About Atheism
An Introduction to Atheism (1997) by mathew
This is a gentle but thorough introduction to the different varieties of atheism and agnosticism. It covers many common misunderstandings, and defines and explains terms used elsewhere. Recommended for all readers, religious or not. To provide a sense of cohesion and progression, the author has presented this article as an imaginary conversation between an atheist and a theist. All the questions asked by the imaginary theist are questions which have cropped up repeatedly.
Are There Really No Atheists? (1996) by Michael Martin
Martin refutes Greg Bahnsen’s argument that there are no atheists.
Atheism: An Affirmative View (1980) by Emmett Fields
Fields defends atheism as a positive, rational alternative to religious superstition.
Atheism: Twilight or Dawn? (2007) by Keith Parsons
According to Alister McGrath, the early 21st century marks the decline of atheism. In this critique of McGrath’s arguments, Keith Parsons considers whether the intellectual clout, stature, or influence of atheism has in fact declined in recent years, concluding that McGrath does not even begin to address the real intellectual case for atheism. That disbelief in God is just as much a matter of faith as belief in God can only be a stale platitude from McGrath given his failure to even superficially survey the best arguments for atheism. McGrath does address, however, four charges made by Richard Dawkins against religion, including the charge that evolution makes God unnecessary as an explanation and that religion is a source of much of the misery in the world. Parsons concludes that once one appropriately qualifies or refines Dawkins’ accusations, McGrath’s critique fails to adequately address the underlying problems for religion that inspire them. Moreover, to the extent that the influence of inherently controversial and divisive religions on people’s lives grows, a corresponding dawn of the popularity of atheism is inevitable.
Atheism, Agnosticism, Noncognitivism (1998) by Theodore M. Drange
Drange argues that people who believe the sentence, “God exists,” does not express a proposition are noncognitivists. Those who believe it expresses a true proposition are theists; those who believe it expresses a false proposition are atheists; and those who believe the evidence is insufficient to determine the truth of the proposition are agnostics.
Atheism and Society (1997) by Jeffery Jay Lowder
A discussion of the position of atheism within today’s society–including how it affects people’s day-to-day relationships. Particularly recommended if you’re an atheist or agnostic.
Gentle Godlessness: A Compassionate Introduction to Atheism (1995) [ Index ] by Paul O’Brien
“I am appealing directly to two parties: theists, specifically Christians, and atheists. To Christians, I ask that they please make an effort to reconsider atheism if they have already condemned it. To atheists, I make an especially avid plea to reconsider their own position as well. I am tired of heated debates that lead to personal insult. I find Christians who are close-minded frustrating, but I find atheists who speak sarcastically and disrepectfully equally disappointing.”
Is Atheism Just Another Belief? (1996) by Temy R. Beal
Beal, a self-described “gnostic atheist evangelist,” argues that “gnostic atheism” is true, knowledge rather than just another belief.
Is There Anything Good About Atheism? (1997) (Off Site) by Adrian Barnett
Although atheism does not entail a moral code or purpose, atheism is quite compatible with philosophies like humanism which do have a system of ethics and purpose.
Positive Atheism and The Meaninglessness of Theism (1996) by Michael Martin
Martin argues that there is no inconsistency between his thesis that religious language is meaningless and his defense of positive atheism.
What is Atheism Really All About? (1996) by Richard Carrier
Quick and simple answers to common questions about atheism.
Jeffery Jay Lowder maintains this page.