Myths and Falsehoods of Atheists and Atheism

Less than three percent of the American population classifies themselves as Atheists, and by all accounts it has only been a philosophy or belief that people have been able and willing to express in recent years. The term atheism in itself conjures fairly negative connotations, but there are many misconceptions that Christians, Jews, and other religions may wrongly believe to be true of all or most atheist.

Atheists have no morals.

Many believe that since atheist have no morals, values or ethics due to the lack of any guiding principles. While Atheists may not have the Bible or the Koran to spell out for them what is right or wrong. According a qualitative study by The Chronicles of Higher Education:

"Atheists refute that argument by stating that they are good for the sake of goodness, and that is perhaps better than being good to follow the scripture or to get into heaven, because it comes from a more personal and authentic place."

Atheists are anti-religious and want to deter others from practicing their religion.

Many atheists often were raised one religion or at the very least exposed to one or more throughout their lives. They may not have found the beliefs and values of that sect or religion to fit into their faith, but that does not mean they look down on those who choose to follow those faiths. In fact, most atheists are unwilling to discuss their beliefs due to the fact that it differs so vastly from what the majority of people practice and live.

Atheists live with no purpose or meaning.

Non-atheists theorize that if you do not believe in any higher power and you reject the theory of heaven or an after life that you have no guidance or motivation to live a purposeful life. Due to the fact that atheists do not believe in an afterlife, they believe that their present life and its purpose is to use their skills and talents in service to the environment, humanity, and all living creatures. Atheists concentrate their efforts on the present. As stated in the Higher Education study, "...their purpose and morality are less about personal salvation after death and more about contributing to the human condition."

Goodman, K. & Mueller, J. "Atheist Students on Campus: From Misconception to Inclusion." The Chronicles of Higher Education. Washington: Jan. 30, 2009. Vol. 55, Iss. 21; pg. A 64.