Atheism, in its broadest sense, is the absence of faith in the existence of any god. This definition includes both those who affirm that there is no god, and those who do not pronounce themselves on the subject. Simply put, anyone Not say "I believe there is a god" is by definition atheist. However, a more widespread and less wide-ranging conception qualifies as atheists only those who affirm that there is no god, reserving instead for those who do not pronounce themselves the qualification of agnostics, or simply non-theists.
There is no school of thought shared by all atheists, nor are there institutional rituals or attitudes. There are some individuals whose religious or spiritual tendencies could be described as atheistic, although they do not generally recognize themselves in this definition.
Being an atheist does not necessarily imply "disobeying God", apart from some contrary convictions expressed mainly in countries with a strongly religious setting. Atheism is not a faith, but only absence of faith. Atheists are sometimes accused of "hating God", which is impossible when you can't hate something you don't believe exists. Atheism is not directly related to evolution, and not even to the big bang theory. However, many atheists, especially those who wish to delve into the themes of atheism and religion, turn to science, thus developing an interest in theories such as those mentioned.
In countries like the United States of America, and on entire continents like Asia, religion is predominant. Although it may seem simplistic, it is a fact that the countries that tend to be more religious are those with a higher poverty and crime rate, and with an education rate and a human development index (English: HDI - Human Development Index) lower, as opposed to countries like Norway or Sweden, where atheism is more prevalent than elsewhere. A similar difference can be seen between one US state and another.
Steps
Step 1. Consider your current beliefs
Regardless of whether you were a believer before, if deep down you can no longer find any faith in god, your transformation is complete. There is no procedure and no initiation rite to become an atheist (apart from perhaps the act of "declaring oneself" publicly). If you can honestly say "I don't believe there is any god", you are already an atheist in all respects.
Step 2. Understand the difference between faith and truth
Let's take some examples:
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A stranger rings at your door to tell you that your child died when a car was hit in front of the school.
You would feel a pang of pain and anguish, but who is talking to you is a stranger: do you believe him? Is it possible that he really knows your son? Is this a chilling joke in bad taste? Do you really think it's possible your son is dead? You will tend to doubt strongly
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Two cops ring your door after stopping the wheel in the driveway. They tell you your baby is dead. You have to go with them to identify the body.
In all likelihood you will believe it: they are cops. You will be overwhelmed by pain and anguish, without questioning that the tragedy has occurred. In your eyes it will be real
- Note that the difference between the two situations lies in the authority of the person reporting the message, and not in the message itself. These examples were also chosen for their emotional content, because it plays a fundamental role in our mind's perception of reality.
- The fact is that, whether we believe in something based on authority, whether we believe it based on emotions, or whether we believe it for both reasons, we are unable to recognize which is real until we touch it with our hand. Even if the highest possible authority tells you the most trivial thing, and you believe it, and everyone else believes it, that doesn't make it true in any way.
Step 3. Understand the difference between scientific assumption and religious belief
The controversy concerning the antithesis between the concept of scientific theorem and that of religious dogma can be traced back to the difference between the scientific and religious institutions. The underlying concept of the religious institution is that the nature of reality is known. The nature of reality is written in a sacred book or scroll, which has been written, or dictated, or inspired by, a god. Religious institutions are primarily interested in disseminating the "known" nature of reality, because, in their conception of reality, this is what they are required to do. The "facts" of the faith are not subject to verification, and in most cases they are not verifiable. The "facts" of faith are supported by evidence that is open to interpretation, or by no evidence at all. The "facts" of faith are not subject to verification in order to obtain consensus. The underlying concept of the scientific institution is that the nature of reality is unknown. The scientific institution is primarily interested in investigating the nature of reality without making assumptions. Scientific theories must, by definition, be demonstrable (and can be falsifiable). Theories must be published for review by other scientists with the intent of reaching a consensus. Officially approved theories are backed up by irrefutable evidence, or are consistently interpreted by authoritative scientists. If the incorrectness of a theory is proved, it is abandoned; it is believed to be a scientific authority because it draws its authority from the continuous process of revision it undergoes, and because it has every interest in discovering the truth.. It is believed to be a religious authority as it draws its authority from the top of the hierarchy, who in turn derive their authority from the subordinates. Religion has no interest in discovering the truth as the "facts" are already known.
Step 4. Remember that you are not the only one who has identified a flaw in the religion's representation of the world
Throughout history, some have looked critically at their faith, finding flaws in it. If you have philosophical problems, consider them honestly, and with the knowledge that you will not suffer any punishment for trying to understand your core beliefs. If your faith is solidly founded, it will stand the test. Most religions born throughout history have become extinct. It will be hard to find someone who still adores Thor or Quetzalcoatl. Examine your conscience and ask yourself why you don't believe in Thor, in Rah, or in Zeus. If you were born in Iran, Mississippi, or Israel, would you be Muslim, Christian or Jewish?
Step 5. Consider your morals and try to understand where they come from
You don't need a god to have moral principles. An atheist is not amoral. Like many theists, many atheists do charity and live morally blameless lives not unlike theists. Their actions, however, can be determined by different reasons: with or without religion, the good do good, and the bad do evil, but to be good and to do evil you need religion. -Steven Wienberg
Step 6. Understand the difference between atheism and agnosticism
- An atheist does not believe that there is no god. Most atheists note that there is no proof of the existence of any god. Since there is no verifiable proof of the existence of god, atheists do not take divinity into account in their decision making. Agnostics think it is impossible to know whether or not there is a god.
- You don't necessarily have to be against religion. However, many atheists disapprove of institutional religion and the doctrine of faith as a virtue. Others attend religious services for their own reasons, such as sharing moral principles, belonging to a community, or even just a passion for music.
- You must not exclude a priori the possibility of unproven or non-demonstrable phenomena. You can recognize that they are possible without insisting on acting as if they are true, or trying to convince others that they are true.
- You don't have to subscribe to any faith. Atheism is not a religion. Atheism contemplates a wide range of beliefs and perspectives, where the only point in common is the absence of a belief in god.
Step 7. Understand the fact that you don't have to give up your culture
Culture, traditions and tribal loyalty are important to many people, including atheists. In the act of denying faith in god, it is not necessary to completely dissociate oneself from the culture associated with the past religion. Virtually all cultures belonging to the Northern Hemisphere celebrate the winter solstice. One possible explanation is the forced interruption of work in the fields and the abundance of food stored to face the long winter months. This holiday can be, and in many cases is, just as important to an atheist because of its intrinsic values, among others the principle of community sharing. The ex-Christian atheists, at Christmas, continue to exchange gifts with their theistic friends, make the tree, and reunite with the family, without the need to attribute religious connotations to these gestures. The same can be said of other former faithful of other religions, or of people who have never adhered to any faith.
Step 8. Learn to observe and draw conclusions about the world through the lens of logic, rather than through faith
The scientific method is universally recognized as the best way to understand the world.
Step 9. Discuss the world in this sense with both other atheists and believers
It will help you understand the motivations of the faith of some and make you understand your own atheism in relation to this better.
Step 10. Study the various forms of theism
Although most atheists argue that theists assert an undisputed truth without the burden of proof, it is important to delve into one's past faith and its principles, as well as the underlying principles of other religions. The more experienced you are of other religions, the more you are able to understand the motivations of the faith of others, and the firmer the foundations of your worldview will be. It will also help you to defend yourself from the attempts at conversion and proselytism that they will make towards you when they learn that you are an atheist.
Step 11. Explain your perspective to those who are curious about it
Don't be shy, but don't be condescending either. Try to help them understand your point of view in a non-confrontational way. However, you can choose not to make your point of view manifest, if you run the obvious risk of getting into trouble. In certain countries or areas of the world, the price to pay for being an atheist is very high.
Ask yourself questions
The sense of atheism has always been that of ask yourself questions. The question of whether or not a supreme being exists is one of humanity's most important problems, but it is also crucial to your personal existence. Take your time and ask yourself the following questions. It can strengthen your belief in divinity, but it can also lead you to choose atheism.
Here are some questions to get you started:
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Why do I believe in a god?
This is the most important question of all. Do you have any reason to believe? If so, what is this reason?
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First of all, how did I come to believe in a god?
If you are a theist, the most likely reason is that you grew up in a religious family. As children we are extremely influential and prone to learning, which means that what we learned in childhood can be difficult to shake off. Another important aspect to keep in mind is that if you were born in the United States of America or another country with a Christian majority, you were most likely destined to become a Christian. If you were born in Saudi Arabia, you were most likely destined to become a Muslim. If you had been born in Norway in the time of the Vikings, you would have believed in Thor and Odin. If you were not raised in a religious family, however, take some time to analyze what led to your conversion process.
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Is there proof of the existence of a god?
So far, there is no evidence of the existence of a supreme being. If you think you can prove the existence of a god, do some research. It might surprise you.
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Why do I believe in my specific god? What if I'm wrong?
There are thousands of different gods to choose from. If you are a Christian, ask yourself the question: what if the Roman gods were the true god? And, of course, vice versa. Since there is no proof of the existence of any god, deciding, on the basis of blind faith, that your god is the right one, constitutes a risk that you take consciously. Many monotheistic religions, such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism, claim the existence of a hell, where non-believers will be damned for eternity. What if other religions are right and yours is wrong?
- Focusing on Christianity, what does "Jesus is the Son of God" actually mean (or imply)? Where did Jesus get the 23 chromosomes needed to become a human being? Is God the biological father of Jesus? Or the spiritual father? Or another kind of father?
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Is God really "omniscient"?
What is "knowable"? (for example, "The number of hairs on the head of all the inhabitants of the world" is "knowable".) Does God really see or know EVERYTHING? We "know" through the "senses": sight, hearing, etc., and we register this "knowledge" in the brain. What kind of "senses" does God have? Where do you get the information from? Does the act of "knowing" involve a tangible starting point for a living being?
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Is God really "omnipotent" and / or "omnibenevolo"?
A lot of really "bad" things happen all the time in the world (earthquakes, murders, rape, car accidents, etc.). Is it God causing them? Have you ever done anything to prevent "evil" from happening? Is there any evidence that God ever used his power for this purpose? Can it be expected to ever?
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Is God really "omnipresent"?
A possible definition / explanation is: "God's omnipresence means that He cannot be contained even in the largest possible space. God has no physical limitations, but it does not mean that He encompasses all the space that surrounds the earth. He does not exist. in an infinite space. God is present in all space. This does not mean that a small part of God is in every place or is scattered around the world. But it does mean that God with all His being is present in every point of our space." We know that God is not "tangible" (he is not made of atoms). How do we know that God is always present if we can neither see him nor measure him?
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What does "exist" mean?
We know that God is not "tangible" (he is not made of atoms). No one has measured God as a "force" (like the force of gravity). So, what does it mean for God to "exist"? The contrary cannot be proved (the non-existence of God is not demonstrable). But if no one has yet been able to scientifically prove that God exists, can it be expected to become feasible over the next 100 years?
- Can there really be "life after death"? We know that our soul is not "tangible". So, after death, how do we think, see, hear, speak, communicate, etc.?
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Do Miracles Really Happen? Does God Answer Prayers? Is God a "hardworking" God?
We define a miracle as "an event that cannot be explained with certainty by resorting to any force or law of nature: something that can only be a supernatural act of divine origin". For example, finding a rock suspended in mid-air, or witnessing the transformation of one element into another, such as copper into gold, water into wine, etc. Please note that demonstrating that a miracle has occurred would not prove that God exists, only that there is a force in the universe that we cannot understand. The artificer could be God or some other deity, or the aliens, or any other entity. Since there have been no documented miracles in the recent past, does anyone seriously believe they will have time to witness a miracle in their lifetime? But if miracles do not exist, God is not a "working" God; that is, it does not intervene in any way on our planet: everything that happens happens within the confines of the "forces and laws of nature". Therefore, God does not listen to prayers, and it is unlikely that He ever will. Isn't it self-centered to ask God to subvert the natural order for our good? Many objectively atrocious things (earthquakes, plane crashes, murders, rape, etc.) happen every day, evidently without any regard for religious faith. Why should there be exceptions only in our case? If you don't believe in divine intervention, is it logical to pray and worship God?
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How familiar are you with your own "human nature"?
We define three "levels of faith", each of which requires a greater "qualitative leap" than the previous one: (1) believing that God exists; (2) believing that Jesus is the Son of God; and finally (3) believing that the Bible is "infallible". Please note that each level presupposes faith in something that cannot be demonstrated, but which must, in fact, be the subject of an "act of faith". A reasonable person, considering the scientific evidence that results from the analysis of the universe, would draw the conclusion that the origins of the Earth date back well over 10,000 years ago. But those who hold the Bible infallible believe that God created the earth (and the entire universe) some 10,000 years ago. Due to the nature of the human mind, this belief is treated not only as an objective fact, but as a fact that takes precedence, in order of priority, over anything the mind may observe or reflect upon. According to the believers' point of view, any analysis that contradicts this fact must have been conducted, or reported, incorrectly: for example, “Since fossilized dinosaur bones have been found, then the dinosaurs were alive 10,000 years ago, and some an unknown process has fossilized and burned their bones. Even if we can't even imagine what process it was, and even if the reasoning is beyond human understanding, God knows”. Therefore, those who are not at the "third level of faith", if they think of those who are at that level, must conclude that there is something in human nature that allows faith to "blind" believers in the face of reality. that surrounds them. (This is perhaps why "faith" is often referred to as "blind.") Those on the first or second level of faith should therefore look within and ask themselves whether their faith actually blinds them to reality (heaven and hell do not exist, there can be no life after death, miracles do not exist, etc.). Too often, however, when one asks oneself about one's faith, one wonders how solid it is, and not if it constitutes a bulwark against reality.
Advice
- Remember: being an atheist is perfectly acceptable!
- Treat everyone with respect, including believers, for that is the wisest thing to do. Behaving unpleasantly with people of faith will only reinforce their negative prejudices against other value systems.
- Don't worry about appearing religious, or about sharing the values of faith, nor about systematically "contesting" religion. You are an atheist the moment you feel you are.
- A tip might be reading the books by Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, and Carl Sagan, or listening to sketches by comedians like George Carlin and Tim Minchin. These are all testimonies in favor of atheism.
- Watch YouTube videos from users like Thunderf00t, FFreeThinker (yes, just with two 'F's) and TheThinkingAtheist. On Youtube you can find many other videos that promote, explain and defend atheism. They can help you.
Warnings
- You may experience sometimes nagging attempts by believers to convert you. They could completely misrepresent your new point of view. Try to be understanding.
- Deeply examine your beliefs. Don't just become an atheist because you feel like it. Make a serious study of the reasonableness and admissibility of the existence of a god. Ultimately, you don't decide to become an atheist, because being skeptical is not a choice. Eventually, you just find yourself wary.
- You may experience a withdrawal from some of your friends. First, they weren't true friends. If they were, they would have stayed close to you.
- Be prepared to receive a bad reception from certain believers. Many theists see a lack of faith as offensive and upsetting. Many atheists find themselves subjected to social contempt, and even threatened by violence. It is important to discuss your ideas, but only do so in appropriate contexts.
