What do atheist believe?

Answer 1

Atheists have no formalized set of positions except that they have no belief in the existence of god(s). Even this is applied by external parties. To ask what their beliefs are is similar to asking "What are the rules of not playing Baseball"

Subdividing atheists into strong, weak or other is generally done by theists who seem to have a need to explain the whys of someone who does not follow their world view. Among atheists discussions of religion are infrequent much like discussions among rational adults about what the monster under the bed is really like or what snacks Santa likes best.

While there is no atheist "Credo" of beliefs there are several common threads in most atheists' world views:

• there is no deity, heaven, hell, devil, salvation etc.
• science works and gives us the best available understanding of the Universe
• people are moral without the threat of displeasing a deity
• life is a wonderful thing, partly because it is so fleeting
• altruism is a good thing, ociety wins
• there are no miracles, just probability
• when you're dead, you're dead
• they don't want you to try and "save" them

Other atheist thoughts that have been voiced include:

• Abandoning worship activities and engaging in religious studies with peers who share common curiosities is more healthy for the student, and a more reliable way to advance truth.
• People are more apt to value life and pursue virtue when they realize and admit that for all we know there is no such thing as eternal life, reincarnation etc..
• Astoundingly large groups of people can be rendered subordinate to badteachings due to cowardice, lack of dignity, and worshipful posturing traditions with deep religious roots.
• Theists place unbridled trust in a fallable entity.
• Poorly moderated trust is the same as worship.
• Misplaced trust affects theists and non theists in the same way and for the same reasons.
• People in general should be more honest and quick to confess lack of understanding, that we should stop pretending to have good answers to all the important questions and study and search together.
• A curious intellect works better than one that is satisfied with itself.