Today, it has become fashionable to consider themselves adherents of a variety of religions, some people are trying to emphasize his lack of faith in God, they call themselves atheists.Who are atheists?Can a person who denies belief in God (Allah) to call himself an atheist?What are such well-known atheist, Friedrich Engels, Peter Gannushkina, Vitaly Ginzburg, Eugraph Duluman and their followers?Let's deal.
Who are atheists?
Atheism - a term that translates as "godless."The concept came from France, but combines all forms of denial of God and religion.Atheists believe that any religion - is illusory consciousness, based on the denial of the naturalness of the world.The atheists differ from the believers of any faith?The former believe that the nature of things natural, and religion, whatever it was invented by people.Second, in contrast, believe that God (in any manifestation) is primary, and the world - not that other, as his creation.Atheists perceive reality, studying and comprehending it.Every phenomenon they are trying to find a scientific explanation.
Do all people who do not believe in the divine origin of the world and do not belong to any of the denominations can be considered atheists?No, not all.Who are atheists?People for whom lack of faith and commitment to the scientific knowledge of the world is the basis of ideology.They carry their unbelief in the world, but it is not implanted by force, but try to educate people.You can do this only well knowing the history of religious teachings and the characteristics of each faith.People are simply deny their faith in God, but believing in ghosts, druids, Cthulhu, barabashek or other mystical manifestations, consider themselves atheists can not.
Handbook atheist
In Soviet times, lecturers even produced a special allowance.It was called "Handbook atheist."The target audience of the publication were party workers, students, teachers.The publication is uneven.On the one hand, the book is to give clear answers to the questions "Who are atheists?", "What is religion?".Staff at universities and renowned scientists who participated in the drafting of manuals and annexes (it was called "Sputnik atheist"), introduces the history of religious movements and trends, and their features.Compilers warned about the dangers of following the teachings of selfless and malignancy of blind faith.On the other hand, the publication was sufficiently politicized and often gave the characteristics of religions, not in terms of scientific achievements, but from a position of partisanship and ideology.This way of presentation has not always evidence-based.Today, the publication is of interest to modern atheists and collectors of rare books (although rare mass circulation benefits can not be called).
summarize
So true atheists - people who:
- learn about the world by scientific methods;
- recognize the intrinsic value of a person as an individual and not as a follower of the teachings;
- considered the main criterion for human well-being of any society;
- not fighting with religion and lead advocacy, say their worldview and defend human rights.
One of the great said that atheism - it's just another religion.In this statement there is a sensible grain: believers believe in God, and atheists - in the power of science and atheism.
