The Tao of Arizona Atheist: Atheism

- Revised on February 13, 2012

Atheism is defined, according to its Greek roots, as the lack of belief in gods: a “without” or “not” and theos “god.” Despite this very clear definition many atheists argue over what atheism means. Some include the rejection of the existence of supernatural phenomenon as being synonymous with atheism and not just the lack of belief in gods. Some equate atheism with free-thought or rationalism.

I disagree with each of these additions some atheists have tacked on to the meaning of atheism.

In my view, which I believe is the most logical and has the most evidence going for it, atheism is simply the non-belief of gods. The reason is because this is the most reasonable given it’s Greek roots and because of the following fact. When you look at the different forms of religion, one can easily see that not all religions subscribe to a belief in gods, so that makes them a-theistic, but they are still belief systems that contain elements of the supernatural. Take animsim as one example, which is one of the oldest forms of religion which posits that “some or all physical beings, objects, or phenomena have [a] non-physical dimension.” [1] This is a religion that is a-theistic or lacks belief in any gods, but still contains beliefs about what could be considered supernatural phenomenon. By taking these facts in consideration we can discern an accurate definition for atheism: it is a lack of belief in gods. Atheism is purely a negative and that is all. Because of this supernatural phenomena does not disqualify one from being an atheist because, just as the religion of animsim disbelieves in gods but still believe in spirits and supernatural phenomenon of some kind, atheists disbelieve in gods but can sometimes be found to believe in supernatural phenomenon.

Due to this definition of a lack of belief in gods I hold the controversial view that even babies are atheists: they lack belief in gods, just as all humans do when they’re born. God belief must be taught later in life. Some may argue the fact that humans seem to be born with an innate belief in the supernatural (we often project intentions to inanimate objects) because we are hard-wired for beliefs that are often associated with the supernatural (and religion), but those who make this argument forget that belief in a personal god and belief in the supernatural and seeing intentions and patterns where none exist are two totally different things.

In the past I have been accused of “giving atheism a bad name” because of my anarchist views, and that I should change the name of my blog by excluding the word ‘atheist.’ First of all, I have never said I speak for all atheists. Second, I’ve actually discussed this criticism a few years ago right here. Third, per the above definition of atheism an atheist can hold any number of political views. Again, all atheism entails is a lack of belief in gods. It says nothing about a person’s political views, let alone their views on any other subject. Despite this, it is a fact, as I’ve explained before, that atheism and anarchism are entirely compatible because both are a rejection of authority. Atheism is the rejection of a theistic authority (gods) and anarchism is a rejection of an actual, worldly authority (government). I would go so far as to say that any atheists who support the government are hypocrites.

While all humans are born atheists many of us, while taught religious beliefs later in life, return to our default setting of atheism despite our religious culture and upbringing through rational means by rejecting the arguments in favor of god belief. Some people just remain atheists throughout their lives because they were not indoctrinated with any theistic beliefs.

Why Atheism and Materialism?

Before I summarize why I’m an atheist and some of the evidence I examined to come to that conclusion I need to define materialism and briefly explain why I am a materialist. Materialism is the “philosophical position that considers matter as the beginning, origin, and cause of whatever exists.” [2] I studied scientific (evolution) and religious matters (the existence of god), but also the existence of the supernatural and whether or not there was a non-physical existence (such as the soul) and supernatural/paranormal occurrences (such as ghosts, etc.) which is another subject apart from atheism.

I am an individual who is an atheist (who at first became an agnostic because of certain life experiences) because of the research I began after a few Christian friends witnessed to me and I began to research all of the arguments (pro and con) for god [3], evolution [4], the age of the earth, the history of the United States and the claim of a “Christian Nation” [5], and the existence of the supernatural [6], etc. and came down on the side of the atheists, skeptics, and free thinkers. This period lasted roughly six months, though that time period only refers to how long it took me to decide that I was an atheist. I continue to read and learn about other subjects even to this day. Part of my intellectual journey consists of accepting debates from whomever who wishes to object to something I say or something I believe or view as the truth. In my mind, if someone holds a particular position it’s only rational for that person to have good reasons and evidence to believe it and if they are being rational they should be able to call up those reasons and evidence and defend their beliefs. If they cannot then their position is most likely flawed, illogical, or untrue.

To conclude, after my initial research into the truth or falsity of evolution, god, and the supernatural, I continue to research and learn about a variety of subjects and continue to wonder if anyone will eventually come to me with some evidence I haven’t already looked into and found wanting for god or some immaterial realm.



1. Atheism Advanced: Further Thoughts of a Free Thinker, by David Eller, American Atheist Press, 2007; 4

2. The New Encyclopedia of Unbelief, edited by Tom Flynn, Prometheus Books, 2007; 524

3. William Lane Craig's Arguments for God Refuted

4. Critical Analysis of Evolution vs. Creation

5. America is Not a Christian Nation, Part 1; Part 2; Part 3

6. Evidence Against the Supernatural, Part 1 and Part 2