Misconceptions About Atheism Explained

Misconceptions concerning atheists range from what atheism actually is, to questioning their morals and if they sacrifice kittens by the light of the full moon. Misunderstandings and mistruths happen when people do not understand what something is or isn't. Sometimes non-mainstream beliefs are given colorful connotations, as imagination takes over to explain. Some debunking of the most common misconceptions of atheists should clarify the term.

Atheist Misconceptions: Atheists Hate God

Atheists do not hate God, because they do not believe in God. The definition of atheism, from the Free Online Dictionary, is "one who disbelieves or denies the existence of God or gods." This is sometimes referred to as strong atheism. A broader definition is the lack of theism, often call weak or implicit atheism.

This misconception can be overcome by simply looking up the meaning of the word atheist. For further education or understanding, someone could hold a nonjudgmental conversation with an atheist and ask them about their beliefs, or lack thereof.

Atheist Misconceptions: Atheism is a Religion

Atheism is not a religion. This may be better explained by listing some things most religions have, that atheism does not. Most religions have a belief in a 'God' or other supernatural being, sacred or holy objects and a god(s) sanctioned moral code. Religion has a set belief system. Atheism does not, just the general disbelief in God.

The easiest way to overcome this is to not think of atheism as a belief system, because it's not. Atheists everywhere can have different beliefs and do not rally around any doctrine. They are all atheists because of a common disbelief.

Atheist Misconceptions: Atheists Do Not Have Morals

It depends - not on whether they are an atheist or not, but who they are as a person. The same can be said for people of religion. Yes, an atheist can have an individual set of morals, without the incentive of heaven or hell. They simply do the right thing.

One easy way to overcome this atheism misconception is to realize atheists are out in society with everyone else. They have the obligations of friends, family, children and work. Atheists are just as socialized as the next person to want to be good, so they retain the privileges of society.

Sources:

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/atheist