Atheism

The Macquarie Dictionary (2nd Edition, 1991 defines atheist as “one who denies or disbelieves the existence of God (or gods)”. It also defines disbelief as “refusal or inability to believe”. It seems that atheists, at least as far asthis dictionary is concerned, aredefined in terms of their lack of belief or refusal tobelieve. But why must we be defined in terms of negative, as if there might be some virtue in belief?

(Talk given to the Atheist Society, Melbourne, on 10 November 2009)

Many people, famous and not so famous, have written at length on this title. Having read quite a number, this writer has never therein found another's reasons to be sufficient in explanation. Perhaps being an Atheist is a personal choice of multiple paths or it may be that sufficient inward motivation to explain oneself has not been properly utilised.

"An unexamined life is not liveable for a human being," said Socrates in his own defence when charged with impiety. I agree, and lament the lack of philosophical studies in Australian schools. Questioning our personal attitudes and ideas from time to time, and consciously subjecting them to the spotlight of reason and logic, can prevent us lapsing into lazy acceptance of corrupt and dogmatic ideas and values imposed by those who would rule and control us.

Most have heard that Atheists are; "those without any invisible means of support."  A statement both humorous and true, but from the perspective of a religious interpretation of the world.

The title seems to be overstating the Atheist viewpoint. It is OK not to believe too whole-heartedly in the existence of the supernatural but making Atheism to be near mandatory is overstating that position. Or is it?

Do not be deceived by the title, for atheism does not promise ecstatic happiness, and in a way, it brings a sorrow into life but one accepted as part of the parcel. The joy that it brings, and the sadness, are so entwined they cannot be separated as though some kind of sadistic payment for the many benefits received. The deeper the Atheism, the greater the pain and the greater the pleasure. There can be no escape from this, nor do Atheists wish to, for the alternative would put us in the ranks of those who are unwittingly the enemies of the human race.

As an experiment, ask the next ten people you encounter to spell the word 'Atheist'. You will be surprised that quite a large proportion will do so using 'iest' instead of the correct 'eist'. The word 'Atheism' (from the Greek - without a god) is a derivation of Theism (belief in one creator god). The spelling of Theism does not suffer the same amount of error. Why is this so?

This simple test shows that the fear of Atheism is very considerable and that those, who have most to lose by its wider acceptance, have attempted to eradicate it from thought and history.

Scientific Atheism is the acceptance that there is no credible scientific or factually reliable evidence for the existence of a god, gods, or the supernatural.

Many people consider Atheism reminiscent of devil worship, communism or a state of living without ethical standards. Effective vilification, over many years, has lumbered Atheism with bad press or none at all. To be an Atheist places individuals in a socially uncomfortable slot, disallowing any perceived threat to the status quo of those with a ‘faith'.

Hi!

My name is Paul Schaffer and I am one of the newer Committee members of the Atheist Foundation of Australia.

As a baby, I was christened in the Salvo's. I attended Sunday school until I was 11 or 12 years old when I couldn't put up with it anymore. My mother wanted me to attend Church with her then but I think that only lasted for about a year. I used to have a go at the Officer for giving too long sermons (not that I took any notice of them) before I pulled out altogether.