American Atheism and Why it Exists

American Atheism and Why it Exists

Atheism is disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods, they reject religion as apart of not only a rejection of ignorance, but also a rejection of their religious family and association of religion itself, says Catherine L. and Caldwell-Harris who are published in the Department of Psychology for Boston University, Lesley College,University of Haifa, and Trinity College. This is a stark contrast to theism, which is the belief in god and is the case for many Americans. This demographic is about 83% of America’s population, according to the most recent census. About 16% of the population, or about 34,169,000 people are of an unaffiliated position, which would include Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and those of no religious stance. This number has only increased since 1990 which was about 14,331,000 in 1990 (United States), and will only continue to grow as more and more people come out as the nonaffiliated in the coming years (Caldwell-Harris).

Atheists are seen as the least trustworthy group in America, with associations of cynicism, no-conformity, scepticism, and joylessness, but also a lack of morality or the a sense of awe. However why would someone become an Atheist when the “norm” is to have religion in your life as well as the negative stereotypes and discrimination atheists face? (Smith) The reasons vary from person to person on why they left theism, either for a personal or ideological reason. Based on research done there are several reasons for atheism such as it not making logical sense, or it not complying with science, negative personal experiences, the hypocrisy of the religion/church, God not meeting expectations (Caldwell-Harris), theodicy or the problem...

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...groups of people both left due to discrimination. As a contrast the main reason for the straight white male authors was instead the ignorance and lack of evidence that made them choose to be atheists, since they weren’t discriminated against while with their belief.

The reasons behind atheism is very diverse and varies on a person to person basis, but the most common reason is the conflict religion has with science and how it contradicts itself and other such religions. The other biggest trend is the discrimination and negative experiences people have when they are still apart of a religious community weather it is discrimination against women or against homosexuals. The only sure fact is of its existence and its growing population within America, even with its negative connotations. Atheism is going to exist no matter what reason atheists have to be atheist.