Frequently Asked Questions

Note: The answers offered below attempt to represent a consensus of opinion. All atheists will not agree with every answer.

	QUESTION TO ATHEIST	ATHEIST'S ANSWER
	What is Atheism?	Atheism is defined as the lack of belief in gods or deities ("a" = without, "theism" = belief in gods or deities). A common misconception is that Atheists believe that gods or deities do not exist. While some Atheists do share this belief (called "antitheism"), not all Atheists do and it is not a defining belief of Atheism.
	Why do Atheists hate the Christian god / Allah / Vishnu / Zeus?	Atheists don't hate any gods or deities. They simply do not believe that they exist. One cannot hate what one does not believe exists.
	Why don't Atheists believe in the Christian god / Allah / Vishnu / Zeus / etc.?	Every Atheist has their own personal reasons for not holding a belief in gods or deities, but, in general, Atheists do not believe that there is sufficient evidence for the existence of any god or deity.
	What DO Atheists believe?	Atheists believe in love and respect for themselves and others, human dignity, in the here and now, in reason, in accepting the truth based on evidence. They accept scientific method of inquiry as the way to truth. They recognize other methods of truth seeking but believe that answers to all ultimate questions must be challenged to maintain their credibility.
	Millions of people believe in the Christian god / Allah / Vishnu / Zeus. Isn't this proof that the Christian god / Allah / Vishnu / Zeus exists?	Belief in an assertion, no matter how popularly accepted, is not evidence of its fact; only its popularity. For Atheists, the evidence and reasons provided for believing in the Christian god / Allah / Vishnu / Zeus are simply insufficient to base a belief upon.
	Hundreds, thousands, or millions of people have died because of their belief in the Christian god / Allah / Vishnu / Zeus. Isn't this proof that the Christian god / Allah / Vishnu / Zeus exists?	Belief in an assertion, no matter how popularly accepted, is not evidence of its fact; only its popularity. A person's willingness to accept death before changing their belief is only proof of how strongly they hold their belief, not proof of their assertion. For Atheists, the evidence and reasons provided for believing in the Christian god / Allah / Vishnu / Zeus are simply insufficient to base a belief upon.
	QUESTION TO ATHEIST	ATHEIST'S ANSWER
	Is there anything that could change an Atheist's mind about the Christian god / Allah / Vishnu / Zeus?	The requirement for an Atheist to believe in the existence of a Christian god / Allah / Vishnu / Zeus is the same as for any belief: sufficient evidence and reason. For Atheists, the evidence and reasons provided for believing in the Christian god / Allah / Vishnu / Zeus are simply insufficient to base a belief upon.
	Isn't it better to believe in the Christian god / Allah / Vishnu / Zeus to have a place to go to after death?	There are many beliefs that have wonderful benefits that are not unreasonable to disbelieve (e.g., magic horseshoes, lucky rabbit feet, etc.). Most atheists believe that when this life ends, when we die, we end. We may live in the memories of others, but our minds and bodies cease to exist.
		There are many beliefs which have relatively disastrous consequences if not heeded that are not unreasonable to disbelieve (e.g., alien invasion of Earth, step on a crack break your mother's back). Atheists do not hold a belief in gods or deities because they do not believe the evidence supports such a conclusion.
	Isn't Atheism a religiously intolerant worldview?	Many good moral values are taught via myths, legends, and fictional stories, without the intolerance, prejudice, and discrimination inherent in many modern religions. Religion in the sense of following a certain set of myths is not incompatible with Atheism. Religion in the sense that a specific set of myths are true while all others are false is a position that many Atheists would consider unreasonable, unjust, and, ironically, intolerable.
	Don't Atheists secretly believe in the Christian god / Allah / Vishnu / Zeus when they're in danger or in great need?	While it is possible for an Atheist to convert to theism and a theist to convert to Atheism under certain circumstances, even if only temporarily, Atheists are no more likely to switch their beliefs than any other person under similar circumstances.
	Atheists want to take the 10 Commandments from public buildings, prayer from schools, and "Under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance. Why don't they respect my beliefs instead of forcing theirs on me?	The objecting to public promotion of religion is not meant to force beliefs on anyone: it's meant to stop the forcing of beliefs on others. The Christian religion is just one of many beliefs shared by the people of the world and government endorsement of one belief over others shows preference for that belief over others.
	QUESTION TO ATHEIST	ATHEIST'S ANSWER
	An Atheist told me that Atheists really believe that all gods and deities are fake. Why should I believe your definition?	Many people, atheist and theist alike, innocently fall into a "false dichotomy" logic trap: either one believes in gods or deities or one believes they do not exist. Other options are not considered. As an illustrative example, imagine a table with an upside down coffee cup on it. Based on only this description, do you believe that there is a jelly bean under the coffee cup or do you believe that there is no jelly bean under the coffee cup? Here it is obvious there is a third option: that you don't have enough information to form a belief one way or the other. While there are Atheists who also believe that gods or deities do not exist, this position is "anti-theist" and not necessarily Atheist.
	How do Atheists live without believing in a higher power?	Life without a belief in gods or deities is not only possible, many find such a life extremely satisfying and liberating.
	When Atheists get into trouble, do they pray? How do they handle such situations?	Atheists vary in how they respond to trouble, but prayer is not typical, since Atheists don't believe that gods or deities exist. However, it is possible for an Atheist to internally reflect, meditate, or perform any number of spiritual activities.

Revised 11/2/2007

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