5 Common Misconceptions About Atheism

What is an Atheist? Do you think that it is a modern trend? Atheism has actually been around as long as some of the world's oldest religions. As a belief system, Atheists are subject to the same misconceptions as the followers of any religion are. Much modern thought on Atheism is a result of the existential philosophical movement that began in Europe at the turn of the 19^th century, and reached a zenith between the two world wars. Here is a look at five common misconceptions about Atheism.

1.Misconceptions about Atheists: Atheism is a recent development.

Some people believe that Atheism is a new school of thought that discards religion in light of modern scientific evidence and experimentation. Atheism has actually been around for thousands of years. In one of his books, Plato discusses the problem of Atheists and what should be done about them.

2. Misconceptions about Atheists: Atheists are immoral.

Some people believe that atheists must be immoral because they do not believe in or follow a moral code. The truth is that they do not believe in a religious moral code. The United States was founded on the separation of church and state, and the final resting place of the justice system lay with the state, not the church. Morality can be as much a social belief and practice as a religious one.

3. Misconceptions about Atheists: Atheists believe in science rather than religion.

This may be a true statement in a way, but it is a misconception to believe that they deify or treat science as though it is a religion. They believe in science as fact and religion as not fact.

4. Misconceptions about Atheists: Atheists do not believe in God.

Atheism literally translates to "without theistic belief." Atheists do not generally believe that there are no Gods, just that there is no evidence that a God or Gods exist.

5. Misconceptions about Atheists: Atheists hate God and religion.

Atheists are often given a bad rap, or are confronted with the notion that something bad must have happened to them to make them hate God. This is simply not the case. The choice to follow a religion or not may be based in life experience. Equally it may be a conscious choice to follow or not. You cannot generalize the followers of any faith, or assume that their reasons for their action are the same.

Unlike the misconceptions that are attached to the followers of the world's religions, misconceptions attach themselves to those who have decided not to follow a faith. These are five of many misconceptions about Atheism.