Atheism as a historical philosophy and its relevance in contemporary Am

Disbelief in the creation of perfection is an enduring, worldwide phenomenon that is quite possibly also one of the intimately misunderstood belief systems in the world. For many, the term atheism immediately spurs disallow imagery inspired by long time of indoctrination churches proclaiming the sins of the infidels, and how questioning Gods infinite love will result in instant damnation. Atheists argon perceived as dark, nihilistic, immoral, amoral, pessimistic, and even evil, because without God, clearly they are also without piety and goodness. But if this disbelief is so negative, why would nearly 1 trillion people globally, and more than 16 percent of the American population strike themselves as nonbelievers? In fact, a survey published in January 2007 by the Pew Research Center for the People & The Press found that 20 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 say they have no religious affiliation or consider themselves atheists or agnostics nearly persona th ose who said that in a similar survey 20 years ago (Abel). Surely there is something to be gained in denying one of coetaneous civilizations most accepted and cherished beliefs in social club to garner the respect of (and often participation from) some of the greatest minds in human history. Indeed, for most nonbelievers, it seems the justification for atheism far outweighs the justifications for theism, which they view as moot, obsolete, and inaccurate.THE PHILOSOPHYPut simply, atheism is the belief that there is no God or gods. In this sense, it is true that atheism is a negative ism in that it is the negation of theism (the word is derived from the Greek a - without, theos - God). However, as we shall see, this perception of atheism as a negative w... ...008 .Martin, Michael. Atheism A Philosophical Justification. pertly York, MI Temple UP, 1990.Martin, Michael, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Atheism. refreshed York Cambridge UP, 2006. Mills, David, and Dorion Sagan. Athei st Universe The idea Persons Answer to Christian Fundamentalism. New York Ulysses P, 2006Nielsen, Kai. God, Scepticism and Modernity. Boston Paul & troupe Consortium, Incorporated, 1989.Odell v. Koppee, 5 Heisk. (Tenn) 91.Religulous. Dir. Larry Charles. Perf. Bill Maher. Film. 2008.Thrower, James. Western Atheism A Short History. New York Pyr Books, 1999.17th Century - Investigating Atheism. Investigating Atheism. 2008. University of Cambridge. .