How to Be an Atheist
Atheists do not believe in the existence of gods. Some atheists may deny the existence of one specific god, such as the Christian God. Others deny the existence of any spiritual or supernatural being or deity. So, what should you do if you want to become an atheist?
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Instructions
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1
Identify your reasons for wanting to become an atheist. Many choose to be an atheist because they feel the existence of God is illogical, while others cite a lack of empirical evidence. Others point to different religions inconsistencies in defining a singular God.
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2
Know what atheism is not. Some people confuse atheism and agnosticism. Agnostics believe that we do not know whether or not God exists. Atheists deny the existence of God or gods.
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3
Prescribe to the idea that we, as human beings, are on our own. We control our own paths through free will and choice.
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4
Learn to look at things objectively and be willing to question everything--even things considered sacred or untouchable. Atheists want to see the proof behind the theory.
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5
Recognize that there are different types of atheism. Some atheists are skeptical that God or gods exist. These people are often referred to as weak atheists. Strong atheists are those who have an explicit belief that God or gods absolutely do not exist.
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6
Be prepared for some resistance from others. They may immediately assume your beliefs are based upon ignorance or a misunderstanding of religious teachings, instead of an informed decision-making process. Others may take a defensive stance, presuming you are hostile toward theist religions and those who believe in them.
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Resources
Comments
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kubush
Nov 22, 2009
In step 2 you define an atheist as someone who denies the existence of God and in step 5 you almost corrected yourself by explaining the difference between weak atheist and a strong atheist. I say almost because a weak atheist is someone who lacks a belief in god(s). It is an important distinction. Also, agnosticism and atheism aren't mutually exclusive. You can be both and most atheists are, in fact I have yet to meet an atheist who isnt an agnostic. An an atheist I don't believe that there is a god because of lack of evidence and other logical reasons but I also am open to hold the belief that there is if sufficient evidence is presented. Im also an agnostic in that I don't claim to know that god doesnt exist. -
objezione
Aug 15, 2009
Good article. I gave it a good rating. One of the thing that perplexes me, is no matter what people believe in, somebody else will come along and discriminate them because of it. Bigotry, whether you're religious or atheist, is simply idiotic.
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arkofsax
Feb 04, 2009
Not sure why this article is rated at 3 1/2 stars. Sounds great to me. 5*
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shafqat1982
Nov 28, 2008
Great to know that, you have good understanding.
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shafqat1982
Nov 28, 2008
Great to know that, you have good understanding.
