What I Believe
I am an secular humanist. I consider the belief in one or more gods to be nothing more than superstition, wishful thinking and self-delusion.
Religious people (theists) like to claim that atheists are without morals, since we don't actually believe in anything, because there is no higher being holding us to account. Atheism isn't a beliefs system, it's the rejection of superstition. Humanism is a belief system, and it's arguably more moral and ethical than a religious belief system.
Atheists are as moral or immoral as any other human being, there are atheist criminals just as there are theists (even priests) that are criminals. I actually think that atheists are better people in general, because we believe we are accountable here and now, in this life, to ourselves and those with whom were share the planet.
The following is the definition of atheism that was given to the Supreme Court in the United States a number of years ago, and I think it's succinct, clear and above all a very accurate summary of what I myself believe.
Atheism as Defined for the Supreme Court
“Your petitioners are Atheists and they define their beliefs as follows. An Atheist loves his fellow man instead of god. An Atheist believes that heaven is something for which we should work now – here on earth for all men together to enjoy.
An Atheist believes that he can get no help through prayer but that he must find in himself the inner conviction, and strength to meet life, to grapple with it, to subdue it and enjoy it.
An Atheist believes that only in a knowledge of himself and a knowledge of his fellow man can he find the understanding that will help to a life of fulfillment.
He seeks to know himself and his fellow man rather than to know a god. An Atheist believes that a hospital should be built instead of a church. An Atheist believes that a deed must be done instead of a prayer said. An Atheist strives for involvement in life and not escape into death. He wants disease conquered, poverty vanquished, war eliminated. He wants man to understand and love man.
He wants an ethical way of life. He believes that we cannot rely on a god or channel action into prayer nor hope for an end of troubles in a hereafter.
He believes that we are our brother's keepers; and are keepers of our own lives; that we are responsible persons and the job is here and the time is now.”
Not Enough?
Maybe I can answer some of your questions in my Atheism FAQ, and on my Atheism / Humanism pages.
