The Atheist
Foundation of Australia Inc began in
South Australia in 1970 when the members of the Rationalist
Association of SA decided that a name
change would proclaim their basic philosophy, which began in
Greece 2500 years ago.
We can understand why primitive cultures believed that
invisible beings controlled what we now call the elements and
natural phenomena. With access to factual knowledge, there is
now no excuse for believing in gods, fairies or any
supernatural concept.
We live in a natural universe with known natural laws.
Religion, based on belief in the existence of the
supernatural, is dependent on the indoctrination of infants
generation after generation, by parents brainwashed in
religious cultures.
The confrontations and fighting today provide ample evidence
of the unstable nature of societies, which endorse religious
beliefs.
Infantile concepts seriously hinder the full potential
development of humans in a world with problems that require
logical thought.
Atheists find their motive for action in the needs and
problems of their fellow citizens and consider that the
worship of, or reliance on, imaginary supernatural beings to
be a useless waste of time, energy and resources.
The Foundation is dependent on a small committee which meets
monthly and is open to all members. We maintain a cordial
relationship with similar organisations within Australia and
overseas and with whom we exchange our magazine, The
Australian Atheist.
It is recognised that the non-religious segment in society is
on a steep increase but only through such organisations as
the Foundation will it be recognised as a movement worthy of
notice by administrative bodies.
We welcome feedback from thoughtful people and invite your
co-operation and membership.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The Atheist Foundation of
Australia recognises scientific method as the only rational
means toward understanding reality. To question and critically examine all ideas, testing them in the light of experiment, leads to the discovery of facts.
As there is no scientific evidence for supernatural
phenomena, atheists reject belief in 'God', gods and other
supernatural beings. The universe, the world in which we
live, and the evolution of life, are entirely natural
occurrences.
No personality or mind can exist without the process of
living matter to sustain it. We have only one life - here and now. All that remains after a person dies is the
memory of their life and deeds in the minds of those who
live.
Atheists reject superstition and prejudice along with the
irrational fears they cause. We recognise the complexity and
interdependence of life on this planet. As rational and
ethical beings we accept the challenge of making a creative
and responsible contribution to life.
OUR AIMS
To encourage and to provide a
means of expression for informed free-thought on
philosophical and social issues.
To safeguard the rights of all non-religious people.
To serve as a focal point for the fellowship of non-religious
people.
To offer reliable information in place of superstition and to
offer the methodology of reason in place of faith so as to
enable people to take responsibility for the full
development of their potential as human beings.