Atheism Polls: Register Your Opinion on Atheism & Atheist Issues
Atheists are a very diverse group of people - all they really have in common is not believing in the existence of any gods. Atheists and agnostics come from different religious backgrounds, they have different political opinions, and they have different philosophies about life and the universe.
Are Atheists Generally Angry?
Are all atheists angry? That's a common prejudice among theists - usually trotted out after the theist does something really obnoxious. Apparently, atheists are supposed to sit there and let atheists do annoying, condescending, and obnoxious things without even getting the least bit annoyed. Otherwise, the "angry atheist" stereotype is used as if it were a rebuttal.
Are all atheists angry? That's a common prejudice among theists - usually trotted out after the theist does something really obnoxious. Apparently, atheists are supposed to sit there and let atheists do annoying, condescending, and obnoxious things without even getting the least bit annoyed. Otherwise, the "angry atheist" stereotype is used as if it were a rebuttal.
Is Bigotry Against Atheists As Wrong as Bigotry Against Others?
A common expression of bigotry towards atheists is that they can't be good citizens - meaning either that they can't be patriotic (like George H.W. Bush claimed) or that they can't be moral people (as so many Christians claim). This smear is a basis for the Boy Scouts' refusal to admit atheists into any part of their organization, but it wouldn't be accepted against other groups. Why?
A common expression of bigotry towards atheists is that they can't be good citizens - meaning either that they can't be patriotic (like George H.W. Bush claimed) or that they can't be moral people (as so many Christians claim). This smear is a basis for the Boy Scouts' refusal to admit atheists into any part of their organization, but it wouldn't be accepted against other groups. Why?
Atheists Should Be Quiet About Science?
According to some, it's not just enough that atheists and religious skeptics have to sit down and shut up in the field of politics rather than criticize the Christianity people are pushing in government; atheists also have to shut up in the field of science rather than criticize Christianity there because this prevents Christians from accepting the truth of evolution.
According to some, it's not just enough that atheists and religious skeptics have to sit down and shut up in the field of politics rather than criticize the Christianity people are pushing in government; atheists also have to shut up in the field of science rather than criticize Christianity there because this prevents Christians from accepting the truth of evolution.
Should Atheists Shut Up and Stop Upsetting Christians?
Should nonbelievers, skeptics, and atheists simply sit down and shut up lest the poor, sensitive Christians feel offended that anyone would dare challenge or criticize their beliefs? There has been an increasing number of people, including some prominent liberal pundits, who have basically been calling for that to happen.
Should nonbelievers, skeptics, and atheists simply sit down and shut up lest the poor, sensitive Christians feel offended that anyone would dare challenge or criticize their beliefs? There has been an increasing number of people, including some prominent liberal pundits, who have basically been calling for that to happen.
Do Atheists Deserve Equal Social, Political, and Legal Rights?
Atheists in America are starting to become more assertive in their demands to be treated as fully equal citizens - and they are taking notes from the gay rights movement which has made such great strides in the past three decades. Gay rights activists have been enormously successful, and perhaps that's why religious conservatives aren't happy about atheists' new efforts.
Atheists in America are starting to become more assertive in their demands to be treated as fully equal citizens - and they are taking notes from the gay rights movement which has made such great strides in the past three decades. Gay rights activists have been enormously successful, and perhaps that's why religious conservatives aren't happy about atheists' new efforts.
Should the Bigotry of the Boy Scouts be Defended as a Public Good?
Most people may not realize that the President of the United States is the Honorary President of the Boy Scouts of America. This gives the BSA an official endorsement from the highest elected official in America. Would the President accept this title if the BSA discriminated against Jews or Asians? Probably not - but discrimination against gays and atheists is OK.
Most people may not realize that the President of the United States is the Honorary President of the Boy Scouts of America. This gives the BSA an official endorsement from the highest elected official in America. Would the President accept this title if the BSA discriminated against Jews or Asians? Probably not - but discrimination against gays and atheists is OK.
Atheists Giving a Platform for Holocaust Deniers
Larry Darby, the president of Alabama's Atheist Law Center, attracted attention for his antics. Having David Irving, a notorious Holocaust Denier, anti-Semite, and apologist for fascism, speak at his group was just the first step. His defenses of his actions were worse...
Larry Darby, the president of Alabama's Atheist Law Center, attracted attention for his antics. Having David Irving, a notorious Holocaust Denier, anti-Semite, and apologist for fascism, speak at his group was just the first step. His defenses of his actions were worse...
Is It Right for Atheist Groups to give a Platform to Holocaust Deniers
Larry Darby, former president of Alabama's Atheist Law Center, attracted a lot of negative attention for inviting David Irving, a notorious Holocaust Denier, anti-Semite, and apologist for fascism, speak at his group. Darby insisted that he only did this in order to support Irving's free speech rights, but it seems clear that he agrees with Irving's Holocaust Denial and anti-Semitism.
Larry Darby, former president of Alabama's Atheist Law Center, attracted a lot of negative attention for inviting David Irving, a notorious Holocaust Denier, anti-Semite, and apologist for fascism, speak at his group. Darby insisted that he only did this in order to support Irving's free speech rights, but it seems clear that he agrees with Irving's Holocaust Denial and anti-Semitism.
Have You Ever Had Trouble Dating Because Of Your Atheism?
Religion is so important to many people's lives that they can't imagine not sharing it with others, thus preventing them from dating people outside their religion - or with no religion at all. This can be especially problematic for atheists who not only lack religion, but any belief in gods at all. This puts a lot of people off.
Religion is so important to many people's lives that they can't imagine not sharing it with others, thus preventing them from dating people outside their religion - or with no religion at all. This can be especially problematic for atheists who not only lack religion, but any belief in gods at all. This puts a lot of people off.
Are You An Atheist Who Has Ever Been In A 'Foxhole'?
It's all too common to hear people insist that there are no atheists in foxholes, or in whatever disaster is occurring. They would know better if they simply bothered to do a little research instead of relying upon popular prejudice: quite a few atheists have been in foxholes - either real ones or metaphorical ones where their lives have been in grave danger. They remained atheists.
It's all too common to hear people insist that there are no atheists in foxholes, or in whatever disaster is occurring. They would know better if they simply bothered to do a little research instead of relying upon popular prejudice: quite a few atheists have been in foxholes - either real ones or metaphorical ones where their lives have been in grave danger. They remained atheists.
Are You An Atheist Who Uses Alternative Medicine?
There is a tremendous amount of money to be made in so-called 'alternative' medicine today. Billions are spent every year and its popularity only seems to be increasing - but why? What is it about alternative medicine that causes people to eschew proven, scientific medical treatments? Do you, as an atheist, use any so-called 'alternative' treatments?
There is a tremendous amount of money to be made in so-called 'alternative' medicine today. Billions are spent every year and its popularity only seems to be increasing - but why? What is it about alternative medicine that causes people to eschew proven, scientific medical treatments? Do you, as an atheist, use any so-called 'alternative' treatments?
Do Atheists Support Teaching Intelligent Design?
Can an atheist believe that it is appropriate to teach the religious beliefs of "Intelligent" Design in public school science classes? I wouldn't have thought so, but I would have been wrong. There is at least one who does and who objects to the lawsuit in Pennsylvania trying to stop a school from doing just this.
Can an atheist believe that it is appropriate to teach the religious beliefs of "Intelligent" Design in public school science classes? I wouldn't have thought so, but I would have been wrong. There is at least one who does and who objects to the lawsuit in Pennsylvania trying to stop a school from doing just this.
Should Skeptical Pastors Keep Their Jobs?
Reverend Thorkil Grosboll in Denmark has made headlines for doubting the very existence of God, normally unforgivable for a man in his position. Should priests and pastors who doubt the existence of God be able to keep their jobs?
Reverend Thorkil Grosboll in Denmark has made headlines for doubting the very existence of God, normally unforgivable for a man in his position. Should priests and pastors who doubt the existence of God be able to keep their jobs?
Does the phrase 'God exists' has any meaning or significance?
A.J. Ayer argued that the phrase "God exists" is a metaphysical utterance that cannot be either true or false. Thus, no claim about the nature of God can have any literal significance. Do you agree with this sort of noncognitivism?
A.J. Ayer argued that the phrase "God exists" is a metaphysical utterance that cannot be either true or false. Thus, no claim about the nature of God can have any literal significance. Do you agree with this sort of noncognitivism?
Should Atheists Be Allowed to Marry?
Opponents of gay marriage are largely motivated by their firm belief that such unions are displeasing to God and that only divinely-approved marriages should be permitted. How long will it be, however, before they start fighting for other kinds of limits on civil marriages based upon their beliefs about what their god wants? Should atheists be allowed to marry?
Opponents of gay marriage are largely motivated by their firm belief that such unions are displeasing to God and that only divinely-approved marriages should be permitted. How long will it be, however, before they start fighting for other kinds of limits on civil marriages based upon their beliefs about what their god wants? Should atheists be allowed to marry?
Are Atheists Arrogant for Denying God?
One assumption many have about atheists is that atheists are arrogant. Why? Because they dare not to believe in any of the gods that others deem so important to their lives. Is it true that atheists are arrogant for not believing in any gods or are such theists arrogant for making assumptions about atheists?
One assumption many have about atheists is that atheists are arrogant. Why? Because they dare not to believe in any of the gods that others deem so important to their lives. Is it true that atheists are arrogant for not believing in any gods or are such theists arrogant for making assumptions about atheists?
Is Religion Necessary for Good Character, Good Citizenship?
Despite the separation of church and state, religion frequently plays an important role in public politics. Politicians commonly reference religion to justify their policy decision or to attract voters, often implying the necessity of religion for good government and good citizenship. Is that true? Must a person be religious to be a good citizen?
Despite the separation of church and state, religion frequently plays an important role in public politics. Politicians commonly reference religion to justify their policy decision or to attract voters, often implying the necessity of religion for good government and good citizenship. Is that true? Must a person be religious to be a good citizen?
Should Atheists Deliver City Council Invocations?
Sometimes atheists who challenge the delivery of invocations and prayers before public events (like city council meetings) ask to deliver their own message. If refused, that proves that there is religious bias. Is it, however, appropriate for atheists to do such a thing? Aren't invocations religious?
Sometimes atheists who challenge the delivery of invocations and prayers before public events (like city council meetings) ask to deliver their own message. If refused, that proves that there is religious bias. Is it, however, appropriate for atheists to do such a thing? Aren't invocations religious?
Should Socially Active Atheists Identify Themselves As Atheists?
One of the complaints sometimes made about atheists is that they are selfish - proven by the fact that there are no huge atheist-oriented charities. There are, however, plenty of atheists who are publicly active. Should they identify themselves as such or is that taking too much of a risk?
One of the complaints sometimes made about atheists is that they are selfish - proven by the fact that there are no huge atheist-oriented charities. There are, however, plenty of atheists who are publicly active. Should they identify themselves as such or is that taking too much of a risk?
Should Atheists Become More Politically Active?
Atheists have political opinions, but they disagree on most political issues. There is no one atheist position on abortion, taxes, war, etc. Is that, however, a reason against atheists organizing political as atheists an forming atheist political organizations?
Atheists have political opinions, but they disagree on most political issues. There is no one atheist position on abortion, taxes, war, etc. Is that, however, a reason against atheists organizing political as atheists an forming atheist political organizations?
Science Disproves Atheism or Theism?
Quite a few religious people believe that modern science (especially fields like cosmology and physics) 'proves' the truth of their beliefs; indeed, many think that science is doing more and more every year to prove their beliefs. Do they have a point or are they simple mistaken about the nature of modern science?
Quite a few religious people believe that modern science (especially fields like cosmology and physics) 'proves' the truth of their beliefs; indeed, many think that science is doing more and more every year to prove their beliefs. Do they have a point or are they simple mistaken about the nature of modern science?
Should Atheists Vote Republican?
There are plenty of conservative atheists who tend to vote for Republican candidates, but is that a mistake? The Republican Party takes a strong position against many things important to even conservative atheists, like maintaining the separation of church and state. It's also beholden to the Christian Right. Are atheists who vote Republican just hurting themselves?
There are plenty of conservative atheists who tend to vote for Republican candidates, but is that a mistake? The Republican Party takes a strong position against many things important to even conservative atheists, like maintaining the separation of church and state. It's also beholden to the Christian Right. Are atheists who vote Republican just hurting themselves?
What Caused You to Doubt and Reject Theism?
There are many different reasons why a person might come to doubt and even reject theism, becoming an atheist. Some reasons are better than others and while every atheist takes a different path, there are some major commonalities. Do any of the ones listed below apply to you?
There are many different reasons why a person might come to doubt and even reject theism, becoming an atheist. Some reasons are better than others and while every atheist takes a different path, there are some major commonalities. Do any of the ones listed below apply to you?
What Would Cause You to Stop Being an Atheist?
Is there anything that might cause you to stop being an atheist and start believing in some sort of god, even if you didn't convert to a specific religion? Many theists ask this question and it can reveal something interesting about what a person thinks about the question of gods' existence.
Is there anything that might cause you to stop being an atheist and start believing in some sort of god, even if you didn't convert to a specific religion? Many theists ask this question and it can reveal something interesting about what a person thinks about the question of gods' existence.
Would You Marry a Theist? Are you Married to a Theist?
One of the questions which often comes up is whether relationships between atheists and theists can every work out or even lead to marriage. A lot depends upon the willingness of those involved to try to make it work. Would you be willing to make a marriage with a theist work?
One of the questions which often comes up is whether relationships between atheists and theists can every work out or even lead to marriage. A lot depends upon the willingness of those involved to try to make it work. Would you be willing to make a marriage with a theist work?
What Kinds of Music Do Atheists Like?
The only thing all atheists have in common is their disbelief in the existence of any gods. That doesn't mean, however, that there might not be some trends in what kinds of music atheists prefer to listen to. Not all kinds of music are listed here, but maybe the results will be interesting.
The only thing all atheists have in common is their disbelief in the existence of any gods. That doesn't mean, however, that there might not be some trends in what kinds of music atheists prefer to listen to. Not all kinds of music are listed here, but maybe the results will be interesting.
What is Modern Writing on Atheism Like?
I have heard from more than one person that much of the writing today on atheism and skepticism tends to be dry, bogged down in details, and even a bit elitist. They don't feel that the authors have anything to say to them, only to scholars and more sophisticated atheists. Is this true? What do you think?
I have heard from more than one person that much of the writing today on atheism and skepticism tends to be dry, bogged down in details, and even a bit elitist. They don't feel that the authors have anything to say to them, only to scholars and more sophisticated atheists. Is this true? What do you think?
Are you an atheist who is 'out of the closet'?
Atheism isn't very widely accepted or thought of very well by large numbers of people, especially in the United States. Because of that, many atheists feel compelled to keep their atheism a secret, not telling anyone they don't trust. Do you hide your atheism, or are you 'out of the closet' and open about things?
Atheism isn't very widely accepted or thought of very well by large numbers of people, especially in the United States. Because of that, many atheists feel compelled to keep their atheism a secret, not telling anyone they don't trust. Do you hide your atheism, or are you 'out of the closet' and open about things?
As An Atheist, Which Label Do You Use?
There are a lot of different labels that atheists use - atheist, nontheist, freethinker, skeptic, bright, etc. Many use more than one label but most tend to use a single label most of the time. Each label communicates something slightly different about the person using it. Which do you perfer?
There are a lot of different labels that atheists use - atheist, nontheist, freethinker, skeptic, bright, etc. Many use more than one label but most tend to use a single label most of the time. Each label communicates something slightly different about the person using it. Which do you perfer?
As An Atheist, Which Labels Apply to You?
An atheist is never just an atheist. Atheism is simply the lack of belief in gods, but no one can be fully described by that label alone. Atheists may also be skeptics, humanists, existentialists, objectivists, etc. What other words describe you philosophy and beliefs?
An atheist is never just an atheist. Atheism is simply the lack of belief in gods, but no one can be fully described by that label alone. Atheists may also be skeptics, humanists, existentialists, objectivists, etc. What other words describe you philosophy and beliefs?
Will the Internet Promote Skepticism and Atheism?
Atheists are a minority, but on the internet they can voice their ideas and thereby expose many more people to skeptical, critical atheism than would otherwise be possible. Will this promote skepticism and atheism in the long run, or will arguments on the internet only lead to worse misunderstandings and distrust?
Atheists are a minority, but on the internet they can voice their ideas and thereby expose many more people to skeptical, critical atheism than would otherwise be possible. Will this promote skepticism and atheism in the long run, or will arguments on the internet only lead to worse misunderstandings and distrust?
Where Do You Go With Questions About Atheism?
There is a lot of good information about atheism, skepticism, freethought, the separation of church and state, and related subjects on the internet. There are also many good books on these issues - but finding the right book can take longer than finding the right web sight. Where do you look first with your questions?
There is a lot of good information about atheism, skepticism, freethought, the separation of church and state, and related subjects on the internet. There are also many good books on these issues - but finding the right book can take longer than finding the right web sight. Where do you look first with your questions?
What do you do when people say grace?
Many families have a tradition of saying grace a meals. This is a ritual which occurs in many different religions. Atheists, however, can frequently feel uncomfortable participating in a religious ritual like this, especially when it involves their own family. What do you do when faced with such a situation?
Many families have a tradition of saying grace a meals. This is a ritual which occurs in many different religions. Atheists, however, can frequently feel uncomfortable participating in a religious ritual like this, especially when it involves their own family. What do you do when faced with such a situation?
Do you celebrate any holidays?
Holidays are an integral part of many religions - and when an atheist leaves a religion, they frequently leave behind the holidays as well, which means leaving behind an important aspect of their social and family lives. Some atheists, though, continue to celibrate religious holidays - do you?
Holidays are an integral part of many religions - and when an atheist leaves a religion, they frequently leave behind the holidays as well, which means leaving behind an important aspect of their social and family lives. Some atheists, though, continue to celibrate religious holidays - do you?
Atheists Participating in Religious Traditions
Religious traditions are very important to structuring a religion's beliefs, doctrines, and even membership. Unfortunately, when a person leaves a religion, they also leave behind much of what might have structured their life - and that isn't easy. If you are an atheist, do you still follow any religious traditions?
Religious traditions are very important to structuring a religion's beliefs, doctrines, and even membership. Unfortunately, when a person leaves a religion, they also leave behind much of what might have structured their life - and that isn't easy. If you are an atheist, do you still follow any religious traditions?
Atheist Demographics: Will Atheists' Numbers Grow?
The demographics of atheists is that they are a minority in most places they live. There may be more atheists than people realize, but there are still fewer than of other groups. Is this something that will continue, or is it possible that the numbers of atheists will increase in the future?
The demographics of atheists is that they are a minority in most places they live. There may be more atheists than people realize, but there are still fewer than of other groups. Is this something that will continue, or is it possible that the numbers of atheists will increase in the future?
As an atheist, what is your political orientation?
The only thing all atheists have in common is the absence of belief in gods - nothing more, nothing less. Beyond that, atheists can have all sorts of beliefs when it comes to philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, and politics. What are your political beliefs - where in the political spectrum do you fall?
The only thing all atheists have in common is the absence of belief in gods - nothing more, nothing less. Beyond that, atheists can have all sorts of beliefs when it comes to philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, and politics. What are your political beliefs - where in the political spectrum do you fall?
Do You Attend Church on Religious Holidays?
Many families have a tradition of attending church services on religious holidays - even if they never go to church at any other time. When a person becomes an atheist, they may not want to keep going with their family. Is family tradition important enough to go to church on a religious holiday?
Many families have a tradition of attending church services on religious holidays - even if they never go to church at any other time. When a person becomes an atheist, they may not want to keep going with their family. Is family tradition important enough to go to church on a religious holiday?
What Religion Did You Once Follow?
Most atheists and agnostics were not raised that way - they were, instead, raised in religious households. Although most were probably raised in Christian environments, not all were - many were raised Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and so forth. If you weren't raised a Christian, what is your religious background?
Most atheists and agnostics were not raised that way - they were, instead, raised in religious households. Although most were probably raised in Christian environments, not all were - many were raised Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and so forth. If you weren't raised a Christian, what is your religious background?
Should Atheists Create Secular Holidays?
Many atheists stop following the traditional, religious holidays observed by religious people and theists. Others still observe them, but they have lost their former meaning. Some atheists have tried to create new, secular holidays as replacements - like Solstice and Darwin Day. Is this a good idea?
Many atheists stop following the traditional, religious holidays observed by religious people and theists. Others still observe them, but they have lost their former meaning. Some atheists have tried to create new, secular holidays as replacements - like Solstice and Darwin Day. Is this a good idea?
Voting for Politicians Prejudiced Against Atheists?
There is a lot of prejudice and bigotry against atheists in America - so naturally quite a few politicians will reflect the same attitudes. Is that, however, enough of a reason to vote for an opponent? What if you agree with that politicians positions and philosophy - is bigotry enough of a reason to withdraw support?
There is a lot of prejudice and bigotry against atheists in America - so naturally quite a few politicians will reflect the same attitudes. Is that, however, enough of a reason to vote for an opponent? What if you agree with that politicians positions and philosophy - is bigotry enough of a reason to withdraw support?
Disposal of One's Body After Death
Most religions have specific rituals and standards for how the body of a deceased person should be dealt with. Some recommend cremation, some forbid it. Most bury a body, some leave it out for the vultures. But what about atheists? What do you want done with your body after you die?
Most religions have specific rituals and standards for how the body of a deceased person should be dealt with. Some recommend cremation, some forbid it. Most bury a body, some leave it out for the vultures. But what about atheists? What do you want done with your body after you die?
What Sort of Christian Were You?
Most atheists and agnostics were not raised that way - they were, instead, raised in religious households. Among them, most were raised in Christian environments - Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostal - the entire spectrum of Christianity. If you were Christian once, what sort was it?
Most atheists and agnostics were not raised that way - they were, instead, raised in religious households. Among them, most were raised in Christian environments - Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostal - the entire spectrum of Christianity. If you were Christian once, what sort was it?
Can Marriage Between Atheists & Theists Work?
There are more theists in the world than there are atheists - so it's only natural that when an atheist gets involved in an intimate relationship with someone, it's more likely that that person will be a theist than an atheist. But can such relationships really work, or will the disagreements pull them apart?
There are more theists in the world than there are atheists - so it's only natural that when an atheist gets involved in an intimate relationship with someone, it's more likely that that person will be a theist than an atheist. But can such relationships really work, or will the disagreements pull them apart?
What Do You Think About the 'Bright' Label?
Recently some non-believers have started promoting the use of the label 'Bright' to describe atheists who adopt a naturalistic outlook on life. This has annoyed some - including some atheists - because it sounds arrogant. Others, however, revel in the implication that theists are 'dim'.
Recently some non-believers have started promoting the use of the label 'Bright' to describe atheists who adopt a naturalistic outlook on life. This has annoyed some - including some atheists - because it sounds arrogant. Others, however, revel in the implication that theists are 'dim'.
What is Your Position on Agnosticism & Atheism?
When it comes to atheism, theism, and agnosticism, there are four positions: agnostic atheism (don't know that gods do or don't exist, but don't believe), strong ('gnostic') atheism (don't believe in gods and certain they don't exist), agnostic theism (don't know for sure a god exists, but believe anyway), and strong ('gnostic') theism (believe in a god and certain that one exists).
When it comes to atheism, theism, and agnosticism, there are four positions: agnostic atheism (don't know that gods do or don't exist, but don't believe), strong ('gnostic') atheism (don't believe in gods and certain they don't exist), agnostic theism (don't know for sure a god exists, but believe anyway), and strong ('gnostic') theism (believe in a god and certain that one exists).
Should Atheists Evangelize their Atheism?
Some atheists are very active in promoting or 'evangelizing' their atheism - they want to spread the word about atheism and get others to become atheists as well. But are such atheists no different from religious people who are always bugging others about their religion?
Some atheists are very active in promoting or 'evangelizing' their atheism - they want to spread the word about atheism and get others to become atheists as well. But are such atheists no different from religious people who are always bugging others about their religion?
Do People Know You are an Agnostic or Atheist?
There are a lot of agnostics and atheists out there - more than most people probably realize because most of them don't really make a point of publicizing their agnosticism and atheism in the same way that people publicize their religion. In some cases, it's because they are actually afraid to let others know.
There are a lot of agnostics and atheists out there - more than most people probably realize because most of them don't really make a point of publicizing their agnosticism and atheism in the same way that people publicize their religion. In some cases, it's because they are actually afraid to let others know.