pampered and over-fed children.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yuf8yg0Dbig "Rising Chinese child obesity and fat camps"] (October 25, 2007).  YouTube video, 6:38, posted by Journeyman Pictures.  Retrieved on September 14, 2014
 
−
*Burkitt, Laurie (May 29, 2014).  [http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ "As obesity rises, Chinese kids are almost as fat as Americans"], Wall Street Journal website/Chinarealtime.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E "Chubby China: nation of 300 million overweight people"] (May 30, 2014).  YouTube video, 3:52, posted by Wall Street Journal.  Retrieved on September 13, 2014.</ref>
 
−
<br /><br />
 
−
A recent study published in the ''Obesity Reviews'' journal, found that Chinese teenagers' rate of [[diabetes]] was four times that of their [[United States|American]] peers.<ref name="Pang Li"/>
 
−
[[File:Flag of the PRC.png|thumbnail|250px|right|[[China]] has the largest atheist population in the world.<ref name="athmap"/> In 2014, the British medical journal'' Lancet'' reported that the Chinese now have the second highest obesity rate in the world.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Burkitt, Laurie (May 29, 2014).  [http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ "As obesity rises, Chinese kids are almost as fat as Americans"], Wall Street Journal website/Chinarealtime.  Retrieved on October 6, 2014.
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E "Chubby China: nation of 300 million overweight people"] (May 30, 2014).  YouTube video, 3:52, posted by Wall Street Journal.  Retrieved on September 13, 2014.</ref>
 
−
<br /><br />
 
−
A recent study published in the ''Obesity Reviews'' journal, found that Chinese teenagers' rate of [[diabetes]] was four times that of their [[United States|American]] peers.<ref name="Pang Li"/> See: [[Atheism and obesity]] ]]
 
−
 
 
−
Please see:
 
−
 
 
−
* [[Atheism and obesity]]
 
−
 
 
−
* [[Atheism and health]]
 
−
 
 
−
* [[Atheism and the fat acceptance movement]]
 
−
 
 
−
* [[Atheism and gluttony]]
 
−
 
 
−
==== Atheistic areas of the world and obesity ====
 
−
 
 
−
* [[China and obesity]]
 
−
 
 
−
* [[Secular Europe and obesity]]
 
−
 
 
−
==== Various generations and rates of irreligion/obesity ====
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Millennials, irreligion and obesity]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Generation X, irreligion and obesity]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Baby boom generation, irreligion and obesity]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and alcohol abuse ===
 
−
 
 
−
See: [[Atheism and alcohol abuse]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and sexually transmitted diseases ===
 
−
 
 
−
[[Atheist Population|Atheistic populations]] commonly have significant problems with [[Sexually Transmitted Disease|sexually transmitted diseases]]. See: [[Atheism and sexually transmitted diseases]].
 
−
 
 
−
=== Sports performance: Religious faith vs. atheism ===
 
−
[[File:Basketball.jpg|right|300px|thumbnail|Numerous studies report that athletes to be more religious than non-athletes.<ref name="Bell">Bell, Nathan T. (January 7, 2009). [http://thesportjournal.org/article/strength-of-religious-faith-of-athletes-and-nonathletes-at-two-ncaa-division-iii-institutions/ "Strength of religious faith of athletes and nonathletes at two NCAA Division III institutions"].  The Sport Journal [online publication] (Daphne, AL: United States Sports Academy).  Retrieved on July 25, 2014.</ref>]]
 
−
''See also:'' [[Sports performance: Religious faith vs. atheism]] and [[Atheism and obesity]]
 
−
 
 
−
''The [[Sport]]s Journal'' is a monthly refereed journal published by the United States Sports Academy.
 
−
A journal article appeared in the Sports Journal entitled ''Strength of Religious Faith of Athletes and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions''. The article was submitted by Nathan T. Bell, Scott R. Johnson, and Jeffrey C. Petersen from Ball State University.<ref name="Bell"/>
 
−
An excerpt from the abstract of the journal article ''Strength of Religious Faith of Athletes and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions'' declares:
 
−
{{cquote|Numerous studies report athletes to be more religious than nonathletes (Fischer, 1997; Storch, Kolsky, Silvestri, & Storch, 2001; Storch et al., 2004). According to Storch, Kolsky, Silvestri, and Storch (2001), four reasons may explain why religion interacts with athletic performance.<ref name="Bell"/>}}
 
−
 
 
−
See also: [[Atheism and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence]]
 
−
=== Friedrich Nietzsche's insanity ===
 
−
 
 
−
[[Image:Nietzsche.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Currently, there is an ongoing debate on whether  [[Friedrich Nietzsche]]'s insanity  was caused purely through disease or whether his atheistic/[[nihilism|nihilistic]] philosophical outlook on life was the cause.<ref name="Nietzsche">Multiple references:
 
−
*Owen, C. M., et al. (September 2007).  [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17881977 "The madness of Dionysus: a neurosurgical perspective on Friedrich Nietzsche" [abstract&#93;]. ''Neurosurgery'', vol. 61:3, pp. 626-32.  Abstract retrieved from National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Pub Med on July 24, 2014.
 
−
*Brace, Robin A. (2006).  [http://www.ukapologetics.net/truthaboutnietzsche.html "Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900): the 'God is dead' man died in a state of complete insanity—but Christianity lives on!"]  UK Apologetics.  Retrieved on July 24, 2014.
 
−
*Hutchison, Fred (March 7, 2007).  [http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/hutchison/070307 "Liberalism and the two roads to nihilism: how liberalism can collapse into nihilism through materialism or false idealism"].  RenewAmerica.  Retrieved on July 24, 2014.
 
−
*Orth, M. and Trimble, M. R. (December 2006).  [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17087793?dopt=Abstract "Friedrich Nietzsche's mental illness—general paralysis of the insane vs. frontotemporal dementia" [abstract&#93;].  ''Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica'', vol. 114:6, pp. 439-45.  Abstract retrieved from National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Pub Med on July 24, 2014.
 
−
*Sax, Leonard (February 2003).  [http://www.leonardsax.com/Nietzsche.pdf "What was the cause of Nietzsche's dementia?"] ''Journal of Medical Biography'', vol. 11, pp. 47-54.  Retrieved from www.leonardsax.com on July 24, 2014.
 
−
*Khazaee, Malek K. (Spring 2008). [http://www.bu.edu/paideia/existenz/volumes/Vol.3-1Khazaee.html "The case of Nietzsche's madness"].  ''Existenz'', vol. 3:1, pp. 40-48.  Retrieved from Boston University Existenz website on July 25, 2004.
 
−
*Girard, René (March 1, 1988). [http://books.google.com/books?id=x4qDrNKVC5gC&pg=PA61&lpg=PA61&dq=Ren%C3%A9+Girard+nietzsche+and+madness&source=bl&ots=DQFLJpqjJd&sig=mXNq_6J6_qTciP2vW-FHojwBn20&hl=en&ei=hv99Sp0Y2YG2B8Ogsf4B&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false "Chapter 4: Strategies of madness—Nietzsche, Wagner and Dostoevsky" [preview&#93;].  ''To Double Business Bound'' (Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press), pp. 61-82+.  Preview retrieved from GoogleBooks on July 25, 2014.
 
−
*Palmquist, Stephen (1995).  [http://www.hkbu.edu.hk/~ppp/top/top19 "Chapter 19: Nietzsche's moral breakthrough"].  ''The Tree of Philosophy'' (Hong Kong:  Philopsychy Press).  Retrieved from Hong Kong Baptist University website on July 25, 2014.</ref>]]
 
−
Currently, there is an ongoing debate on whether  [[Friedrich Nietzsche]]'s insanity  was caused purely through disease or whether his atheistic/[[nihilism|nihilistic]] philosophical outlook on life was the cause.<ref name="Nietzsche"/>
 
−
 
 
−
An article published on the Hong Kong Baptist University declares:
 
−
{{cquote|Trying to explain what caused his insanity can only be a matter of speculation. Some people believe it was the result of a physical illness. Others interpret his suffering as that of a true prophet, almost as if he were accepting the punishment on behalf of those who could not see mankind's tendency towards self-destruction so clearly. Still others regard his final fate as a natural outcome of his philosophical outlook.<ref>Palmquist, Stephen (1995).  [http://www.hkbu.edu.hk/~ppp/top/top19 "Chapter 19: Nietzsche's moral breakthrough"].  ''The Tree of Philosophy'' (Hong Kong:  Philopsychy Press).  Retrieved from Hong Kong Baptist University website on July 25, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
The Russian-born psychoanalyst and writer Lou Andreas-Salomé, who had a brief and tempestuous affair with Nietzsche, believed that Nietzsche's philosophy can be viewed as a reflection of his psychology and that his madness was the result of his philosophizing.<ref>Salomé, Lou (1988).  [http://www.amazon.com/Nietzsche-Lou-Salome/dp/0252070356 ''Nietzsche'' [preview&#93;] (University of Illinois).  Translation of ''Friedrich Nietzsche in seinen Werken'' (1894) translated by Mandel, Elise and Mandel, Theo S.  Preview retrieved from Amazon.com on July 25, 2014.</ref>  In addition, the French historian René Girard asserted that Nietzsche's philosophy led to his insanity.<ref>Girard, René (March 1, 1988). [http://books.google.com/books?id=x4qDrNKVC5gC&pg=PA61&lpg=PA61&dq=Ren%C3%A9+Girard+nietzsche+and+madness&source=bl&ots=DQFLJpqjJd&sig=mXNq_6J6_qTciP2vW-FHojwBn20&hl=en&ei=hv99Sp0Y2YG2B8Ogsf4B&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false "Chapter 4: Strategies of madness—Nietzsche, Wagner and Dostoevsky" [preview&#93;].  ''To Double Business Bound'' (Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press), pp. 61-82+.  Preview retrieved from GoogleBooks on July 25, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
== Atheism is a religion ==
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism is a religion]] and [[Atheist cults]] and [[Atheist hypocrisy]]
 
−
[[File:Richard Dawkins pic.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|260px|right|The [[Oxford University]] Professor [[Daniel Came]] wrote to the [[agnosticism|agnostic]] [[Richard Dawkins]]: "The absence of a debate with the foremost [[Christian apologetics|apologist]] for [[Christianity|Christian]] [[theism]] is a glaring omission on your [[Curriculum vitae|CV]] and is of course apt to be interpreted as [[Atheism and cowardice|cowardice]] on your part."<ref>Ross, Tim (May 14, 2011).  [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html "Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God"]. The Daily Telegraph website.  Retrieved July 25, 2014.  See [[Daily Telegraph]]</ref>]]
 
−
Many of the leaders of the atheist movement, such as the evolutionist and [[weak atheism|weak atheist]]/[[agnosticism|agnostic]] [[Richard Dawkins]], argue for [[agnosticism]]/atheism with a religious fervor.
 
−
 
 
−
In addition, although many atheists deny that [[Atheist worldview|atheism is a worldview]], atheists commonly share a [[Atheism and beliefs|number of beliefs]] such as [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalism]], [[Evolution|belief in evolution]] and [[Origin of life|abiogenesis]].<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Slick, Matt (October 2011).  [http://carm.org/atheism-worldview "Is atheism a worldview?"]  Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry website.  Retrieved on October 25, 2014.  See [[CARM]]
 
−
*Hearn, Brian F. (December 31, 2009).  [http://www.apologetics.net/post/Atheism-a-worldview.aspx "Atheism a worldview?"]  Apologetics.net.  Retrieved on October 25, 2014.
 
−
*Hearn, Brian F. (May 2, 2012).  [http://www.apologetics.net/post/Atheism-is-a-worldview-%28II%29.aspx "Atheism is a worldview II"].  Apologetics.net.  Retrieved on October 25, 2014.
 
−
*Bannister, Andy (October 14, 2013).  [http://www.rzim.eu/the-scandanavian-sceptic-or-why-atheism-is-a-belief-system "The Scandanavian sceptic (or why atheism is a belief system)"].  Ravi Zacharias International Ministries website.  Retrieved on October 25, 2014.  See [[Ravi Zacharias]]</ref> 
 
−
 
 
−
Roderick Ninian Smart, a Scottish writer and professor, defined a seven-part scheme of understanding both religious and secular worldviews<ref>Smart, Ninian (1996).  [http://books.google.com/books?id=14j2UrLCi64C&pg=PA130&lpg=PA130&dq=ninian+smart+narrative&source=bl&ots=Hq3WwG_mVT&sig=j-8FpwSdqohURYodSdcl46erSJY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FgybT6zxIc-_gAe864X6Dg&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=ninian%20smart%20narrative&f=false ''Dimensions of the Sacred'' [preview&#93;] (Oakland, CA: University of California Press).  Preview retrieved from GoogleBooks on July 25, 2014.</ref>  These can be understood as narrative, experiential, social, ethical, doctrinal, ritual and material.
 
−
 
 
−
English Pastor Daniel Smartt defines atheism as a religion, using Ninian Smart's seven dimensions of worldview as a list of criteria. It is not necessary in Smartt's model for every one of these to be present in order for something to be a religion.<ref>Smartt, Daniel (November 6, 2008).  [http://www.spiritualliving360.com/index.php/atheism-religion-naturalism-morally-relative-23030/ "Atheism religion naturalism morally relative"].  SpiritualLiving360°.  Retrieved on July 25, 2014.</ref>. However, it can be argued that all seven are present in the case of atheism.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Smartt, Daniel (May 4, 2010).  [http://creation.com/atheism-a-religion "Atheism: a religion"].  Creation Ministries International.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014.
 
−
*Mariano (June 11, 2009).  [http://creation.com/atheism "Atheism"].  Creation Ministries International.  Retrieved on July 19, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
In 2013, a trend of atheist services began and atheist services were reported in the ''[[New York Times]]'', ''[[The Blaze]]'' and other major news outlets.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Thier, Dave (June 23, 2013).  [http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/24/us/in-the-bible-belt-offering-atheists-a-spiritual-home.html?_r=0 "In the Bible belt offering atheists a spiritual home"].  Nytimes.com.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014.
 
−
*Hallowell, Billy (April 17, 2013).  [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/04/17/atheist-sunday-morning-worship-services-are-on-the-rise/ "Bizarre trend: atheist Sunday morning ‘worship’ services are on the rise (minus God, of course)"]  TheBlaze.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014.
 
−
*Ortberg, Mallory (January 5, 2013).  [http://gawker.com/5973377/londons-first-atheist-church-opens-tomorrow "London's first atheist church opens tomorrow".]  Gawker.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
See also: [http://creation.com/atheism-a-religion Atheism: A religion] and [[Atheism is a religion]] and [[Atheist cults]] and [http://creation.com/atheism Atheism]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism is a religion and its legal implications relative to the teaching of evolution ===
 
−
 
 
−
[[Atheism is a religion]] and [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalistic]] notions of origins are religious which has legal implications relative to [[evolution]] being taught in public schools.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Smartt, Daniel (May 4, 2010).  [http://creation.com/atheism-a-religion "Atheism: a religion"].  Creation Ministries International.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014.
 
−
*Calvert, John, J. D. (June 22, 2010).  [http://www.intelligentdesignnetwork.org/Kitzmiller%27s_error_summary.pdf "Summary of 'Kitzmiller’s error: using an exclusive rather than inclusive definition of religion'"].  Intelligent Design Network.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014.
 
−
*Calvert, John, J. D. (Spring 2009).  [http://www.intelligentdesignnetwork.org/Kitzmiller%27s_Error.pdf "Kitzmiller's error:  defining 'religion' exclusively rather than inclusively"].  ''Liberty University Law Review'', vol. 3:2, pp. 213-328.  Retrieved from Intelligent Design Network on July 26, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
John Calvert, a lawyer and [[intelligent design]] proponent declared:
 
−
{{cquote|The Seventh Judicial Circuit of the Court of Appeals of the [[United States]] held that atheism is a [[religion]]. Therefore, it cannot be promoted by a public school. Currently, public schools are often unwittingly promoting atheism through a dogmatic and uncritical teaching of [[Evolution|materialistic theories of origins]].<ref>Morehouse, Darrin. ([http://www.highway30cofc.truepath.com/Articles/SpiritualWarfare;AtheismisaReligionPart1.pdf "Spiritual warfare; atheism is a religion part 1"].  Highway 30 website.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
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).  [http://creation.com/15-questions "15 questions for evolutionists".]  Creation Ministries International.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheist cults ===
 
−
[[File:Temple of Reason.jpg|thumbnail|180px|The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg was turned into a Temple of Reason by the [[Cult of Reason]]. ]]
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheist cults]]
 
−
 
 
−
Within the [[Atheism is a religion|atheist religion]], there have been a number of [[atheist cults]] and atheistic groups which have had a cultish following. Some of these atheist cults/groups still exist today.
 
−
 
 
−
An example of an atheist cult in history is the [[Cult of Reason]] during the [[French Revolution]].  The [[France|French]] atheist Pierre Gaspard Chaumette encouraged the "worship of [[Reason]]".<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Pierre Gaspard Chaumette was an atheist, see Gellis, Roberta (2009), ''The English Heiress, Book 1'' (Akron, OH:  Cerridwen Press), p. 211.
 
−
*Pierre Gaspard Chaumette encouraged the "worship of Reason", see: Rush, Benjamin (1809).  "On Animal Life" and footnote from Carlson, Eric T., M.D. et al., editor (1981), [http://books.google.com/books/about/Benjamin_Rush_s_Lectures_on_the_Mind.html?id=Sfpu7mMW9qIC ''Memoirs of the American Philosophical Society:  Benjamin Rush's Lectures on the Mind''] (Philadelphia, PA:  American Philosophical Society), vol. 144, p. 170.  Retrieved from GoogleBooks on October 24, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
The atheist cults or atheist groups which have had a cultish following which have formed in history or exist today are often a result of factors such as: [[utopia]]n thinking, fanatical devolution to various atheistic ideologies, a poor understanding of science/technology (or a penchant for materialist [[Pseudoscience|pseudoscientific]] thinking) and wishful thinking. 
 
−
 
 
−
For example, [[cryonics]] is a pseudoscience that tries to extend life or achieve immortality in a non-theistic way after a person is legally dead (Cryonic procedures are performed shortly after a person's death).<ref name="cryogenesis"/> See also: [[Atheism and death]] 
 
−
 
 
−
The atheists [[Robert Ettinger]] and [[Isaac Asimov]] played a significant role in the founding/launching of the [[cryonics]] movement (see: [[Atheism and cryonics]]).<ref name="Ettinger"/>  According to The Cryonics Society, Asimov said of cryonics, "Though no one can quantify the probability of cryonics working, I estimate it is at least 90%..."<ref name="critics"/>
 
−
 
 
−
For a more complete listing and description of atheist cults or atheistic groups which have a cultish following, please see: [[Atheist cults]].
 
−
 
 
−
== Atheism and women  ==
 
−
 
 
−
''see also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and rape]] and [[Elevatorgate]] and [[Prominent atheists whose wives believe in the existence of God]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[File:2404429188 ea8f1fc48b.jpg|thumbnail|right|255px|Studies and web traffic data appear to indicate that women in the [[Western World]] tend to be more religious than men.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Britt, Robert Roy (February 28, 2009). [http://www.livescience.com/7689-women-religious-men.html "Women more religious than men"].  Livescience.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014.
 
−
*See [[Atheism_and_women#Prominent_general_atheist_websites_appear_to_receive_significantly_less_traffic_from_women|Atheism and women: Demographic breakdown of atheist websites]]</ref>]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Recent studies ===
 
−
 
 
−
==== Surveys by country ====
 
−
 
 
−
In November of 2010, ''Discover'' magazine published survey results published by the World Values Survey which showed significant differences between the percentage of men and women who are atheists for various countries.<ref>Khan, Razib (November 18, 2010).  [http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/sex-differences-in-global-atheism-part-n/ "Gene expression; "Sex differences in global atheism, part N"].  Discover magazine website.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014.</ref> See also: [[Atheism and women]]
 
−
 
 
−
==== United States surveys ====
 
−
 
 
−
A 2009 article in LiveScience.com entitled ''Women More Religious Than Men'' reported: "A new analysis of survey data finds women pray more often then men, are more likely to believe in God, and are more religious than men in a variety of other ways...The latest findings, released Friday, are no surprise, only confirming what other studies have found for decades. <ref name=Britt>Britt, Robert Roy (February 28, 2009). [http://www.livescience.com/7689-women-religious-men.html "Women more religious than men"].  Livescience.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014</ref>  In 2007, the Pew Research Center found that American women were more religious than American men.<ref name=Britt/>
 
−
 
 
−
==== Large atheist group survey and atheist meetings ====
 
−
 
 
−
In 2011, Beliefnetnews reported concerning the race and gender of American atheists:
 
−
{{cquote|From the smallest local meetings to the largest conferences, the vast majority of speakers and attendees are almost always white men. Leading figures of the atheist movement — [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Sam Harris]], [[Christopher Hitchens]] and [[Daniel Dennett]] — are all white men.
 
−
 
 
−
But making atheism more diverse is proving to be no easy task.
 
−
 
 
−
Surveys suggest most atheists are white men. A recent survey of 4,000 members of the Freedom from Religion Foundation found that 95 percent were white, and men comprised a majority.<ref>MacDonald, G. Jeffrey (2011).  [http://blog.beliefnet.com/news/2011/01/atheists-diversity-woes-have-n.php "Atheists’ diversity woes have no black-and-white answers"].  Beliefnet.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
[[File:Ayaan-Hirsi-Ali.JPG|thumbnail|right|175px|When [[Ayaan Hirsi Ali]] decries [[Islam|Muslim]] [[misogyny]], she is applauded by the atheist community.<br /><br /> Women who decry the misogyny of atheist men often face a harsh backlash. See: [[Atheist hypocrisy]] and [[Elevatorgate]] ]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Sam Harris on atheism/women ===
 
−
 
 
−
In 2014, the prominent New Atheist [[Sam Harris]] said that atheist activism lacks an “[[estrogen]] vibe” and was “to some degree intrinsically male”.<ref name="Lee"/> Due feminist atheist backlash, Harris wrote a long blog post indicating that his comments were taken out of context.<ref>Harris, Sam (September 15, 2014).  [http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/im-not-the-sexist-pig-youre-looking-for “I’m not the sexist pig you’re looking for”].  Sam Harris.  Retrieved on September 23, 2014.  See [[Sam Harris]].</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and sexism ===
 
−
 
 
−
Most atheists are politically on the [[leftist|left]] (see: [[Atheism and politics]] and [[Secular left]]).  Part of leftist ideology is [[feminism]]. However, there is a significant amount of [[misogyny]] among atheists (see: [[Atheism and women]]).
 
−
 
 
−
Atheist women currently experience a considerable amount of [[sexism]] and harassment from atheist men. For example, in 2014, the prominent atheist [[PZ Myers]] said of fellow [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]]' attitude towards women: "At a time when our movement needs to expand its reach, it’s a tragedy that our most eminent spokesman has so enthusiastically expressed such a regressive attitude.”<ref name="Lee">Lee, Adam (September 18, 2014). [http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/18/richard-dawkins-sexist-atheists-bad-name "Richard Dawkins has lost it: ignorant sexism gives atheists a bad name"]. The Guardian website.  Retrieved on September 23, 2014</ref> 
 
−
 
 
−
For more information please see:
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and women]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Irreligion and domestic violence]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Secular Europe and domestic violence]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and sexism]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and rape]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Elevatorgate]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Richard Dawkins and women]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheist leaders and immoral relationships]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Atheism and marriageability ==
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and marriage]] and [[Prominent atheists whose wives believe in the existence of God]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and rates of marriage in the United States ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and marriageability]] and [[Atheism and women]]
 
−
 
 
−
The [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] Michael Caputo wrote:
 
−
{{cquote|Recently the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has published its mammoth study on Religion in America based on 35,000 interviews... According to the Pew Forum a whopping 37% of atheists never marry as opposed to 19% of the American population, 17% of Protestants and 17% of Catholics.<ref name="marry">Mariano (June 11, 2009).  [http://creation.com/atheism "Atheism"].  Creation Ministries International.  Retrieved on July 19, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
[[Vox Day]] declared that according to the 2001 American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) "more than half of all atheists and [[agnosticism|agnostics]] don’t get married."<ref name="marry"/>
 
−
 
 
−
For more information please see:  [[Atheism and marriageability]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheist marriages ===
 
−
 
 
−
See: [[Atheist marriages]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Atheism and its inability to explain love ==
 
−
 
 
−
See also: [[Atheism and love]]
 
−
 
 
−
From a [[Metaphysics|metaphysical]], moral and spiritual perspective, atheists have an inability to satisfactorily explain the existence of [[love]].<ref>[http://www.strangenotions.com/atheists-love/ How do atheists define love?]</ref><ref>[https://atheistforum.wordpress.com/2014/07/09/what-is-love-how-materialist-atheism-fails-to-have-a-satisfactory-answer/ What is love? how materialist atheism fails to have a satisfactory answer], July 9, 2014</ref> See: [[Atheism and love]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Atheist PZ Myers says atheists are largely a population of internet nerds and geeks ==
 
−
 
 
−
[[File:PzMyers2.jpg|thumbnail|251px|right|[[PZ Myers]] declared, "...I don’t object to [[bestiality]] in a very limited set of specific conditions..."<ref name="achilles">[http://templestream.blogspot.com/2012/08/atheist-achilles-heels-objective.html Atheist Achilles Heels: Objective Morality and Sacred Life]</ref> See: [[Atheism and bestiality]]
 
−
<br />
 
−
<br />
 
−
<small>(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/ Flickr], see [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en  license agreement])</small>  ]]
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheist nerds]] and [[Internet atheism]] and [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and social outcasts]] and [[Global atheism|Decline of atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
In 2013, the atheist [[PZ Myers]] declared:
 
−
{{cquote|If we're going to expand our base and we're going to draw in more people to recognize the virtues of living in a secular world, we need to appeal to more than just that geek and [[nerd]] subset of the population. We need to have a wider base.  ...I seriously believe that we're on the cusp of a crisis.  We're not there yet but it's looming in front of us. Will we adapt and thrive and change the world? Or will we remain an avocation for a prosperous and largely irrelevant subset of the population?  Will we become something more than a scattered society of [[Atheism and the internet|internet nerds]]? That's what we have to do.<ref name="Seattle">Klinghoffer, David (April 5, 2013).  [http://www.evolutionnews.org/2013/04/in_seattle_pz_m070861.html "In Seattle, PZ Myers reflects candidly on his constituency"].  Evolution News and Views.  Retrieved on July 26, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
In response, David Klinghoffer  at ''Evolution News and Views'' wrote:
 
−
{{cquote|A crisis looms, in Myers's view, because he looks around himself and sees a not very promising basis for a mass movement. He's right. There is indeed a quality of geeky isolation from reality, common sense, and the fullness of life that I see as a motif in atheist and Darwin activism alike.<ref name="Seattle"/>}}
 
−
 
 
−
For more information please see: [[Internet atheism]] and [[Atheist nerds]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Decline of atheism in terms of the global population ==
 
−
 
 
−
[[File:Birkbeck College, University of London.jpg|right|thumbnail|250px|[[Eric Kaufmann]], a professor at [[Birkbeck College, University of London]], using a wealth of demographic studies argues the decline of atheism in terms of its [[global atheism|global adherents]] is an established trend that will persist for the foreseeable future and the rate of decline will accelerate.<ref name="sneps">Multiple references:
 
−
*Kaufmann, Eric. (2009 or aft.). [http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf "Shall the religious inherit the earth?: demography and politics in the twenty-first century"].  www.sneps.net.  Paper similar to book ''Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?  Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century''.  Publ. in unknown publication. ("Most observers accept that the aftermath...") Retrieved July 27, 2014.
 
−
*Kitman, Frank (May 18, 2011).  [http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/2011/05/eric-kaufmann-shall-religious-inherit.html "Eric Kaufmann: shall the religious inherit the earth?"]  Kitman TV.  Retrieved July 27, 2014.
 
−
*[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/search/label/atheist%20demographics "Atheist demographic series"] (2009-2011).  Kitman TV.  Retrieved July 27, 2014.
 
−
*[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth "Eric Kaufmann: shall the religious inherit the earth?" [Festival of dangerous ideas 2010, Sydney Opera House&#93;] (September 5, 2010).  Fora.tv video, 1:03:56, posted by Australian Broadcasting Corporation.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.</ref>]]
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Global atheism]] and [[Atheist movement]] and [[Desecularization]] and [[Atheist Population]] and [[Growth of Christianity in China]] and [[Secular Europe]]
 
−
 
 
−
Atheists as a percentage of the world's population have declined since 1970 and global atheism is expected to face long term decline.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Kumar, Anugrah (July 20, 2013).  [http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-world-is-turning-more-religious-atheism-declining-100518/ "Study: world is turning more religious; atheism declining"].  The Christian Post.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.
 
−
*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/05/globally-worldviews-of-atheism-and-non.html "Globally the worldviews of atheism and non-religious (agnostic) are declining while global Christianity is exploding in adherents"] (May 19, 2012).  Question Evolution Campaign.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.
 
−
*Kaufmann, Eric (2009 or aft.).  [http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf "Shall the religious inherit the earth?: demography and politics in the twenty-first century"].  www.sneps.net.  Paper similar to book ''Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?  Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century''.  Publ. in unknown publication. ("Most observers accept that the aftermath...") Retrieved July 27, 2014.
 
−
*[http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/documents/StatusOfGlobalMission.pdf "Status of global mission, 2014, in the context of AD 1800–2025"] (2014). Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary website.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
On July 24, 2013, ''CNS News'' reported:
 
−
{{cquote|Atheism is in decline worldwide, with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020, according to a new report by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass."<ref>Chapman, Michael W. (July 24, 2013). [http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 "Global study: atheists in decline, only 1.8% of world population by 2020"]. Cnsnews.com.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
−
=== Sub-replacement levels of fertility of atheistic populations. High fertility of religious conservatives ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and marriage]] and [[Atheist marriages]]
 
−
 
 
−
On December 23, 2012, Professor [[Eric Kaufmann]] who teaches at Birbeck College, [[University of London]] wrote:  "I argue that 97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious."<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/04/97-of-worlds-population-growth-is.html "97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious"] (April 30, 2013).  Question Evolution Campaign.  Retrieved on October 29, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
Michael Blume, a researcher at the University of Jena in Germany, wrote about the sub-replacement level of fertility among [[Atheist Population|atheistic populations]]: "Most societies or communities that have espoused atheistic beliefs have not survived more than a century."<ref>[http://www.scilogs.eu/en/blog/biology-of-religion/2011-01-06/atheists-a-dying-breed-as-nature-favours-faithful-sunday-times-jan-02-2011-jonathan-leake-full-draft-version Atheist: A dying breed as nature favours faithful]</ref> Blume also indicated concerning concerning his research on this matter: "What I found was the complete lack of a single case of a secular population, community or movement that would just manage to retain replacement level."<ref>[http://www.scilogs.eu/en/blog/biology-of-religion/2011-01-06/atheists-a-dying-breed-as-nature-favours-faithful-sunday-times-jan-02-2011-jonathan-leake-full-draft-version Atheist: A dying breed as nature favours faithful]</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Desecularization: An established global trend which will effect the Western World ===
 
−
[[File:Europe map CIA 2005.jpg|thumbnail|right|175px|In the Europe of tomorrow, immigration and religious fertility will increase the proportion of committed Christians in Europe, many from the developing world.<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf  Shall the Righteous Inherit the Earth? Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century] by [[Eric [[Kaufmann]]</ref> See: [[Secular Europe|Desecularization of Europe]] ]]
 
−
In 2012, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary reported that globally every day there are 800 less atheists per day, 1,100 less non-religious ([[agnosticism|agnostic]]) people per day and 83,000 more people professing to be Christians per day.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/05/globally-worldviews-of-atheism-and-non.html "Globally the worldviews of atheism and non-religious (agnostic) are declining while global Christianity is exploding in adherents"] (May 19, 2012).  Question Evolution Campaign.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.
 
−
*[http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/documents/StatusOfGlobalMission.pdf "Status of global mission, 2014, in the context of AD 1800–2025"] (2014). Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary website.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
Eric Kaufmann using a wealth of demographic studies argues the decline of atheism in terms of its global adherents is an established trend that will persist for the foreseeable future and the rate of decline will accelerate.<ref name="sneps"/> Kaufmann told a secular audience in Australia: "The trends that are happening worldwide inevitably in an age of globalization are going to affect us."<ref>[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth "Eric Kaufmann: shall the religious inherit the earth?" [Festival of dangerous ideas 2010, Sydney Opera House&#93;] (September 5, 2010).  Fora.tv video, 1:03:56, posted by Australian Broadcasting Corporation.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.</ref>  For example, in 2013, citing experts in demography and survey data, the ''Christian Post'' declared that there were three trends pointing to the United States potentially becoming more religious in coming years - namely an aging population becoming more religious over time, religious immigrants and the higher fertility rate of religious conservatives.<ref>Nazworth, Napp (August 22, 2013).  [http://global.christianpost.com/news/3-reasons-america-may-become-more-religious-102859/ "3 reasons America may become more religious"].  The Christian Post.  Retrieved on July 28, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
One of the steepest declines of atheism that is expected to occur is in [[China]] which currently has the largest atheist population in the world. China is experiencing a rapid growth of theologically [[conservative]] [[Christianity]] which will have a significant effect on the global atheist population.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2014/04/7-reasons-why-chinese-creationist.html "10 reasons why biblical Christianity will flood the UK in the 21st century"] (April 20, 2014).  Question Evolution Campaign.  Retrieved on July 28, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
[[Desecularization]] can also occur through [[Divine Providence|providential]] acts of [[God]] and in reaction to God granting [[Christian]]'s prayers.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*[http://www.jesus.org.uk/blog/radical-christian-history/miracles-seen-china-revival "Miracles seen in China revival"] (January 20, 2008).  Jesus Army website.  Retrieved on July 28, 2014.
 
−
*Neumann, Teresa (November 28, 2012).  [http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=10797 "Revival, miracles in China during Bible deliveries" [excerpt&#93;]  Mission Network News.  Excerpt retrieved from Breaking Christian News on July 28, 2014.
 
−
*Thomas, George (August 9, 2013).  [http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2011/may/growth-explosion-chinas-christianity-takes-root-/ "Jesus in the rice fields: China's countryside revival"].  CBNNews.  Originally broadcast on CBN, September 2, 2011.  Retrieved on July 28, 2014.
 
−
*Cooney, Patrick Louis, Ph. D. (betw. February and March 2008).  [http://www.vernonjohns.org/snuffy1186/china%20cry.html "China Cry: A True Story (1990)" [summary&#93;]. The Vernon Johns Society website.  Summary retrieved July 28, 2014.</ref> The [[theology|theologian]] and [[Harvard University]] academic Harvey Cox asserted that [[grassroots]] movements such as [[fundamentalism]] and the [[Charismatic movement]]/[[pentecostalism]] are significant religious forces that are resistant to secularization forces.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*[http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-8028-4691-4 "Review of ''The Desecularization of the World: Resurgent Religion and World Politics'' by Peter L. Berger, ed."] (July 19, 1999).  Publisher's Weekly Website.  Retrieved on July 28, 2014.
 
−
*[http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/harvey-cox/fire-from-heaven/ "Review of ''Fire from Heaven: Pentecostalism, Spirituality, and the Reshaping of Religion in the Twenty-First Century'' by Harvey Cox"] (August 15, 1994).  ''Kirkus Reviews''.  Republished on Kirkus website May 20, 2010.  Review retrieved July 28, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Lack of significant global outreach by Western World atheists ===
 
−
[[File:African open air Christian meeting.jpg|thumbnail|right|320px|[[Africa]]n Christians clapping at an open air meeting. 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>
 
−
<br />
 
−
<br />
 
−
In 2005, there were four times as many non-[[Western World]] Christians as there were Western World Christians.<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=30077 Is Christianity taking over the planet?]</ref>
 
−
<br /><br />
 
−
Western World atheists have not engaged in a significant amount of global outreach. See: [[Global atheism]] ]]
 
−
The current atheist population mostly resides in East Asia (particularly China) and in secular Europe/Australia among whites.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey, ''Washington Post'', May 23, 2013</ref> See: [[Western atheism and race]]
 
−
 
 
−
In the [[United States]], atheists are in the minority (See: [[Atheist Population]]). And in the United States and [[Canada]], the general population looks very unfavorably on atheists (see: [[Views on atheists]]).  In the United States/Canada, atheists are generally white (see: [[Western atheism and race]]).
 
−
 
 
−
Christianity is rapidly growing in China. China is on course to have the largest Christian population in the world by 2030.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10776023/China-on-course-to-become-worlds-most-Christian-nation-within-15-years.html China on course to become 'world's most Christian nation' within 15 years] by  Tom Phillips, ''The Telegraph'', April 19, 2014</ref> See also: [[Growth of Christianity in China]]
 
−
 
 
−
Historically, Christians have made great evangelism efforts to reach every people group across the earth. In 2005, there were four times as many non-[[Western World]] Christians as there were Western World Christians.<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=30077 Is Christianity taking over the planet?]</ref> Doing overseas evangelism/outreaches, often requires significant hardships/persecution and Western atheists have been unwilling to endure such hardships in order to spread atheistic ideology (see: [[Atheism and hedonism]]).
 
−
 
 
−
The former [[Soviet Union]] had a worldwide expansionist policy as far as spreading atheistic communism.<ref>''America Coming to Terms: The Vietnam Legacy'' By Nguyen Anh Tuan, page 82</ref>  The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a spike in religious affiliation, both in [[Russia]] and in Eastern Europe.<ref>[Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020] by Michael W. Chapman, CNS News, July 24, 2013 - 2:18 PM</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
The atheist community in the Western World has not had significant outreaches to spread atheism outside the Western World.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Lack of significant outreach to racial minorities in the Western World ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also'': [[Western atheism and race]] and [[British atheism]] and [[American atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
The atheist community has not had significant outreach to racial minorities within the [[Western World]] whereas Christians have done this (particularly among the poor).<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/16/blacks-are-even-discriminated-against-by-atheists/ Atheism has a big race problem that no one’s talking about] by Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson, Washington Post June 16, 2014</ref>  The atheist Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson declared “If mainstream freethought and [[Secular humanism|humanism]] continue to reflect the narrow cultural interests of white elites who have disposable income to go to conferences then the secular movement is destined to remain marginal and insular.”<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2014/10/04/atheisms_white_male_problem_a_movement_needs_a_moral_cause_beyond_glamorizing_disbelief/ Atheism’s white male problem: A movement needs a moral cause beyond glamorizing disbelief] by CJ Werleman, ''Salon, '' October 4, 2014</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Expected religious and racial demographic changes in the Western World ===
 
−
 
 
−
See also: [[Secular Europe|Desecularization of secular Europe in the 21st century]]
 
−
 
 
−
In the [[United Kingdom]], by the year 2050, 30 percent of the population is expected to be non-white.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10809481/Non-white-people-almost-30-per-cent-of-population-by-2050.html Non-white people almost 30 per cent of population by 2050],  By James Kirkup, Political Editor, ''The Telegraph,''  May 5, 2014</ref> In the United States, the Hispanic population is expected to triple by the year 2050 and become 30% of the United States population.<ref>[U.S. Hispanic population to triple by 2050 U.S. Hispanic population to triple by 2050], USA Today, By Haya El Nasser, 2/12/2008</ref> ''[[Yale University|Yale]] Daily News'' reported in an article entitled ''White Europeans: An endangered species?'' that "Without a major shift in the current fertility trends, industrialized Europe will see its native population decline by about three-fourths over the 21st century."<ref>[http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2008/02/27/white-europeans-an-endangered-species/ ''White Europeans: An endangered species?''] By Trevor Wagener, ''Yale Daily News'', February 27, 2008</ref>
 
−
[[File:Europe pol 2004.jpg|thumbnail|right|325px|In 2014, the Pew Research Forum indicated that [[Europe]] will go from 11% of the world's population to 7% of the world's population by 2050.<ref>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/02/03/10-projections-for-the-global-population-in-2050/ 10 projections for the global population in 2050] By Rakesh Kochhar, Pew Research Forum, February 3, 2014</ref> See: [[Secular Europe]] ]]
 
−
For information on the projected growth of [[Evangelical Christianity|Evangelical Christianity]] and [[Islam]] in Europe, please see:
 
−
 
 
−
[[Secular Europe|Desecularization of secular Europe in the 21st century]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Secular European drop in world's population percentage and rise of religious African population ===
 
−
 
 
−
In 2014, the Pew Research Forum indicated that Europe will go from 11% of the world's population to 7% of the world's population by 2050 and that [[Africa]] will go from 15% of the world's population to 25% of the world's population.<ref>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/02/03/10-projections-for-the-global-population-in-2050/ 10 projections for the global population in 2050] By Rakesh Kochhar, Pew Research Forum, February 3, 2014</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheist movement's 20th century past and its present day lack of confidence ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheist movement]] and [[History of Atheism|History of atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
In 2010, Professor [[Eric Kaufmann]], who specializes in the study of religion/irreligion/demographics/politics, wrote:
 
−
{{cquote|Worldwide, the [[Desecularization|march of religion]] can probably only be reversed by a renewed, self-aware secularism. Today, it appears exhausted and [[Atheism and cowardice|lacking in confidence]]... Secularism's greatest triumphs owe less to science than to popular social movements like nationalism, socialism and 1960s anarchist-liberalism. Ironically, secularism's [[Global atheism|demographic deficit]] means that it will probably only succeed in the twenty-first century if it can create a secular form of 'religious' enthusiasm."<ref>Kaufmann, Eric (Autumn 2007).  [http://www.sneps.net/uploadsepk/JQR%20Demography.pdf "Shall the religious inherit the earth?"]  ''The Jewish Quarterly''.  Retrieved from Sneps.net on October 24, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
For more information please see:
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheist movement]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[File:Flag of France.png|thumbnail|250px|right|French scholars say, [[evangelicalism]] is likely the fastest-growing religion in [[France]]. In 2011, The number of evangelical churches increased from 769 to 2,068.<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/World/2012/0712/In-a-France-suspicious-of-religion-evangelicalism-s-message-strikes-a-chord In a France suspicious of religion, evangelicalism's message strikes a chord]</ref> See: [[Secular Europe|Desecularization of Europe]] ]]
 
−
*[[Desecularization]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Decline of atheism in terms of global adherents is expected to accelerate]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and cowardice]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Unattractiveness of atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and leadership]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and social outcasts]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Growth of evangelical Christianity in secular geographic regions ===
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Growth of Christianity in China|Growth of evangelical Christianity in China]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Secular Europe|Desecularization of secular Europe in the 21st century]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Western atheism and race ==
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Western atheism and race]] and [[Atheist hypocrisy]]
 
−
 
 
−
As note earlier, an atheists' meeting was organized in the [[United States]] concerning the future direction of the atheist movement and 370 people attended. The conference, sponsored by the Council for Secular Humanism, drew members from all the major atheist organizations in the United States. The ''[[New York Times]]'' described the attendees as "The largely white and male crowd — imagine a [[Star Trek]] convention, but older..."<ref>Oppenheimer, Mark (October 15, 2010). [http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/16/us/16beliefs.html "Atheists debate how pushy to be"].  Nytimes.com.  Retrieved on July 25, 2014.</ref>  According to the Quantcast data, white males appear to be the group of individuals who are most receptive to Richard Dawkins' and atheist [[Sam Harris]]' message.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*[http://www.quantcast.com/richarddawkins.net/demographics "Richarddawkins.net traffic and demographic statistics: US Demographics"].  Quαntcast.  Retrieved on July 28, 2014.
 
−
*[http://www.quantcast.com/samharris.org/demographics "Samharris.org traffic and demographic statistics: US Demographics"].  Quαntcast.  Retrieved on July 28, 2014.</ref> These findings, combined with the aforementioned data indicating that [[Atheism appears to be significantly less appealing to women|atheism is significantly less appealing to women]], suggests that atheist movement in the [[Western world]] and [[New Atheism]] movement are significantly more appealing to white males.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and evolutionary racism ===
 
−
[[File:Ota Benga at Bronx Zoo.jpg|thumbnail|right|255px|An [[Evolutionary racism|evolutionary racist]] put [[Ota Benga]] on display at the Bronx Zoo in the monkey house.<ref name=Benga>Bergman, Jerry (April 2000). [http://creation.com/ota-benga-the-pygmy-put-on-display-in-a-zoo "Ota Benga: the pygmy put on display in a zoo"].  ''Journal of Creation'', vol. 14:1, pp. 81-90.  Retrieved from Creation Ministries International on July 27, 2014.</ref>]]
 
−
''See also:''  [[Atheism and evolutionary racism]] and [[Social effects of the theory of evolution]]
 
−
 
 
−
Since [[World War II]] a majority of the most prominent and vocal defenders of the [[evolution|evolutionary position]] which employs methodological naturalism have been atheists.<ref name="Batten and Sarfati"/>  The errant and ill founded writings of atheist [[Charles Darwin]] (see: [[Charles_Darwin#Religious Views of Charles Darwin|religious views of Charles Darwin]])<ref name="Wieland">Multiple references:
 
−
* Wieland, Carl (September 1992). [http://www.creation.com/content/view/1877 "Darwin's real message: have you missed it?"] ''Creation'', vol. 14:4, pp. 16-19.  Retrieved from Creation Ministries International on July 26, 2014.
 
−
* Gruber, Howard E. and Barrett, Paul H. (1974).  ''Darwin on Man'' (New York:  E. P. Dutton), p. 276.
 
−
* Mayr, Ernst (May-June 1977).  "Darwin and natural selection."  ''American Scientist''.  pp. 321-327.
 
−
</ref>, which became very influential in the late 19th century, provided a pretext for racism. [[Evolutionary racism]] refers to a [[racist]] philosophy based on [[Charles Darwin]]'s [[Evolution|evolutionary theory]].  It assumes that men have continually evolved, and thus some races are more evolved than others.  It replaces [[Christian]] [[morality]] with the [[atheistic]] "survival of the fittest" ideology of [[Social Darwinism]].
 
−
 
 
−
Charles Darwin wrote in his work  ''[[The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex]]'':
 
−
{{cquote|At some future period not very distant as measured by centuries, the civilised races of man will almost certainly exterminate and replace the savage races throughout the world. At the same time the anthropomorphous apes...will no doubt be exterminated. The break between man and his nearest Allies will then be wider, for it will intervene between man in a more civilised state, as we may hope, even than the Caucasian, and some ape as low as the baboon, instead of as now between the Negro or Australian and the gorilla.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*[http://www.aim.org/wls/90/ "What liberals say:  Charles Darwin"]. [quoting Darwin, Charles, ''The Descent of Man''].  Accuracy in Media.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.
 
−
*DeMar, Gary (September 20, 2005) [http://creation.com/charles-darwins-yard-apes "Charles Darwin's 'yard apes'"] [quoting Darwin, Charles, ''The Descent of Man'', chapter 6].  The American Vision [website].  Adapted and republished at Creation Ministries International.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
An example of evolutionary racism is when an [[Evolutionary racism|evolutionary racist]] put [[Ota Benga]] on display at the Bronx Zoo in the monkey house.<ref name=Benga/> In addition, evolutionary racism was directed at [[Michelle Obama]].<ref>Catchpoole, David (December 8, 2009). [http://creation.com/obama-racism-row "Michele Obama racism row—what's it based on?"] Creation Ministries International.  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.</ref>
 
−
[[File:StephenGould.jpg|thumb|right|[[Stephen Jay Gould]] ]]
 
−
The atheist [[Ernst Haeckel]] was a virulent evolutionary racist.  The [[agnostic]] and staunch evolutionist [[Stephen Gould]] admitted the following:
 
−
{{cquote|[[Ernst Haeckel|Haeckel]] was the chief apostle of evolution in [[Germany]]....  His evolutionary racism; his call to the [[German]] people for racial purity and unflinching devotion to a "just" state; his belief that harsh, inexorable laws of evolution ruled human civilization and nature alike, conferring upon favored races the right to dominate others; the irrational [[mysticism]] that had always stood in strange communion with his brave words about objective science - all contributed to the rise of [[Nazism]]. — Stephen J. Gould, "Ontogeny and Phylogeny," Belknap Press: Cambridge MA, 1977, pp.77-78).<ref>Gould, Stephen J. (1977).  [http://members.iinet.net.au/~sejones/social.html ''Ontogeny and Phylogeny''] (Cambridge MA: Belknap Press), pp. 77-78.  Retrieved from Stephen E. Jones' (B.S. biology) Home Page on July 27, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
=== Creativity Movement ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Creativity Movement]] and [[Atheist cults]]
 
−
 
 
−
The '''[[Creativity Movement]]''', formerly known as the ''World Church Of The Creator'', is an atheistic [[white supremacist]] organization.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Swain, Carol M. and Nieli, Russ (March 24, 2003), eds.  [http://books.google.com/books?id=RonIunZ521sC&pg=PA247&dq=atheism+white+supremacy&hl=en&ei=u_OOTaGaM6Xi0gHJztygCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAzgK#v=onepage&q&f=false "Chapter 9:  Lisa Turner" [preview&#93;.] ''Contemporary Voices of White Nationalism in America'' (Cambridge University Press), p. 246-259.  Preview accessed from GoogleBooks on July 26, 2014.  (See [[Cambridge University Press]].)  World Church of the Creator, an organization that espouses an atheistic and white supremacist religious philosophy known as Creativity.
 
−
*Swain, Carol M. (2002). [http://books.google.com/books?id=HB1wyFPRGm4C&pg=PA23&dq=atheism+white+supremacy&hl=en&ei=Re-OTfbHHuuD0QHOycm1Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CEgQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=atheistic&f=false ''The New White Nationalism in America: Its Challenge to Integration'' [preview&#93;] (New York:  Cambridge University Press).  Preview accessed from GoogleBooks on July 26, 2014. (See [[Cambridge University Press]].)  For instance, Ben Klassen, founder of the atheistic World Church of the Creator and the author of ''The White Man's Bible'', discusses Christianity extensively in his writings and denounces religion that has brought untold horror into the world and divided the white race.
 
−
*Clarke, Peter B. and Beyer, Peter (May 7, 2009), eds. [http://books.google.com/books?id=rBgn3xB75ZcC&pg=PA493&dq=competing+atheistic+white+racist+movement&hl=en&ei=5uWOTeSkCamw0QH7m92bCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCkQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=competing%20atheistic%20white%20racist%20movement&f=false ''The World's Religions: Continuities and Transformations'' [preview&#93;] (New York: Taylor & Francis).  Preview accessed from GoogleBooks on July 26, 2014.  A competing atheistic or panthestic white racist movement also appeared, which included the ''Church of the Creator''/Creativity (Gardell 2003: 129–134).</ref> The movement has denounced [[Christianity]],<ref name="Swain">Swain, Carol M. (2002). [http://books.google.com/books?id=HB1wyFPRGm4C&pg=PA23&dq=atheism+white+supremacy&hl=en&ei=Re-OTfbHHuuD0QHOycm1Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CEgQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=atheistic&f=false ''The New White Nationalism in America: Its Challenge to Integration'' [preview&#93;] (New York:  Cambridge University Press).  Preview accessed from GoogleBooks on July 26, 2014. (See [[Cambridge University Press]].)  For instance, Ben Klassen, founder of the atheistic World Church of the Creator and the author of ''The White Man's Bible'', discusses Christianity extensively in his writings and denounces religion that has brought untold horror into the world and divided the white race.</ref> as it purports to promote [[Agape|love]] for all of mankind.<ref name="Ludwig Feuerbach">Feuerbach, Ludwig (1854). [http://books.google.com/books?id=GTEKAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA266&dq=christianity+love+for+mankind&hl=en&ei=CFSbTbyAJcrUgQekjsCSBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=christianity%20love%20for%20mankind&f=false ''The Essence of Christianity''] (London: John Chapman), translated by Evans, Marian.  Translation of ''Das Wesen des Christentums'' (1841), 2nd ed. (Leipzig).  Retrieved on July 27, 2014.  "Christ loved men: he wished to bless and unite them all without distinction of sex, age, rank or nationality. Christ is the love of mankind to itself embodied in an image–in accordance with the nature of religion as we have developed it—or contemplated as a person, but a person who (we mean, of course, as a religious object) has only the significance of an image, who is only ideal.  For this reason love is pronounced to be the characteristic mark of the disciples." (p. 266)</ref> It denounces religion for bringing horror into the world by dividing the white race.<ref name="Swain"/>
 
−
 
 
−
==Atheism and deception==
 
−
[[Image:CharlesDarwin.jpg|thumb|150px|right|[[Charles Darwin]]]]
 
−
''For more information please see'': [[Atheism and deception]] and [[Irreligion and superstition]] and [[Atheist cults]]
 
−
 
 
−
As alluded to earlier, prior to [[Charles Darwin]] publishing his [[evolution|evolutionist]] work ''On The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection or The Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life'', Darwin wrote in his private notebooks that he was a [[materialism|materialist]], which is a type of atheist.<ref name="Wieland"/>  Charles Darwin’s casual mentioning of a ‘creator’ in earlier editions of ''The Origin of Species'' appears to have been a merely a [[deceit|deceitful]] ploy to downplay the implications of his [[materialism|materialistic]] theory. <ref name="Wieland"/>
 
−
 
 
−
German scientist [[Ernst Haeckel]] was a very influential proponent of the evolutionary position and Haeckel was an advocate of atheism.<ref name="nytimes2">[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C03EFDD123EE033A2575AC0A9659C946697D6CF "Kaiser honors Haeckel"] (March 9, 1907).  ''New York Times'', p. 1.  Retrieved from Nytimes.com on July 28, 2014.</ref>  Ernst Haeckel attempted to portray himself as an ethical proponent of atheism, however, history shows he was a deceitful individual.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Wakefield, Gerard (2002).  [http://www.creationism.org/wakefield/haeckel.htm "Investigating Genesis series: 'Another evolution fraud exposed'".]  www.creationism.org.  Retrieved on July 28, 2014.
 
−
*[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C03EFDD123EE033A2575AC0A9659C946697D6CF "Kaiser honors Haeckel"] (March 9, 1907).  ''New York Times'', p. 1.  Retrieved from Nytimes.com on July 28, 2014.
 
−
*Wells, Jonathan (June 12, 2002).  [http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/index.php?command=view&id=1180 "Critics rave over ''Icons of Evolution'': a response to published reviews"].  Discovery Institute Center for Science and Culture.  Retrieved on July 28, 2014.
 
−
*Wells, Jonathan (January 2001).  [http://www.discovery.org/articleFiles/PDFs/survivalOfTheFakest.pdf "Survival of the fakest"].  ''The American Spectator''.  Retrieved from the Discovery Institute Center for Science and Culture:  essential readings on July 29, 2014.</ref>
 
−
The March 9, 1907 edition of the ''New York Times'' refers to Ernst Haeckel as the "celebrated Darwinian and founder of the Association for the Propagation of Ethical Atheism."<ref name="nytimes2"/>
 
−
 
 
−
For more information please see:  [[Atheism and deception]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Irreligion and superstition==
 
−
[[Image:2384975035_230a0eac30.jpg‎‎|thumb|right|170px|The [[Wall Street Journal]] reported: "A comprehensive new study released by Baylor University yesterday, shows ...that the irreligious and the members of more liberal Protestant denominations, far from being resistant to [[superstition]], tend to be much more likely to believe in the paranormal and in [[pseudoscience]] than evangelical Christians."<ref name="paranormal">Hemingway, Molly Ziegler (September 19, 2008). [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122178219865054585.html "Look who's irrational now"].  The Wall Street Journal website.  Retrieved on July 29, 2014.</ref>]]
 
−
''See also:'' [[Irreligion and superstition]] and [[Theory of Evolution, Liberalism, Atheism, and Irrationality]] and [[Atheist cults]]
 
−
 
 
−
In September of 2008, the [[Wall Street Journal]] reported:
 
−
{{cquote|The reality is that the [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] campaign, by discouraging [[religion]], won't create a new group of intelligent, skeptical, enlightened beings. Far from it: It might actually encourage new levels of mass [[superstition]]. And that's not a conclusion to take on faith—it's what the empirical data tell us.
 
−
 
 
−
"What Americans Really Believe," a comprehensive new study released by Baylor University yesterday, shows that [[Conservative Christianity|traditional Christian religion]] greatly decreases belief in everything from the efficacy of palm readers to the usefulness of [[astrology]]. It also shows that the irreligious and the members of more liberal Protestant denominations, far from being resistant to superstition, tend to be much more likely to believe in the paranormal and in [[pseudoscience]] than evangelical Christians....
 
−
 
 
−
This is not a new finding. In his 1983 book "The Whys of a Philosophical Scrivener," skeptic and science writer Martin Gardner cited the decline of traditional religious belief among the better educated as one of the causes for an increase in pseudoscience, cults and superstition. He referenced a 1980 study published in the magazine ''Skeptical Inquirer'' that showed irreligious college students to be by far the most likely to embrace paranormal beliefs, while born-again Christian college students were the least likely.<ref name="paranormal"/>}}
 
−
 
 
−
For more information please see: [[Irreligion and superstition]]
 
−
 
 
−
==Intellectuals increasingly rejecting atheistic ideology ==
 
−
According to Munich theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg "Atheism as a theoretical position is in decline worldwide." (see: [[Global atheism]]).<ref name="wt">Siemon-Netto, Uwe (March 3, 2005). [http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/05/breaking2453432.91875.html "God not so dead:  atheism in decline worldwide"].  UPI.  Retrieved from World Tribune.com on July 29, 2014.</ref> Given that the evolutionary position is a often cited component of the ideology of atheism in the [[Western world]], the gradual loss of public support of the evolutionary position is one of the many factors which are eroding the ideology of atheism.  [[Oxford]] scholar [[Alister McGrath]] cites a number of additional factors in regards to the decline of atheism as an intellectual position.<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*McGrath, Alister (February 28, 2005).  [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/march/21.36.html "The twilight of atheism" [preview&#93;].  Christianity Today website.  Preview retrieved on July 29, 2014.  Subscription required for full access.
 
−
*Holst, Wayne (2004).  [http://www.s8int.com/Godless.html "''Twilight of the Godless'' by Alister McGrath"].  ''The Toronto Star''.  Retreived from s8int.com on July 29, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
Given the many factors which are eroding atheistic ideology McGrath states:
 
−
{{cquote|...Atheism is in trouble. Its future seems increasingly to lie in the private beliefs of individuals rather than in the great public domain it once regarded as its natural habitat.<ref>McGrath, Alister (February 28, 2005).  [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/march/21.36.html "The twilight of atheism" [preview&#93;].  Christianity Today website.  Preview retrieved on July 29, 2014.  Subscription required for full access.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
== Christian websites with a large focus on the topic of atheism  ==
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Internet atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
Four of the more notable Christian apologetics which have a large focus on the topic of atheism are: [[True Free Thinker]], the [[Creation Ministries International and atheism|Creation Ministries International resources on atheism]], the [[Fixed Point Foundation]] website, and [[Atheism Analyzed]].
 
−
 
 
−
== Liberal media - apostles of atheism and public relations efforts of atheists ==
 
−
 
 
−
The Media Research Center released a study in 2008 reporting pro-atheism bias by major press outlets in the [[United States]].<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTxORumTarg "Smoking gun proof that there is an atheist media bias"] (July 17, 2008).  YouTube video, 2:56, posted by Atheism Sucks! Retrieved on July 25, 2014.</ref>  The study is not surprising given the [[Liberal bias|liberal bias that commonly exists in the major media outlets]].
 
−
 
 
−
=== Atheism and public relations ===
 
−
 
 
−
The biggest challenge facing atheists public relations efforts is that most theists do not think about atheism and would prefer not to as they it is an [[Atheism and irrationality|unreasonable]], [[Atheism and arrogance|arrogant]] and [[Unattractiveness of atheism|unattractive worldview]]. As a result, many atheist campaigns, particularly one's by militant atheists, are designed to be provocative which has the effect of further lowering the public's view of atheism/atheists.
 
−
 
 
−
In areas of the [[Western World]] where theists are in the majority, atheists on the [[Secular left|left end of the political spectrum]], using the strategy of [[identity politics]], have made various attempts to portray atheists as an oppressed minority, but this has not much lessoned the low opinion and/or antipathy many theists hold towards atheists for multiple reasons (see: [[Views on atheists]]). For more information, please see: [[Atheism and public relations]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Causes of atheism ==
 
−
 
 
−
:''See main article: [[Causes of atheism]]'' and [[Atheism and hedonism]] and [[Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian]]
 
−
 
 
−
There are a number of psychological, societal, familial, economic and spiritual factors which cause atheism which have been proposed over the centuries.  Please see: [[Causes of atheism]] and [[Atheism and hedonism]].
 
−
 
 
−
==Atheism and the foundation of modern science==
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Christianity and science]]
 
−
 
 
−
The birth of modern [[science]] occurred in Christianized [[Europe]].<ref>Bumbulis, Michael, Ph. D. (November 24, 1996). [http://www.ldolphin.org/bumbulis/#anchor5343749 "Christianity and the birth of science; The evidence; Clue #1. The founders/fathers of modern science were shaped by a culture that was predominantly Christian."]  Lambert Dolphin's Library.  Archived at Internet Archive on July 20, 2014.  Retrieved from archive on July 29, 2014.
 
−
 
 
−
</ref>
 
−
[[Sociology|Sociologist]] [[Rodney Stark]] investigated the individuals who made the most significant scientific contributions between 1543 and 1680 A.D., the time of the [[Scientific Revolution]].
 
−
In Stark's list of 52 top scientific contributors,<ref name="Origins">Williams, Alex (August 2004).  [http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/1581/ "The biblical origins of science; a review of ''For The Glory of God: How Monotheism Led to Reformations, Science, Witch-hunts and the End of Slavery'' by Rodney Stark"], ''Journal of Creation'', vol. 18:2, pp. 49–52.  Retrieved from Creation Ministries International on July 30, 2014.</ref> only one ([[Edmund Halley]]) was a skeptic and another ([[Paracelsus]]) was a [[pantheism|pantheist]].
 
−
The other 50 were Christians, 30 of whom could be characterized as being devout Christians.<ref name="Origins" />
 
−
Sir [[Francis Bacon]], sometimes referred to as "the Father of Modern Science", wrote in his essay entitled ''Of Atheism'' the following: "I had rather believe all the fables in the Legend, and the [[Talmud]], and the [[Koran|Alcoran]], than that this universal frame is without a mind."<ref name="bacon">Bacon, Francis (1601).  [http://www.authorama.com/essays-of-francis-bacon-17.html ''The Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral, of Francis Ld. Verulam Viscount St. Albans''; "Of atheism"].  Authorama.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref>
 
−
‎
 
−
 
 
−
==Atheism and debate==
 
−
 
 
−
'''See also:''' [[Atheism debates]] and [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments]] and [[Atheism and cowardice]] and [[Atheist factions]]
 
−
[[Image:Bahnsen.jpg‎|thumb|150px|Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] became known as the man atheists fear most due to [[Michael Martin]]'s cancellation of their scheduled debate. See: [[Greg Bahnsen and debate]] ]]
 
−
Historically speaking, atheism has [[Atheism debates|fared very poorly in debates]]. In addition, due to prominent atheists dodging debates, the cowardice associated with atheism has become so obvious that it is making newspaper headlines (For more information please see: [[Atheism and cowardice]]).<ref>Multiple references:
 
−
*Green, Lauren (August 19, 2011).  [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates/?test=latestnews "Christian philosopher William Lane Craig is ready to debate, but finds few challengers"].  FoxNews.com.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.
 
−
*Ross, Tim (May 14, 2011).  [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html "Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God"].  The Daily Telegraph website.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.  See [[The Daily Telegraph]].</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
[[Richard Dawkins]], who flip-flops between being an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] and an atheist as far as his public persona (see: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]),  has [[Instances of Richard Dawkins ducking debates|established a reputation of avoiding his strongest debate opponents]]. On May 14, 2011, the [[Great Britain|British]] newspaper ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' published a news story entitled ''Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God''.<ref name=refuse>Ross, Tim (May 14, 2011).  [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html "Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God"].  The Daily Telegraph website.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.  See [[The Daily Telegraph]].</ref> In [[The Daily Telegraph]] article Dr. [[Daniel Came]], a  a member of the Faculty of [[Philosophy]] at [[Oxford University]] was quoted as writing to fellow atheist Richard Dawkins concerning his refusal to debate Dr. [[William Lane Craig]], "The absence of a debate with the foremost [[Christian apologetics|apologist]] for [[Christianity|Christian]] [[theism]] is a glaring omission on your [[Curriculum vitae|CV]] and is of course apt to be interpreted as cowardice on your part."<ref name=refuse/>  Also, atheists [[Creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates|tend to dodge creation vs. evolution debates.]]
 
−
 
 
−
For more information see: [[Atheism debates]] and [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments]] and [[Atheism and cowardice]]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Creation vs. evolution debates ===
 
−
 
 
−
See also: [[Creation scientists tend to win debates with evolutionists]]
 
−
 
 
−
The worldwide atheist community was challenged to a debate by [[Creation Ministries International]] as prominent atheists were speaking at a 2010 global atheist convention in [[Australia]].<ref name="truefree">Ammi, Ken (May 2010).  [http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown "Richard Dawkins, the cowardly clown"].  True Freethinker.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref> [[Richard Dawkins]], [[PZ Myers]] and other prominent atheists refused to debate Creation Ministries International.<ref name="truefree"/> Generally speaking, creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates (see: [[Creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates]].
 
−
 
 
−
== Atheist philosopher Michael Martin and the state of atheist apologetics ==
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments]]
 
−
 
 
−
In 1990, the atheist philosopher [[Michael Martin]] indicated there was a general absence of an atheistic response to contemporary work in the philosophy of religion and in jest he indicated that it was his "cross to bear" to respond to [[theism|theistic]] arguments.<ref>Rodrigues, Luís F. (2010).  ''Open Questions: Diverse Thinkers Discuss God, Religion, and Faith'' (Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO), p. 201.</ref>  In addition, in 1994, Michael Martin was criticized for his eleventh hour cancellation of his debate with [[Greg Bahnsen]] (see: [[Greg Bahnsen and debate]] and [[Press release after Michael Martin pulled out of Martin-Bahnsen debate|Press release concerning Michael Martin pulling out of Martin-Bahnsen debate]]).<ref name="MartinBahnsen"/>  Today, there is a growth of Christian apologetics in the world, while the atheist apologetic community is in a state of stagnation. (See: [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments|Growth of Christian apologetics]]).
 
−
 
 
−
==Notable atheists who became ex-atheists ==
 
−
 
 
−
''See:'' [[Ex-atheists]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Views on atheists ==
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Views on atheists]] and [[Atheism and social outcasts]] and [[Atheism and public relations]]
 
−
[[File:Sam Harris 01.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|[[Sam Harris]]
 
−
<br />
 
−
<br />
 
−
<small>(photo obtained from [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sam_Harris_01.jpg Wikimedia commons], see [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sam_Harris_01.jpg license agreement])</small> ]]
 
−
Concerning various [[Views on Atheists|views on atheists]], research in the American Sociological Review finds that among several groups listed, those who hold the position of atheism are the group that Americans relate least to in terms of their vision of American society and are the group most likely to be mentioned as one that Americans would not want to have marry into their family.<ref>Edgell, Penny, et al. (April 2006).  [http://asr.sagepub.com/content/71/2/211.abstract "Atheists as 'other': moral boundaries and cultural membership in American society" [abstract&#93;].  ''American Sociological Review'', vol. 71, pp. 211-234.  Abstract retrieved at American Sociological Review website on July 30, 2014.  Subscription or fee required for full article.</ref>Dr. [[Sam Harris]], a founder of the [[New Atheism]] movement, is well aware of the stigma surrounding atheism and has advocated that atheists no longer call themselves atheists.<ref name="Harris">Roberts, Jessica, et al. (June 19, 2007).  [http://news21.com/story/2007/06/19/interview_with_an_atheist "Interview with an atheist"].  News21.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref> In fact, Dr. Harris has said concerning the label of atheist, "It's right next to child molester as a designation."<ref name="Harris"/>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Americans and Canadians distrust atheists as much as rapists ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Atheism and rape]] and [[Atheism and morality]]
 
−
 
 
−
On December 10, 2011, USA Today reported in a story entitled ''Study: Atheists distrusted as much as rapists'':
 
−
{{cquote|The study, conducted among 350 Americans adults and 420 Canadian college students, asked participants to decide if a fictional driver damaged a parked car and left the scene, then found a wallet and took the money, was the driver more likely to be a teacher, an atheist teacher, or a rapist teacher?
 
−
 
 
−
The participants, who were from religious and nonreligious backgrounds, most often chose the atheist teacher.
 
−
 
 
−
The study is part of an attempt to understand what needs religion fulfills in people. Among the conclusions is a sense of trust in others.
 
−
 
 
−
"People find atheists very suspect," Shariff said. "They don't fear God so we should distrust them; they do not have the same moral obligations of others. This is a common refrain against atheists. People fear them as a group."<ref>Winston, Kimberly, Religion News Service (December 10, 2011).  [http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-12-10/religion-atheism/51777612/1 "Study: atheists distrusted as much as rapists"].  USA Today website.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
=== Christian patience, forgiveness and long-suffering towards atheists ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Christian patience, forgiveness and long-suffering towards atheists]]
 
−
 
 
−
Although it is not reported in the press often, due the press preferring to focus on controversy and conflict, as it garners more viewership/readers, many Christians quietly pray for atheists/[[agnosticism|agnostics]] - even those of the [[militant atheism|militant variety]] such as [[Richard Dawkins]].<ref>[http://creation.com/dawkins-upset Richard Dawkins upset that public doesn’t like him] by Warren Nunn, Published by [[Creation Ministries International]] 13 May 2014 (GMT+10)</ref> The late atheist [[Christopher Hitchens]] had many Christians praying for him before he passed away and were saddened when he died.<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christians-grieve-death-of-christopher-hitchens-share-hopes-for-deathbed-conversion-65035/ Christians Grieve Death of Christopher Hitchens; Share Hopes for Deathbed Conversion] by Eryn Sun, ''Christian Post'' Reporter, December 16, 2011</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
Richard Wurmbrand, who endured years of torture by an atheistic [[communism|communist]] government and wrote the wrote the book ''Tortured for Christ'', indicated that he had a compassion even for those who tortured him by "looking at men .. not as they are, but as they will be ... I could also see in our persecutors ... a future [[Saint Paul|Apostle Paul]] ... (and) the jailer in Philippi who became a convert."<ref>[[DC Talk|dc Talk]] and The Voice of the Martyrs. ''Jesus Freaks: Stories of those who stood for Jesus: the ultimate Jesus Freaks.'' Bethany House Publishers, 1999, p. 67</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
[[Jesus Christ]] said pray for those who persecute you and love your enemies (Matthew 5:44).
 
−
 
 
−
==New Atheism==
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[New Atheism]] and [[Atheist factions]] and [[Brights Movement]] and [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheist cults]]
 
−
[[Image:Hitchens,_Stanford.jpg‎ |right|thumb|200px|[[Christopher Hitchens]] ]]
 
−
Dissent Magazine stated the following about the "[[New Atheism]]":
 
−
{{cquote|A number of prominent authors and scientists have published books in the past year that advocate a "New Atheism." The books, which include [[Daniel Dennett]]'s ''Breaking the Spell'', [[Richard Dawkins]]'s ''[[The God Delusion]]'', and [[Christopher Hitchens]]' ''God is Not Great'', have sparked considerable public controversy across the political spectrum.<ref>Cohen, Mitchell (August 5, 2007).  [http://www.dissentmagazine.org/online_articles/the-new-atheism "The new atheism"].  Dissent magazine website.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
 
 
−
Dr. Albert Mohler Jr. describes some of the key attributes of the "New Atheism":
 
−
{{cquote|Now, ''Wired'' magazine comes out with a cover story on atheism for its November 2006 issue. In "The New Atheism," ''Wired'' contributing editor Gary Wolf explains that this newly assertive form of atheism declares a very simple message: "No heaven. No hell. Just science."...
 
−
 
 
−
Wolf accomplishes a great deal in his article, thoughtfully introducing the work of [[Militant atheism|militant atheists]] such as Dawkins, Harris, and Dennett. At the same time, he probes more deeply into the actual meaning of the New Atheism as a movement and a message.
 
−
 
 
−
At the beginning of his article, he gets right to the point: "The New Atheists will not let us off the hook simply because we are not doctrinaire believers. They condemn not just belief in God but respect for belief in God. Religion is not only wrong; it's evil. Now that the battle has been joined, there's no excuse for shirking."<ref>Mohler, Dr. R. Albert, Jr. (November 21, 2006).  [http://www.albertmohler.com/2006/11/21/the-new-atheism "The new atheism?"] AlbertMohler.com.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref>}}
 
−
=== Impact of the New Atheism ===
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Impact of the New Atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
The New Atheism has not had much of an impact in terms of gaining new adherents to atheism. In a March 10, 2008 [[USA Today]] article Stephen Prothero indicated that the New Atheism movement was not effective in adding new adherents to atheism and he cited statistics from a large Pew Research Center study which indicated that the number of atheists in the United States was merely 1.6% of respondents.<ref>Prothero, Stephen (March 10, 2008).  [http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080310/opledereligion119.art.htm "American faith: a work in progress"]. ''USA Today'', p. 11A. Retrieved from USA Today website on July 30, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
== American Atheists ==
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[American atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[American Atheists]] is an American atheists group founded by [[Madalyn Murray O'Hair]] that has a history of intellectual incompetence. Madalyn Murray O'Hair did particularly badly in her debate with Dr. [[Walter Martin]].<ref name="Martin">Martin, Walter and O'Hair, Madalyn Murray (1968).
 
−
[http://defendingcontending.com/2011/12/11/debate-walter-martin-vs-madalyn-murray-ohair-2/ "Debate: Walter Martin vs Madalyn Murray O’Hair."] MP3 audio.  Retrieved from Defending Contending on July 30, 2014.</ref> For example, when she claimed [[Atheism and the Bible|there were supposedly were contradictions in the Bible]], Dr. Martin asked her to provide an example of one and Ms. O'Hair did not and could not offer even an alleged example of a Bible contradiction.<ref name = "Martin"/>  In addition, Ms. O'Hair was ill-prepared in terms of defending against the issue of [[Atheism and mass murder|atheism and mass murder]].<ref name="Martin"/>
 
−
 
 
−
''See also:'' [[Frank Zindler vs. William Lane Craig debate]] and [[Embarrassing incidents concerning the website of the American Atheists|Incidents concerning the website of the American Atheists]]
 
−
 
 
−
For more information please see:
 
−
 
 
−
*[[American Atheists]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[American atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
==French Revolution and atheism==
 
−
 
 
−
see: [[History of Atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Atheism and homosexuality ==
 
−
 
 
−
See:
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and the persecution of homosexuals]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and homosexuality]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Atheist population as a percentage of various countries' populations==
 
−
 
 
−
:''See main article: [[Atheist Population]]''
 
−
 
 
−
Specific research on the worldwide [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] 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]]'' declared that 2.3% of the world's population consists of individuals who profess "atheism, skepticism, disbelief, or irreligion, including the militantly antireligious." Concerning 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>Anonymous (July 17, 2013). [http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/beliefs/atheism.htm "Is Buddhism atheistic?"]  ReligionFacts.  Retrieved on July 30, 2014.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
[[Ipsos]], a major global market research company, published a report on report on religious belief/skepticism from a worlwide perspective and the report provides [http://www.ipsos-na.com/download/pr.aspx?id=10670 various statistics gained from survey results].
 
−
 
 
−
== Other well known proponents of atheism ==
 
−
[[File:Ncvjgfu.jpg|thumbnail|right|175px|[[Mao Zedong]] ]]
 
−
Prominent holders of the position of atheism and atheist schools of thought have been or include:
 
−
* Carvaka school: an atheistic and materialistic offshoot of [[Hinduism]] in the 6th century B.C.
 
−
* Samkhya school: an atheistic school of classical Indian philosophy, originating in the 6th century B.C.
 
−
* [[Diagoras]]: [[Greek Philosophy|Greek philosopher]] who denied the existence of the Greek pantheon
 
−
* [[Lucretius]]: [[Greeks| Greek]] philosopher espousing materialism, and stated that man should not believe in the gods because their ideas about the gods and their fear of death made men unhappy
 
−
* [[Friedrich Nietzsche]]: Prominent 19th century atheist philosopher
 
−
* [[Mao Zedong]]: Chinese Communist leader
 
−
* [[Benito Mussolini]]
 
−
* [[Paul Kurtz]]: founder of the Council of [[Secular Humanism]]
 
−
* [[Ayn Rand]]
 
−
* [[Isaac Asimov]]
 
−
* [[Douglas Adams]]
 
−
* [[Marquis de Sade]]<ref>Wallace, Irving et al. (betw. 1975-1981).  [http://www.trivia-library.com/a/biography-of-famous-atheist-marquis-de-sade.htm "Marquis de Sade (1740-1814)"].  Trivia-Library.com.  Retrieved July 31, 2014.</ref>
 
−
* [[Mark Rothko]] (1903–1970) [[painter]], classified as an [[Abstract Expressionism|abstract expressionist]].
 
−
 
 
−
==Atheism quotes==
 
−
 
 
−
''See articles: [[Atheism Quotes]]'' and [[Humorous quotes about atheism and evolution]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian ==
 
−
 
 
−
* [[Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian]]
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://creation.com/good-news Some good news]
 
−
 
 
−
==See also==
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism articles]]
 
−
*[[Rebuttals to atheist arguments]]
 
−
*[[History of Atheism]]
 
−
*[[Definitions of Atheist and Agnostic]]
 
−
*[[Comedy and satires concerning atheism and evolution]] ('''large collection''' of comedy/satire concerning atheism and [[evolution]])
 
−
*[[Creation vs. Evolution Videos]]
 
−
*[[Martyred in the USSR: Militant Atheism in former Soviet Union]]
 
−
*[[Atheism and satanic deception]]
 
−
*[[Christian apologetics]]
 
−
*[[Atheism and beliefs]]
 
−
*[[Atheism and belief]]
 
−
*[[Atheism and Evolution]]
 
−
*[[Agnosticism]]
 
−
*[[Atheism and Christianity]]
 
−
*[[Infidel]]
 
−
*[[Intelligent design]]
 
−
*[[Second generation atheist]]
 
−
*[[Poe's law]]
 
−
*[[Atheism symbols]]
 
−
*[[International Atheist Day]]
 
−
*[[Atheist obsession]]
 
−
*[[Essay: Atheism and evolution essays|Atheism and evolution essays]]
 
−
*[[Atheistic science]]
 
−
 
 
−
==Online videos concerning atheism and related topics==
 
−
*[[Atheism videos]]
 
−
*[[Creation vs. Evolution Videos]]
 
−
 
 
−
==External links==
 
−
 
 
−
''see also:'' [[Atheism website resources]]
 
−
 
 
−
'''General articles on atheism:'''
 
−
 
 
−
* [http://creation.com/atheism Atheism] by [[Creation Ministries International]]
 
−
*[http://www.wnd.com/2013/03/horrific-human-toll-of-militant-atheism-exposed/ Horrific Human Toll of 'Militant Atheism' Exposed: USSR's genocide against Christians largely ignored - World Net Daily]
 
−
*[http://creation.com/atheism-agnosticism-and-humanism-godless-religions-questions-and-answers Atheism, agnosticism and humanism: godless religions] by [[Creation Ministries International]]
 
−
*[http://www.truefreethinker.com/atheism True Free Thinker - atheism section]
 
−
*[http://www.carm.org/atheism.htm Atheism] by [[Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry]]
 
−
*[http://www.rzim.org/a-slice-of-infinity/rethinking-atheism/ Rethinking Atheism] by [[Ravi Zacharias]] Ministries
 
−
*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2014/02/4-reasons-why-atheism-and-agnosticism.html 4 reasons why atheism and agnosticism are weak, errant, secular religions]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Atheism and purpose/meaning:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://www.churchesofgod.info/article-failure-of-atheism The failure of atheism]
 
−
*[http://carm.org/failure-atheism-account-rationality The failure of atheism to account for rationality]
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv3TFg9SJb4 Atheism: Unyielding Despair] - video
 
−
 
 
−
'''Atheism and morality:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://carm.org/failure-of-atheism-to-account-for-morality The failure of atheism to account for morality]
 
−
*[http://creation.com/atheism-no-objective-morality Atheism and morality]
 
−
*[http://creation.com/atheism#atheism-and-ethics Atheism and ethics/morality]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Origins:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://creation.com/qa Arguments against evolution and for biblical creation]
 
−
*[http://creation.com/origin-of-life Origin of life]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Effect on culture:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://blogs.theprovince.com/2014/08/03/letter-of-the-week-ill-take-christianity-over-atheism-any-day-of-the-week/ I will take Christianity over atheism any day of the week] by Bruce Milne
 
−
 
 
−
'''Psychology of atheism:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Books on the causes of atheism]]
 
−
* [http://anti-matters.org/articles/91/public/91-84-1-PB.pdf The Psychology of Atheism, by Paul C. Vitz, New York University, Department of Psychology]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Atheism and leadership:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://www.thebestschools.org/blog/2011/12/01/50-top-atheists-in-the-world-today/ 50 most prominent atheists in the world today]
 
−
*[[Atheism and leadership]]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Documentary on atheism:'''
 
−
*[http://martyredintheussr.com/ Martyred in the USSR: Militant Atheism in the former Soviet Union]
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtGDoq0wyZU Documentary on Militant Atheism in the USSR]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Decline of global atheism:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth Decline of global atheism] - Professor Eric Kaufmann
 
−
* [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/003/21.36.html The Twilight of Atheism] by Alister McGrath, Christianity Today, March 2005
 
−
*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-does-history-say-about-how-fast.html What does the historical record say about how fast secularism can collapse in countries?]
 
−
* [http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/hutchison/050204 The rise and fall of atheism] by Fred Hutchison
 
−
* [http://www.s8int.com/Godless.html Twilight of the godless] by Alister McGrath (Oxford Professor)
 
−
*[[Essay: 10 reasons why American atheism will see a significant decline|10 Reasons American atheism will see a significant decline]]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Christian outreach to atheists on [[YouTube]]:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSo9hW2dOBo Atheist Experience show messes up bad on TV]
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvxSsYRPIWM Ex-Atheist conquers Atheist Experience show exposing the madness of atheism]
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bBE1bos6JU Shockofgod calls into Atheist Radio show - Hilarious! Part 1]
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKBZoWDfQA4 Shockofgod calls into Atheist Radio show - Hilarious! Part 2]
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jl3XfPkhzI Atheist runs from question on live radio and hangs up]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Unreasonableness of atheism:'''
 
−
 
 
−
* [http://www.probe.org/site/c.fdKEIMNsEoG/b.4227411/k.2A6D/A_Conversation_with_an_Atheist.htm Conversation with an atheist] by [[Probe Ministries]]
 
−
* [http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth11.html Why the Burden of Proof is on the Atheist] by Professor Ralph McInerny
 
−
 
 
−
* [http://www.leaderu.com/truth/3truth02.html Theism, Atheism, and Rationality] by Alvin Plantinga
 
−
* [[Essay: Is Richard Dawkins an intellectually fulfilled atheist?]]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Atheism and uncharitableness:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imuaiRO5mSQ Christians Give more to Charity than Atheists] by Dr. [[William Lane Craig]] - [[YouTube]] video
 
−
 
 
−
'''Atheism is a religion:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://creation.com/atheism-a-religion Atheism: A religion]
 
−
*[[Atheism is a religion]]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Comedy/satire concerning atheism'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Comedy and satires concerning atheism and evolution]]  (large collection of comedy/satire concerning atheism)
 
−
 
 
−
'''Atheism and intelligence:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Atheism and intelligence]]
 
−
*[[Essay: Are atheists smarter than the average bear?|Are atheists smarter than the average bear?]] - [[satire]]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Atheism and cowardice:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://creation.com/global-atheists-reject-debate-challenge Global atheists reject debate challenge]
 
−
*[http://www.pr.com/press-release/348093 President of British Humanist Society pulls out of debate with William Lane Craig]
 
−
*[[Essay: Does Richard Dawkins have machismo?]] ([[satire]])
 
−
*[http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown Richard Dawkins, the Cowardly Clown]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Atheism and science:'''
 
−
* [http://www.discovery.org/a/18 The Unraveling of Scientific Materialism] by [[ Phillip E. Johnson]]
 
−
* [http://www.arn.org/docs/meyer/sm_origins.htm The Origin of Life and the Death of Materialism] by [[Stephen Meyer]]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Various issues concerning atheism:'''
 
−
 
 
−
* [http://www.examiner.com/x-19682-Atlanta-Church--Culture-Examiner~y2009m8d10-Atheisms-house-of-cards-Part-3 Atheism's House of Cards]
 
−
* [http://www.examiner.com/x-19682-Atlanta-Church--Culture-Examiner~y2009m8d13-Arguments-Built-upon-Assumptions Arguments Built by Assumptions]
 
−
* [http://www.reformed.org/apologetics/index.html?mainframe=martin_TAG.html Responses to Atheist Philosopher, Michael Martin] Reformed theologians
 
−
* [http://www.tektonics.org/lp/outrage.html Outrageous Reasoning, A Closer Look at a Common Skeptical Tactic] by [[JP Holding]]
 
−
*[http://www.atheistdelusion.net/ Atheist delusion: Answering "The God Delusion" and other works of atheist Richard Dawkins]
 
−
* [http://www.epsociety.org/library/articles.asp?pid=45 Is Yahweh a Moral Monster? The New Atheists and Old Testament Ethics] by Paul Copan
 
−
*[http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/10/flawed_pew_poll_on_religious_k.html Do atheists know more about religion than religious people?]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Atheism and history'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1121/p09s01-coop.html Atheism, not religion, is the real force behind the mass murders of history] by [[Dinesh D'Souza]]
 
−
*[http://www.isreligion.org/pdf/froese_russia.pdf Forced Secularization in Soviet Russia: Why an Atheistic  Monopoly Failed]
 
−
*[http://www.crosswalk.com/pastors/11579257/ Atheism Remix By Albert Mohler Jr. - Chapter 1: The New Atheism and the Endgame of Secularism]
 
−
*[http://www.probe.org/history/history/the-enlightenment-and-belief-in-god.html The Enlightenment and Belief in God] by [[Probe Ministries]]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Atheism and some recent events'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/atheist_s_bizarre_bid_to_convert_christian_1_190320 Atheist's bizarre bid to convert Christian - Timothy Brown Story - September 12, 2008 - UK]
 
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb1l2cWxkqk Atheist arrested for harassing Christian] - YouTube video
 
−
*[http://creationontheweb.com/content/view/5435 Inside the Mind of a Killer]
 
−
 
 
−
'''Sermons'''
 
−
*[http://www.bible-sermons.org.uk/text-sermon/475-the-folly-of-atheism/ The Folly of Atheism] by Rev. Maurice Roberts
 
−
 
 
−
'''Miscellaneous'''
 
−
*[http://creation.com/suicidal-atheist-converts-to-christ A suicidal atheist converts to Christ]
 
−
*[http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/aug/26/doctors-religious-beliefs-terminally-ill Atheist doctors are more likely to hasten death]
 
−
*[http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2009/12/16/atheist-ads-and-evangelical-christians/ Children who front Richard Dawkins' atheist ads are evangelicals]
 
−
*[http://creationontheweb.com/content/view/4853 Melbourne Atheist: The Exterminator]
 
−
*[[Essay: The question atheists fear]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Recommended reading ==
 
−
'''General Works Relating to Atheism and/or Defense of Theism''':
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://www.amazon.com/Top-Evidences-God-Creation-ebook/dp/B00E4DS2J0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380144491&sr=8-1&keywords=jason+browning Top 15 Evidences for God and Creation] by Jason Browning
 
−
*[[Alister McGrath]], (2004), ''The Twilight of Atheism: The Rise and Fall of Disbelief in the Modern World''  ISBN 0-385-50061-0
 
−
*[[Ravi Zacharias]], (1994, 2004), ''A Shattered Visage: The Real Face of Atheism''  ISBN 0801065119
 
−
*[[Ravi Zacharias]], (1994, 1996), ''Can Man Live Without God?''  ISBN 0849939437
 
−
*[[Josh McDowell]] and Don Stewart, (1982) ''Understanding Secular Religions'', Here's Life Publishers, San Bernardino, California, ISBN 0-86605-093-0
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
'''Book on the [[New Atheism]]''':
 
−
 
 
−
* [[Vox Day]], (2008),''The Irrational Atheist'', BenBella Books, Inc. ISBN 1933771364 (free pdf of the abbreviated version of his book: [http://www.voxday.net/mart/TIA_free.pdf The Irrational atheist])
 
−
*R. Albert Mohler Jr., (2008), ''Atheism Remix: A Christian Confronts the New Atheists'', Crossway, ISBN 9781433504976
 
−
 
−
 
 
−
'''Atheism and history''':
 
−
 
 
−
*Dimitry Pospielovsky, (December, 1987), ''A History of Marxist-Leninist Atheism and [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] Antireligious Policies'', Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN 0312381328
 
−
*Dimitry Pospielovsky, (November, 1987), ''Soviet Antireligious Campaigns and Persecutions (History of Soviet Atheism in Theory and Practice and the Believers, Vol 2)'', Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN 0312009054
 
−
*Dimitry Pospielovsky, (August, 1988), ''Soviet Studies on the Church and the Believer's Response to Atheism: A History of Soviet Atheism in Theory and Practice and the Believers, Vol 3'', Palgrave Macmillan, hardcover: ISBN 0312012918, paperback edition: ISBN 0312012926
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
'''Books on the causes of atheism:'''
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Books on the causes of atheism]]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
{{Nb Atheism}}
 
−
 
 
−
== Notes ==
 
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{{reflist|2}}
 
−
 
 
−
[[Category:Atheism]]
 
−
[[Category:Religion]]
 
−
[[Category:Philosophy]]
 
−
 
 
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----
 

Revision as of 20:07, November 20, 2014

According to you guys, Atheists don't exist, so neither does this page anymore :)

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