The Friendly Atheist asks a couple questions of other atheists. I was going to answer in-line on his post, but I could see that this was going to get long…

1. Why do you not believe in God?

After much thought, reading, discussion, and exposure to varied opinions, I came to realize the inherent contradictions of faith. The odds are in favour of there being no God, if for no other reason than there is no contemporary evidence. God is not on our side, or he has gone walkabout.

2. Where do your morals come from?

Same place yours do; instinct and common sense. The Golden Rule is a sensible way to judge your own behaviour and what you expect from others; it’s sensible for your own friends and family and it is what keeps the tribe able to survive in times of trouble.

3. What is the meaning of life?

What you make of it.

4. Is atheism a religion?

No, though religions don’t always seem to require a godhead (Mao, Stalin, Sylvia Browne)

5. If you dont pray, what do you do during troubling times?

I talk, I write, and I think about ways to change what’s happening. I do not put myself into the winds of fate.

6. Should atheists be trying to convince others to stop believing in God?

No. I like the idea in Buddhism that attempts at conversion are an act of violence, and must be avoided.

7. Werent some of the worst atrocities in the 20th century committed by atheists?

I’m not exactly sure where these stories come from; Hiroshima wasn’t an act of atheists, neither was Pearl Harbour, or 9/11, or (contrary to popular belief) the acts of Hitler (who considered himself a Christian). The constant warring in the Holy Lands between religious factions, and in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc are in no way the acts of atheists. What else is left? Stalin and Mao? They were religious people of a different stripe; theirs was a godless philosophy, sure, but it was a religion none the less.

8. How could billions of people be wrong when it comes to belief in God?

Mass hysteria. People believe in plenty of things that don’t exist or lack proof. Millions of people believe in aliens, millions have believed in Roman and Egyptian gods. When did those gods become wrong? What makes one religion right? What keeps that Invisible Pink Unicorn (peace be upon his horn) from being the One True God; merely the lack of popular support? The universe is not a democracy.

9. Why does the universe exist?

There is no reason in and of itself, but that doesn’t mean that your life is without reason. Human biology, the human brain, and our ability to communicate allow us the opportunity to bring meaning to our existence through our actions.

10. How did life originate?

Random, beautiful, chance.

11. Is all religion harmful?

See #7, 13, 18

12. Whats so bad about religious moderates?

No idea…

13. Is there anything redeeming about religion?

For some people, it seems to be the only way that they can survive. Junkies, alcoholics, and people who really do have problems with judging right from wrong on their own; sometimes an external moral compass needs to be substituted for the broken original equipment provided by the human brain.

14. What if youre wrong about God (and He does exist)?

What happens if God is the god of Abraham, but not of the New Testament? What if it’s Thor? How about if it’s Joseph Smith’s God? I think the odds are just as good with my bet as with anyone else’s

15. Shouldnt all religious beliefs be respected?

The sheer number of people who believe something does not make it true, or worthy of respect. There are plenty of people who enjoy watching American Idol; enough to make it one of the more popular TV shows airing now. I don’t have to respect that TV show as a result,

16. Are atheists smarter than theists?

Absolutely not; I know some very stupid atheists. Though there are many very intelligent atheists, I’m sure there are smart people who believe all sorts of things on faith alone.

17. How do you deal with the historical Jesus if you dont believe in his divinity?

I’m still not convinced that there actually was a single, individual, historical Jesus. The Bible’s accounts are muddled and contradictory at best. I don’t expect a birth certificate, but some historical evidence would be nice; we can see proof of famous teachers and politicians of the time, so Jesus should be easy. The Romans were good at things like record keeping, so the man’s crucifiction should be on record?

18. Would the world be better off without any religion?

Even without religion, people would find other things to complain and fight about. The aspect of religion that requires unquestioning obedience and faith. Faith is the real problem.

19. What happens when we die?

Hopefully I’ll have friends enough left that they’ll get together and have a couple drinks and talk about all the stupid things I’ve done. From my perspective, I wouldn’t know, but I’m not going to guess.