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 ... read more »
Raising Atheist Children
Critics of atheism often claim that it doesn’t teach or advocate morality. As there is no central authority for atheism, parents may need some help teaching atheism to their kids. A major issue is that both parents and kids may have to deal with certain confrontations regarding their beliefs. Although atheism is more accepted today than it was in the past, it is still the object of ire by certain theists. If you’re looking for resources to help you talk to your children about your beliefs, the Web sites below can offer guidance.
Dulcinea's Insight
- For more advice on creating a sense of community, learn about various associations in the “Atheist Organizations and Activism” section of this guide.
- The more you speak clearly to your child about atheism, the better she will understand it. Your atheist child may encounter the same criticism from religious believers that you do, so arm her with knowledge to explain your family’s views.
- As professed atheists are becoming more open in their beliefs, it is more of a pressing issue in schools. In English schools, children have been taught about atheism since 2004. An article in the Guardian from February of that year has more information on the decision.
- Discussion groups and forums constantly explore challenges to Christianity and defenses of atheism. Check them out to see what others are saying.
- Atheists may feel isolated in our God-centric country. The Freedom From Religion Foundation reprints a New York Times article by Natalie Angier titled “The Bush Years; Confessions of a Lonely Atheist”, about the challenges presented to atheists during the Bush administration.
Dulcinea's Picks
For parenting …
American Atheists
offers a guide for parents that outlines religious traditions in schools and how you can prepare for them. In addition to stating what public schools can and cannot do in terms of sectarian teaching, the site indicates that atheist children have the right to express their beliefs in school just like Christians, Jews, or Muslims.
AtheistParents.org
is a site where atheist parents can go to read articles, participate in online forums, and get links to other valuable sites and reading material. The “Articles” section hasn’t been updated since 2004, but everything else is active, and the archives still offer good information.
Parenting Beyond Belief
is a how-to manual for raising ethical kids without religion. It refutes claims that morals are inexorably linked to religion, and instead provides guidance via essays and contribution from some of the world’s top atheists and thinkers. The home page offers information, excerpts, downloadable study guides, and ordering information. You can also check out the editor’s blog.
The Institute for Humanist Studies
publishes a paper written by Jean Mercer, a response to a child development study that concluded that religion is good for kids. Mercer closely reviews and responds to all factors of the study.
Camp Quest
is the first summer camp for children with parents who have a naturalist worldview, which includes atheists, humanists, and freethinkers. There are six camps located throughout the United States, so click on the map to visit the Web site of your desired location.
Beliefnet
offers a discussion board targeted toward secular teens who want to discuss their philosophies and experiences.
For defenses of atheism …
The British Humanist Association
offers a lengthy response to the question, “So you think you can live without God?” The association lists, and refutes, 14 accusations one might hear against an atheistic lifestyle. The answers adhere to the principles of both atheism and humanism, which replaces belief in God with faith in humankind.
The Secular Web
is run by the Internet Infidels, Inc., a nonprofit organization that aims to promote a naturalistic worldview on the Web. Though the site is primitively designed, it is a well-regarded Web source for atheistic articles and texts. This particular article rebuts some common arguments against atheism.
The Ethical Atheist
is a site with minimalist design and some strong anti-church sentiment. However, it does offer a page defending the notion of ethical atheism and elaborates on the ways atheists can be moral without God.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
