Atheism as an Evolution of Thought and its Place Among the Religious Mu

Atheism is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as (a) a disbelief in the existence of a deity or (b) a doctrine that there is no deity and by The Oxford Dictionary as the disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods. The Supreme Court proceedings of Schempp vs. Curlett defined atheism in eloquent humanist terms: An atheist loves his fellow man instead of a god. An atheist believes that heaven is something for which we should work now – here on earth for all men together to enjoy. An atheist believes that he can get no help through prayer but that he must find in himself the inner conviction and strength to meet life, to grapple with it, to subdue it, and enjoy it. An atheist believes that only in a knowledge of himself and a knowledge of his fellow man can he find the understanding that will help to a life of fulfillment. He seeks to know himself and his fellow man rather than to know a god... He believes that we are our brother’s keepers and are keeper of our own lives; that we are responsible persons and that the job is here and the time is now. For the purposes of this discourse, the terms atheist and atheism will encompass this humanist philosophical view point as well as modes of thought based upon scientific principals and tangible realities of existence; thus avoiding defining atheism only in relation to theistic belief systems. It is important to acknowledge that atheism, and indeed non-theism as well, is not simply a reaction to theistic beliefs or an angry rebellion against the theocratic majority. Rather, it is a celebration of life, a complete acceptance of mortality, and a joyfulness in truth. â€Å"And what is more pleasing than practical wisdom when you consider the reliability and efficiency ... ...iedrich. Twilight of the Idols and The Anti-Christ. Trans. R J Hollingdale. 1889. Introduction Micheal Tanner, 1990. Translator’s Note R J Hollingdale, 1968. London: Penguin Group, 2003. Print. â€Å"Our Founder†. Carnegie Corporation of New York. 2009 Pellissier, Hank. â€Å"Atheist are the Most Generous – Even Without Heaven Reward!†. The Richard Dawkins Foundation. 25 November 2011. Web. 3 April 2012. School District of Abington Tp., Pa. Vs. Schempp. No. 374 US 203. Supreme Court of the US. 17 June 1963. Westlaw. Web. 16 April 2012. â€Å"Sean Faircloth, Former Executive Director†. Staff. Secular Coalition For America, n.d. Web. 3 April 2012.