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== Atheist morality ==

== Atheist morality ==

Atheists often base their [[moral code]] upon [[emotion]], [[experience]], empirically derived ethics, or some combination thereof. It is important to note, however, that just as many religions disagree on specific moral points, and there is sharp disagreement within many religions (e.g. denominational disputes within Christianity), atheists differ substantially from each other in the details of their moral beliefs.  Thus, it is difficult at best to summarize the beliefs of the "average atheist." However, Atheist morality is often far above that of so called 'believers'. Many people believe in god out of fear or out of wish for reward. Those who see through these facile deceptions are themselves rewarded with a more magnaminous approach to those others who have faced the trials and succeded. whilst their minds are constantly challenged after they leave the safety of the 'clouds' and enter the real world it means they have a better understanding of the world around them. People who believe in god or gods often cannot see further than their own fantastical beliefs and wild fantasies. This means their role in society is always limited to a subserviant position to those who have seen the light. Whilst outnumbered drastically the Atheists have probably more control over western scoieties than previously thought. George Bush is a self proclaimed atheist, stating all of gods followers do not deserve to be citizens of the United States.

Atheists often base their [[moral code]] upon [[emotion]], [[experience]], empirically derived ethics, or some combination thereof. It is important to note, however, that just as many religions disagree on specific moral points, and there is sharp disagreement within many religions (e.g. denominational disputes within Christianity), atheists differ substantially from each other in the details of their moral beliefs.  Thus, it is difficult at best to summarize the beliefs of the "average atheist."

:“A man’s ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary.  Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death”.

:“A man’s ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary.  Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death”.

Atheists sometimes condemn religious desires for exclusive reward (and the punishment of others) such as are found in all religious texts.

Atheists sometimes condemn religious desires for exclusive reward (and the punishment of others) such as are found in all religious texts.  

== Origins ==

== Origins ==

== Prejudice Against Atheists ==

== Prejudice Against Atheists ==

Recent research indicates that atheists are the least-liked minority group in the United States. Research by Penny Edgell, Joseph Gerteis and Douglas Hartman in the American Sociological Review [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asoca/asr/2006/00000071/00000002/art00003 indicates] that most Americans would be more willing to vote for a Homosexual or Muslim Presidential candidate than an Atheist. The same study indicates that 47.6% of Americans would disapprove of their child marrying an atheist. More recent [http://www.galluppoll.com/content/default.aspx?ci=26611&pg=1 gallup polls] confirm this finding. Despite this George H.W. Bush has previously [http://www.positiveatheism.org/writ/ghwbush.htm stated] that he does not believe 'followers' should be considered citizens of the United States.  

Recent research indicates that atheists are the least-liked minority group in the United States. Research by Penny Edgell, Joseph Gerteis and Douglas Hartman in the American Sociological Review [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asoca/asr/2006/00000071/00000002/art00003 indicates] that most Americans would be more willing to vote for a Homosexual or Muslim Presidential candidate than an Atheist. The same study indicates that 47.6% of Americans would disapprove of their child marrying an atheist. More recent [http://www.galluppoll.com/content/default.aspx?ci=26611&pg=1 gallup polls] confirm this finding. In addition to discimination in voting practices and marriage George H.W. Bush has previously [http://www.positiveatheism.org/writ/ghwbush.htm stated] that he does not believe Atheists should be considered citizens of the United States.  

However this is not the case around the world, in the United Kingdom 2001 census 14.6% of the population identify themselves as having no religious beliefs.  The percentage of non practising people is likely much higher than this.  It is rare to find discrimination against Atheists in the United Kingdom, in private life or the public eye.

However this is not the case around the world, in the United Kingdom 2001 census 14.6% of the population identify themselves as having no religious beliefs.  The percentage of non practising people is likely much higher than this.  It is rare to find discrimination against Atheists in the United Kingdom, in private life or the public eye.

== The Problem of Evil==

== The Problem of Evil==