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ABOUT ATHEISM

Chapter 1

Defining atheism is tricky. Most people would define atheism as the belief that there is no God. However, many atheists would reject this definition. They do not want to be labeled as "believing" there is no God, since this definition turns their philosophy into a religion—a belief system. This is mere semantics, for atheists can no more prove that God does not exist than can religionists prove empirically that God does exist. Both philosophies rest on belief. Nevertheless, as a token of respect in order to facilitate the conversation, I will use their definition of atheism, namely, "a rejection of the belief in the existence of God or gods."

Some atheists definitively assert that there is no God. Others assert that there is insufficient evidence upon which to base a belief in the existence of God or gods. Those with the latter view often refer to themselves as agnostic atheists. And there are still others who are simply indifferent to God and religion. While they may believe God exists, they do not believe God is actively interested in humankind. They often refer to themselves as deists.

Despite the varying philosophic differences among those who identify with atheism, they all fall on the same side of the argument, that is, a nonbelief in a powerful, active, interested, loving Creator of everything. For purposes of this book, I refer to all nontheistic positions collectively as atheism.

The reason people adopt atheism varies from person to person. Some were once believers who became disillusioned because:

  • they had been associated with an abusive religion that failed to reflect a loving God; or

  • they had been associated with impotent religions that could not adequately defend the existence of God; or

  • they suffered certain inexplicable and tragic events; or

  • they did not receive answers to their prayers in the way they expected; or

  • they were exposed to scientific explanations of life, the universe, etc., that conflict with mainstream religious teachings.

Some atheists were simply raised in homes or communities where atheism prevailed and so they never adopted a belief in God. And we suspect there may be other reasons.

Those who adopt atheism take different positions. Some are passive and present no opposition to believers. They have a "live and let live" philosophy. Others take an activist role, intending to completely remove God and religion from society. The latter have no respect for believers or their beliefs, and often use ridicule and sophistry to demean and silence any opposition. And then there are others who fall somewhere in between those two positions.

The percentage of atheists in the world varies from country to country. In some countries atheism is on the rise; but in others, it is declining. According to Pew Research Center's 2024 global study of 230 countries and territories, 16 percent of the world's population are not affiliated with a religion, while 84 percent are affiliated. Furthermore, the study noted that many of the unaffiliated, which include atheists and agnostics, still have various religious beliefs and practices.[^1]

According to Gallup International's 2015 poll of fifty-seven countries, 11 percent were "convinced atheists." Other studies suggest the total is about 4 percent.[^2]

The Pew Research Center also found that the majority of those raised in atheistic homes in the United States do not remain atheists when they become adults. Many eventually adopt some form of religious belief.

Based on these factors,

Atheism is transitory and will rise and fall from time to time and from place to place.

I believe that as religion matures and scientific discovery increases, atheism will eventually become barren.

I personally can have no effect on the increase in scientific discovery. But I can have an effect on the maturing of religion, or as I call it, uplifting the spiritual conversation. I believe that if religion could "grow up" and advance in the way Christ Jesus demonstrated and promoted, the ultimate result would be to eradicate disbelief and unify humankind as a spiritual family, leading to the longed-for peace on earth and goodwill toward all men and women. And so, this book.

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