If you were to ask a random group of individuals what an atheist is, you would probably get the standard answer; they don’t believe in (a) God and are not affiliated with any religious group. While that is true and is a commonly accepted definition, even among atheists, there are different reasons for their lack or denouncement of the existence of (a) God.
In atheism, there is no “middle ground”
On one side, are the theists, who believe one or more of the claims relating to the existence of a “God or gods.” There are also the theistic agnostics, who believe in the existence of one or more gods, but will commit to nothing more. On the other side, you have the atheistic agnostic, who lacks a belief in a god because they do not know if any gods actually exist, and the noncognitivists, who lack any god-belief, and regard any god-talk is meaningless.
While some atheists have never been exposed to theism or, simply lack a need to believe in a higher power, a majority of atheists made their choice after careful consideration of religious claims, and the subsequent lack of documented proof to support those claims.
Atheists derive their inspiration from many sources, but the top ten inspirations for their non-belief in the existence of a “God” are:
All religious faith is based on myths, with no tangible proof. Theistic beliefs are unconvincing, controversial and unable to be tested.
Humans translated all religious texts, making religious language meaningless and subject to fictionalization by the author (s), and unverifiable.
If there is only “one true God,” then why the differing portrayals among the world’s religions?
Theists view any supernatural, paranormal, or “occult” occurrences as “Satanic,” even though their God (s) were able to perform miracles and engaged in paranormal and supernatural endeavors, which are revered as holy? Double standard?
Rampant evil, disease and tragedies in the world are proof that no loving, caring God exists. Humans developed medical cures and treatments through science; the discoveries were not bestowed on us from a God.
The “true believers” (in a God) possess a “secret” that outsiders are not privy to unless they become members of “the club,” and adhere to a strict set of rules. They actively recruit members and impose their beliefs on others. Atheists do not “recruit” anyone, all who question the existence of a God are welcome, without rules.
Scientific discoveries, involving evolution and natural selection, are increasing proof that no God exists, nor was a God responsible for creating the Universe or the Earth’s inhabitants.
No absolute certainty exists in a liberal system, like the evolution of life forms. It is the work of Nature, not God.
The Argument of Evil is the first of two main philosophical and theological arguments supporting the non-existence of a God. The Argument of Evil is based on the fact that, if an Almighty God existed, He (or She) would be willing and able to decrease the amount of evil in the world. Due to the fact that suffering, cruelty, and tragic deaths still occur; no God can exist.
The Argument From Non-Belief is the second of these arguments. It centers on the fact that, if God existed, His identity and existence would be well known and widespread, as the One True God. Non-believers and the various “Gods” from other religions would not exist. Over one-fifth of the world’s population is non-religious or atheists, and the controversy over the multitude of “Gods” in different religions proves that an Almighty, One True God, does not exist.
These ten sources of inspiration fuel an atheist’s lack of belief in (a) God. Until some form of concrete evidence is found that undeniably proves the existence of (a) God, it remains difficult for believers to offer a logical explanation or any tangible evidence that proves the existence of (a) God.
