Atheism: What's in It for Us?

Below is a list of answers to the question of how atheism contributes to one’s personal happiness, fulfillment, and sense of purpose and meaning. These statements were offered by members of Tucson Atheists.

• Atheism encourages me to value the present time, the here and now.

• What’s in atheism for me is relief from monotheism’s denying women’s their human rights.

• I love good stories, but I hate coming to the end: all the characters gone their different ways, all loose ends neatly tied, and no more adventures. How horrible it would be if life were the same way: neatly bound up between covers, all answers carefully inscribed. Atheism is the antidote to that awful thought. Atheism raises more questions than answers: if not god, then what? Atheism introduces me to new ideas and new perspectives. Atheism keeps the story going.

• Atheism makes me a moral person because I realize that just as I want to be treated fairly and honestly, I must do the same for others. I rely on their being able and willing to respond positively to fair play and honesty. I realize that if they do not, they will not suffer eternal damnation. Therefore, I must rely on their internal good sense and moral guidance.

• Atheism allows me to perceive and understand the world with a mind undistorted by the peculiar biases inherent in religion. Atheism holds out the hope that humanity may eventually understand the world through science and reason rather than mythology and mysticism.

• Atheism allows me to rejoice in the pleasures of being – of thinking, of feeling, of being human. It elevates the preciousness of human life.

• Atheism has led me to value life more. Atheism has also led me to being more self-motivated and persistent. I can't just pray and have my problems solved. I'm the only one that can solve them. This has then led to better self-confidence and knowledge in my capabilities. Taking a proactive stance instead of “pray, hope, and all will be well or turn out somehow” position can do wonders for your view of how much you can accomplish in the world.

• Atheism makes me examine any situation or circumstance and draw conclusions based not on ancient text and arbitrary rules and interpretations, but on the evidence that is available.

• Atheism shields our minds from the tyranny of those who believe in an absolute, unchangeable truth not supported by verifyable facts, that is held to be binding on everyone regardless of human and societal needs.

• Atheism relieves me of the guilt and apprehension loaded on the religious by priests. Indeed, it frees me from any need to heed the bullying and bigotry found in all the major religions. Atheism sweeps away the false promises and unfounded hope of some strange "afterlife" dangled before the gullible to ensure their compliance. But most of all, atheism is the only way I can see the world without being false to myself.

• Atheism requires that I recognize and accept my mortality. It is because I am convinced that this is it, I treasure life more and work to extend it.

• It provides an environment where logic can rule and the truth can be determined through reasoned discussion without invoking the supernatural, non-existent deities...

• Atheism inspires a respect for truth and humility.

• No lying to myself or others.

• From my atheism, I get a kind of brain database defragmentation. It allows me to pitch a lot of nonsense, and instead concentrate on more important ideas.

• As an American, it allows me to know the facts, including the fact that while the nation remains religious, its government is secular, and must remain that way. This does not mean fighting over trivia that satisfies the emotions (Pledge of Allegiance, coinage), but rather vigilance against theocratic intrusions, from George W. Bush to Osama bin Laden.

• "Enlightened selfishness drives us to help others enjoy a better life. Make friends, not converts."  -Imagine No Superstition, p. 164. Webmaster note: see more at http://www.imaginenosuperstition.com.

• Atheism motivates me to use my imagination to be creative and productive – not to mislead myself or others into believing claims that may be comforting but offer no evidence for their existence.

• Atheism underscores the value of my senses, because through the use of my senses and ability to reason, I can make informed and humane decisions.

Any member who wants to add to this list of short statements of "Atheism: What's in It for Us?", please contact webmaster@tucsonatheist.org.

Revised 1/29/2008

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