26 Contributors
in this discussion.
There is nothing wrong the the religions of the worlds, and people are allowed to follow them as they wish, so long as no one gets hurt. However, atheism makes for a sound philosophy, because it is more objective. It encourages scientific answers, rather than faith. Wars have been raged, and people murdered, over religious beliefs. In some cases, atheism is more peaceful. While some religions are behind the times, atheism has no such restrictions or prejudices. There is no question of which god is more true or what counts as a sin in atheism. Atheism is also a more broad moral code. For example, while many branches of Christianity condemn same-sex couples, atheism has no restrictions, because many atheists support gay rights.
There are a number of conflicting philosophies and religions in the world, and none of them offer factual proof of their gods or of concepts, like the soul or heaven. So, I think it is understandable that some people are atheists.
The bible is so outdated. Scripture is nothing but stories told by those that have no relevance in what we are today. We are living in a world were we are free to believe anything we want, without consequences. Being a good citizen is just as genuine as being a good Christian. If I am not praying to a god, but give to charities, I am still doing the right things.
When considering the alternative, it would be illogical for someone to write off atheism as an unsound philosophy. Scientifically speaking, it is more than reasonable to assume that the universe was not created by a supreme being. Atheism actually presents more scientific evidence than any religious philosophy, as it does not require "faith" in order to combat common sense.
Both religion and atheism are beliefs, and therefore a matter of opinion. Being an Atheist doesn't make you any less moral than a die-hard churchgoer and being a die-hard churchgoer doesn't make you morally supreme over an Atheist. In my opinion; if Atheism is not considered a sound philosophy, then Christianity shouldn't be considered one either. We all have a right to believe, and we all have a right not to believe.
Religion is the world's number one cause of conflict, war and terrorism. Man, when religion is involved, tends to make many decisions based on unjustified belief. This includes killing others simply for not maintaining the same unjustified beliefs. Religion was a tool for entitled men of the past, and must be abolished for the world to prosper and become one, at the highest levels possible.
Atheism is a broad category, which simply denies the existence of a god, that does not mean the religion does not have a spiritual side which explains existence.
In an environment of tolerance where religious freedom is at the core of our national values, atheism has just as much validity as any religion. Atheists can draw from any source they deem suitable to form their moral and ethical beliefs. Some atheists can be just as moral and ethical (even more so) than very religious people.
Religion has caused a lot of suffering in the world, as well as a lot of misunderstanding of natural events, superstition, and bigotry. It makes sense to believe in the reality of what can be seen and studied, and real evidence of the reasons for natural phenomena. We can't advance our knowledge of the world if we just accept that "God willed it to happen". People need to think for themselves and trust their own judgments, and take responsibility for what they do, rather than thinking that there is a magic supernatural power that will solve their problems.
I believe that atheism is a sound philosophy, just like religion, in the modern world. Both religion and atheism believe in something related to spirituality. If atheism is not considered a sound philosophy in the modern world, than other religious beliefs should not be considered sound. Atheism is a belief, and because of that, it is something that can not be said to be right or wrong. There is no proof that atheism is the right thing to believe, or that believing in a god is the right thing to believe. Because of this, atheism and religion are a level playing field.
Science is a dominate part of our society, and creationism is a plausible idea. Beliefs are really based on what really makes since to an individual. It is very plausible that a person can not believe in a higher power, since it cannot be explained, or proven. Many people need to hold on to something tangible in order to hold a belief.
Atheism should be considered as a sound a philosophy in the modern world as it would be in any other time frame. It is a philosophy based on the rejection of the notion that there is a god or gods that exist. I don't see why that philosophy would make less sense in today's world than it would in past decades as other religions have always and will continue to exist. So long as other religions exist, so too will atheism. It is just another belief system.
I think that atheism is a sound philosophy in the modern world. Personally, I am a Christian and do not follow the atheism philosophy, but in the day and age we live in, you can not force your beliefs on somebody who doesn't want to hear it. Atheism isn't causing people to act hateful towards one another, so it is definitely less harmful than other alternative methods of thinking.
Atheism is a sound philosophy to have in the modern world because people are free to choose to believe what they want. Unfortunately, many people are offended by others' lack of belief, but the atheists are no more right or wrong than anyone else. With science and rationalism explaining so much of the unknown in the world, there are lots of reasons for someone to be an atheist.
Atheism focuses on ones self rather than a God. Atheism is sound in the sense that one is not tied to a church and may live their life as they see fit without any restrictions from a being that can not see, feel, touch, smell, or verbally hear. This philosophy could be considered sound as that person is not obligated to provide a tithe and live a good sound moral life without reading a manual that often conflicts with itself.
One nation under God. This line is in our Pledge of Allegiance. However, the huge debate whether to leave it in or take it out lives on. Atheism, the belief that there is no God, is common in our nation. However, since people are entitled to the First Amendment where it has our freedom of religion, atheism should be a sound philosophy in our world today.
Atheism is not a new idea. Almost everyone has at least heard of Buddhism, and there are many other ancient and new practices that don't have a literal God or Gods as part of the belief system. Statistically monotheistic belief systems are linked with non-centralized governments and cultural traditions that lead to peace. We could use some more of that, practices of avoiding conflict by action certainly have a place in this world. Sometimes bringing old beliefs back is the way to go forward, and this seems to be a good philosophy for the world to come.
Atheism is a fully acceptable philosophy in today's world. Atheists don't believe in God and it is their right to express that lack of belief in a civilized manner. When it really comes to understanding that which is beyond humanity, there is no right or wrong and every view should be respected and accepted.
I believe that atheism is a sound philosophy in the modern world because of the troubles created by religion such as war and sexual abuse. Religion in today's world has taken a beating in the news with groups who represent a particular religion committing acts of terror for the said religion. Sexual abuse in the church has been another hot issue as well as financial scandals in many local churches. For that reason, many people are accepting atheism as a sound philosophy in the modern world. Although atheism can not be tied together as a single belief, many atheists hold themselves responsible for their actions and do not blame them on sin or falling from grace. Atheists have no reason to commit violence based on a belief, because they have no belief.
There is certainly room for atheism in the world today. In fact, some might say that atheism makes more sense today than in the past. With all of the devastation, natural disasters and human acts of evil in the world; it is easy to see why one would believe that there is no God. There is no proof of a God and the more we learn through science; the more reason there is to question the belief of a God.
Atheism is when a person believes there is no God or higher deity. It is a personal choice someone must make. Do they put their faith in a religions beliefs, or do they believe there is no God. If atheism is not a sound philosophy in the modern world, then neither is Catholicism, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism or any other religion.
The theory of evolution is just that: a theory. There isn't any sound evidence to support it and, in fact, the fossil records actually support the Biblical account of how things were created. Atheism appeals to people because they don't want to be held accountable for their actions. It's not because they don't believe there is a higher intelligence responsible for our existence. Even modern scientists are rethinking their positions, and admitting that scientific evidence supports the notion of an intelligent creator with a purpose in mind.
Atheism used to be the philosophy of intellectuals because it sounds smart to say there's no basis for faith. But even quantum physics these days is investigating those paranormal events that are intriguing and finding some validity. One can question a traditional idea of God as an agnostic and still keep some elements of a spirituality that opens humans up to deeper aspects of life.
It's easier for some not to believe, than it is for them to have faith. It's easier for some to be dismissive and turn a blind eye than it is for them to admit that there has to be something bigger than themselves at work here. Sometimes pain produces anger and hate and it's easier to succumb to these emotions than it is to cling to the love of God, knowing that he will eventually pull you through. It's easier for some to give up and be hopeless than it is for them to believe in the power of God and all that he can do. Some people have to see things to believe them, things have to be proven to them. The rest of us constantly try to prove ourselves worthy of God's love. We engage, to some extent, in trying to walk the walk that will get us closer to God. We feel guilty for our sins and try to keep ourselves and others from committing them. It's not easy when your goal is to be a servant of God. It is far easier, for some, to serve themselves. Atheism is not a philosophy, but a denial and unwillingness to see truth.
The only reputable source for information regarding the existence of God is the Bible. Human opinion is not a reliable source of information regarding the existence of God. Polytheism, atheism, and varying theories regarding the eternal state of man are not new philosophies they have existed throughout history. The fact that a human being decides there is not God does not cause God to cease to exist. The only competent source of information about God is the Bible. And the Bible answers the question, Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The beginning of everything is God.
What world leaders massacred the most people in the 20th century? Chinese communists, who were atheists, killed between 20 and 40 million of their own people in the Great Leap Forward. Stalin's purges killed 10 and 20 million people, depending on whether starvation victims in Ukraine and German war prisoners worked to death are counted. Pol Pot, another atheist Communist, killed 1/4 of all Cambodians, considering that a fair loss for a "perfect" society. Many of the most rabid "pro-choice" are pro-abortion to the point of allowing newborns to be killed if the mother does not want it, with the result of almost 20% of all pregnancies resulting in abortion. This is not a religious stance, but an atheist one. It would be more humane for widespread distribution of long term contraceptive like Norplant or to offer free sterilization. However, Planned Parenthood, an organization openly hostile to religion, prefers to give unreliable condoms and birth control pills to teenagers who cannot get a broken bone set in the ER and then lets them come back for an abortion later. Given the modern death toll of atheism, the Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition were minor. They were also over centuries ago. Atheist and communist North Korea lets millions of its citizens starve to death today. Christian America sends aid to Haiti overnight. Muslim Saudi Arabia sends its condolences. America takes in thousands of Haitian orphans within 10 days of the earthquake. Communist China does nothing. Who would you rather have in charge? Those that believe you have a right to life and help, or those whose impossible dream of perfection on Earth may require your death.