Atheists are disliked in America—constantly denigrated in public surveys—which may explain why many doubters conceal their lack of belief.
About James A. Haught
Everyone’s a Skeptic—About Other Religions
Religion is an extremely touchy topic. Church members often become angry if anyone questions their supernatural dogmas.
Religion is an extremely touchy topic. Church members often become angry if anyone questions their supernatural dogmas.
The Secular Era is Booming!
In 1976, a whopping 82% of adult Americans identified themselves as white Christians, but today the rate has fallen to just 43 percent.
In 1976, a whopping 82% of adult Americans identified themselves as white Christians, but today the rate has fallen to just 43 percent.
Logic Disproves an All-Merciful God
There’s no heavenly protector to save people with cancer or children with leukemia. Trusting medical science is the only hope.
There’s no heavenly protector to save people with cancer or children with leukemia. Trusting medical science is the only hope.
The Problem of Evil
For thinking people, there's only one possible answer to the age-old problem of evil: The all-loving Father proclaimed by many faiths cannot exist.
For thinking people, there’s only one possible answer to the age-old problem of evil: The all-loving Father proclaimed by many faiths cannot exist.
Is It Blasphemy or Honesty?
Blasphemy isn’t a dirty word. It simply means voicing doubts about supernatural religious claims. That’s normal for intelligent, science-minded people.
Blasphemy isn’t a dirty word. It simply means voicing doubts about supernatural religious claims. That’s normal for intelligent, science-minded people.
Religion and Sexual Shame
Sex is a powerful human force: it’s natural, healthy, normal and wonderful. However, Western religion has spent millennia tainting it with shame, guilt and punishment.
Sex is a powerful human force: it’s natural, healthy, normal and wonderful. However, Western religion has spent millennia tainting it with shame, guilt and punishment.
Murder in the Name of Religion
Politicians always call religion a mighty force for good. President Reagan labeled it “the bedrock of moral order”. They say it builds brotherhood.
Politicians always call religion a mighty force for good. President Reagan labeled it “the bedrock of moral order”. They say it builds brotherhood.
The Search for Meaning
Young seekers of truth go through a phase of wondering whether life has any discernible meaning. Why are we here? Why does the universe exist? Is there a purpose to it all?
Young seekers of truth go through a phase of wondering whether life has any discernible meaning. Why are we here? Why does the universe exist? Is there a purpose to it all?
Science Always Beats Religion
Nowadays, nearly everyone realizes that science is a colossal boon to humanity, curing disease, eliminating drudgery, advancing knowledge, opening worldwide communications and generally making life better.
Nowadays, nearly everyone realizes that science is a colossal boon to humanity, curing disease, eliminating drudgery, advancing knowledge, opening worldwide communications and generally making life better.
Where Do Beliefs Come From?
Suppose a miracle is reported. Some Americans will embrace this news joyfully, as evidence of the holy, while others will be skeptical.
Suppose a miracle is reported. Some Americans will embrace this news joyfully, as evidence of the holy, while others will be skeptical.
The Goofier the Tale, the More It’s Swallowed
Well, the “Mothman” movie stirred thoughts about the eagerness of some people to believe nutty things.
Well, the “Mothman” movie stirred thoughts about the eagerness of some people to believe nutty things.
Holy Horrors: Religious Slaughter Through the Centuries
Without religion, divisions would blur with passing generations; children would adapt to new times, mingle, intermarry, forget ancient wounds.
Without religion, divisions would blur with passing generations; children would adapt to new times, mingle, intermarry, forget ancient wounds.
America’s Functional Atheism
A majority of Americans behave as if they doubt the reality of gods, devils, heavens, hells, miracles, visions, prophecies and the rest of church supernaturalism. Daily life proceeds as “functional atheism” (acting as if God doesn’t exist).
A majority of Americans behave as if they doubt the reality of gods, devils, heavens, hells, miracles, visions, prophecies and the rest of church supernaturalism. Daily life proceeds as “functional atheism” (acting as if God doesn’t exist).
The Long Slow Death of Religion
Dozens of surveys find identical evidence: fewer American adults attend, or even belong to, a church. They state their religion is “none.” They ignore faith.
Dozens of surveys find identical evidence: fewer American adults attend, or even belong to, a church. They state their religion is “none.” They ignore faith.
Nikos Kazantzakis: Brilliant Skeptic
Who was this man, this skeptic among the believers?
Who was this man, this skeptic?