The Concept of Atheism

Atheism is probably the most misunderstood concept in America. There is a wide perception that Atheists are untrustworthy. Many equate it with devil worship. Many others think it’s a religion or that is has something to do with science. I was brought up without being indoctrinated into religion. I was exposed to religion and went to church to recite the Lord’s Prayer as a child, but it wasn’t anything different to me than going to school and being forced to recite the pledge of allegiance. I’ve been an Atheist my whole life, but never even heard of the word Atheist until I was in my 40’s. I had an interesting experience that taught me what the word was. I came across an old friend from high school on the internet and got in touch with him. We got together and started to become good friends. I found out he was into country music, square dancing and the Republican Party. Even though, I don’t like those things myself, I never saw it as a reason to break off a friendship. I don’t recall exactly how the topic came up, but at one point I made it known that I didn’t take the Bible literally. The reaction I got was not only irrational, but almost laughable. The word Atheist was used as if it was the worst word that you could use to label someone. I might as well have said I was a serial killer. Needless to say, my “friend” broke off the friendship, never to be heard from again. That made me aware of how Atheism is misunderstood. It made me research what Atheism was and why people misunderstand it. It compelled me to write this book. I truly hope this book will help educate people about what Atheism is and what it is not, in hopes that it will help people to better coexist. I also hope it will help Theists care about what they believe in as being true. Mankind can not afford to dismiss science in favor of beliefs without evidence.