Atheism
The concept of atheism has constantly changed over time: in ancient Rome, pagans called Christians atheists while Christians considered pagans atheists. Some people even refer to Buddhists as atheists. Today, generally speaking, an atheist is someone who does not believe in a god or gods; this has caused tension in a world where most people (publicly, at least) profess a belief in a deity. This guide teaches you what atheism is, what it isn’t, how to become an involved atheist, who some prominent atheist thinkers are and were, and how to find atheist groups. It also provides tips on raising atheist children.
Expand All Guide SectionsAn Overview of Atheism
Although there is no dogma, sacred text, special list of rules, or holiday calendar for atheists, ... read more »
Atheist Organizations and Activism
While most atheists shun the notion of organized religion, many form groups that are both ... read more »
Online Atheist Groups
The Internet is a great tool for forming virtual communities. These groups can be especially useful ... read more »
Famous Atheists
Although there aren’t atheist priests, there are scientists, philosophers, and writers who serve as leaders of the atheist community. These people write books and articles, give speeches, and engage in debates that make their philosophies well known. Learning about these philosophies and their originators can be educational, thought provoking, and helpful for finding cohesive communities within atheism.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The list of authors and thinkers included in this guide is by no means comprehensive. It should, however, give you an idea of the most popular and well-known proponents of atheism.
- Many atheist associations encourage users to publish and print articles. These authors might not be famous, but they may have interesting insights.
- As mentioned above, a number of atheist thinkers have extremely strong arguments in favor of a godless world. Richard Dawkins, for example, has equated sending children to religious schools with child abuse. If you’re going to be offended by such comments, don’t explore the sites in this section.
Dulcinea's Picks
For learning about famous atheists …
Beliefnet
offers a list called “Who’s Who Among the Godless.” Read profiles of scientists, philosophers, and other public figures who advocate secular philosophies.
ushistory.org
covers founding father Thomas Paine. Although Paine is famous for inciting Americans to pursue independence, he was also considered to be an early atheist in this country. Read his criticism of the Bible and religion in the “Age of Reason”.
The Bertrand Russell Society
is hosted by Drew University and provides numerous resources for learning about Russell, an innovator in the fields of philosophy and mathematics and a champion of free thought. He wrote multiple essays questioning religious beliefs and advocated the merits of skepticism and reason. Look for links to sites about Russell and links to all his texts available on the Web.
The official Richard Dawkins Web site
is a self-described “clear thinking oasis.” It provides information about Dawkins—scientist, active atheist, and author of The God Delusion—as well as myriad resources for those interested in atheism and inquiry.
SamHarris.org
is the official site of author Sam Harris, whose first book, The End of Faith, was a response to the September 11 attacks. On his site, you can learn about him as well as his book, articles, and debates.
The Christopher Hitchens Web
is the plainly designed but comprehensive site of author and atheist Christopher Hitchens, who has received a great deal of attention for his book, God Is Not Great. If you scroll down the page, you’ll find links to many of the articles Hitchens has written, as well as information about him and his books.
The Ayn Rand Institute
is a source to learn about both the author herself and her atheist philosophy of “Objectivism.” Rand, the author of philosophical novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, calls Objectivism, “a philosophy for living on earth.” The nonprofit, primarily academic institute provides college and graduate philosophy courses in Objectivism.
For a more comprehensive historical and philosophical overview …
The BBC
presents a synopsis of Jonathan Miller’s Brief History of Disbelief, a 2005 BBC documentary. In the film, Miller researches the history of atheism, dating all the way to the ancient Greeks, while also exploring the development of his own atheism. The film seeks to debunk the notion that science has destroyed religion. Read an interview with producer and director Richard Denton for more information about the film, or check out a biography of Miller himself.
Beyond Belief 2006
hosted by the Science Network, is a panel of scientists and philosophers discussing the current relationship of science and religion, and the state of enlightened thinking and reason. Stream the conference on your computer, or simply read a summary and biographies of panelists.
The Council for Secular Humanism
offers a list of documents under the heading “Dangerous Reading.” It’s a compilation of essays, articles, and book chapters that challenge the ideas of religion and advocate freethinking. The term “freethinker” has come to be associated with those who do not follow religious dogma, but as a general term, it means those who form their own thoughts separate from authority.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation
offers a “Freethought of the Day.” Often these freethoughts are a profile of an accomplished freethinker from past or present.
Who knew?
NPR
posts essays in a series called “This I Believe.” Penn Jillette—comedian, magician, author, and atheist—wrote an essay titled, “There Is No God,” describing his beliefs.
Raising Atheist Children
Critics of atheism often claim that it doesn’t teach or advocate morality. As there is no ... read more »
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