Is There More to Being an Atheist Than Simple Unbelief?
Most individuals who identify as atheists define their stance in terms of simple unbelief in gods. For them, atheism is a straightforward non-belief. However, my experience reveals that there are those who take their atheism beyond mere disbelief. They use atheism as a basis for anti-theistic beliefs, often engaging in more aggressive or militant advocacy.
Exploring Atheism as a World-View
For many atheists like myself, there's more at play than just a lack of belief in deities. Atheism, to me, is a framework that upholds the quest for evidence-based explanations for all phenomena and opinions. When faced with ethical issues or other topics, I strive to form opinions based on the knowledge of knowledgeable individuals. But given that I am not an expert in all areas, I rely on those who possess relevant expertise while still filtering their information through my own rationality and experience.
This approach does not guarantee infallibility. Like anyone else, I make mistakes in judgment and am always open to reassessing my views. For example, I once believed in a conspiracy theory about JFK's assassination, but was later convinced by the thorough analysis in Case Closed by Gerald Posner and Reclaiming History by Vincent Bugliosi. I remain open to changing my mind when confronted with reliable evidence.
Atheism and the Simple Binary
Atheism can be succinctly described as a term denoting a lack of belief in gods. The word theist comes from the Greek Theos, meaning “god,” and Atheos, meaning “without god” or “not having to do with gods.”
Some people feel compelled to add layers or complexities to their understanding of atheism. However, the core idea remains a simple binary on/off switch. These additional layers, while understandable, may not be necessary for a clear and cohesive understanding of atheism.
Religion Beyond Simple Belief
The same principle applies to religion. Being religious is not merely a matter of simple belief. It involves much more, including ideas such as education reform, freedom of speech, and the separation of church and state. But ultimately, the essence of being religious or an atheist revolves around a deeper commitment to what it means to be a decent person and a contribution to society.
In both belief systems, the core values of life, humanity, and being a decent person remain paramount. Whether one is a believer or an atheist, these values are fundamental. Without them, both the belief and the lack thereof become meaningless.