What is an atheist?

An atheist is a person who does not believe in God; not that there might be a God or there is no God for him, but there is no God.

Atheism has existed for a very long time, though by far the majority of the world’s population would consider themselves religious in one form or another.  Recently though atheism has taken on serious momentum, being one of the fastest growing movements in the world.

People are atheists for three main reasons: 

1) They were raised in a household that did not believe in God.  The influence of our parents affects us all and these ones eventually had to make a choice to continue believing what their parents taught or not. 

2) They are atheists because it’s popular.  Particularly among the younger generation atheism is perceived as something hip and “progressive” compared with the centuries old religious institutions of the day.  It is also seen as more fun because it doesn’t require anyone to follow the stuffy standards of the past.  In talking to these atheists I am not always convinced they actually do not believe in God, (as in they’ve come to that conclusion for themselves.)

3) Something happened to change a believer’s view.  Most atheists become such.  Usually these ones turn their back on God after witnessing a tragedy, either natural or man made.  Questions like “why did God allow it?” or “how could a loving God cause it?” disturb them greatly.  Jessica Ahlquist, a 16 year old who made national headlines is one example.  The corruption of many trusted religious institutions also cause them much grief (though more on this later.)

I cannot take seriously an atheist who is such because it’s popular.  Anyone who jumps on the bandwagon because it appears to be racing off without them is no better than anyone else.  These are usually the atheists to tell me they are such with a sly smile, as if expecting my head to explode at the revelation.

I can take seriously one who has become an atheist for a reason.  They have taken a look at the world as they see it or at religion and its excesses and decided to believe what they do.  Though I don’t agree with them at least we’ve arrived at our conclusions with the same method, by thinking. 

Now that I’ve defined an atheists, let’s get on to a theist.