Atheism has been grossly misrepresented throughout modern history and is basically the most misunderstood philosophy one can have on life.

Atheism has been grossly misrepresented and misunderstood throughout modern history quite simply because there is no standard definition that will immediately and easily define the group of people who are atheist!

For example, if someone is "Muslim", we instantly know a great deal of information about them. Instantly, we know that this individual believes in "God" but in particular, follows the teachings of the prophet Mohommed as stated in the Koran.

If one wanted to understand this individual and most likely how they view life, all one would have to do is simply read the Koran!

Due to the fact that there is no widely known standard definition of Atheism, normally the atheist position tends to be defined by those who are not Atheist and in the process it is grossly misrepresented!

Atheism simply means "(a) without (theism)belief in a supreme being or god"

There 3 different "types" of Atheism.

1) Psychological Atheism: This type of atheism is a conscious rejection of the idea of a god, but usually on irrational grounds. An example of Psychological Atheism would be someone who rejects the notion of a god and creator simply due to the fact that they were molested by a religious official. Normally, Psychological Atheism is the result of emotional or physical trauma. It must be known that the "Psychological Atheist" rejects the notion of a god without reviewing any objective evidence that may point to the non existence of a god! (Cable, L, 2001)

2) The Implicit Atheist: The Implicit Atheist does not believe in a God or supernatural realm, but does not consciously reject the notion of a God or supernatural realm. All human beings are naturally "Implicit Atheists". Belief in a god is taught to us (normally from parent to child). A young child who does not yet understand concepts of the supernatural and "God" is an example of an implicit atheist.

3) The Rational Atheist: The Rational Atheist is one who rejects the notion of a God or supernatural realm due to an objective evaluation of all of the evidence. A rational atheist is one who does not believe in a "God" and can offer a logical argument to back up his or her atheism and claim that Gods and Goddesses as well as a supernatural realm do not exist!

There is no set of "morals" or "values" defined or implied by atheism, thus the Rational Atheist obtains a sense of "morals" and "values" from:

1) experience

2) personal reflection

3) knowledge of what is beneficial and detrimental to a species

The Rational Atheist is not inherantly "close minded". All Rational Atheists are "open" to the idea of the existence of a God and a supernatural realm. The rational atheist would gladly accept a theistic worldview if:

a) Empirical evidence showed the existence of a god and supernatural realm. Of course this "evidence" must have the ability to be substantiated and potentially falsified.

b)The empirical evidence must be such that it can be experienced by another objective observer.

c) All evidence must be based on sound logic and does not contradict itself or the nature of our world and universe.

Rational Atheism is basically the result of informed, well reasoned conclusions that require no reinforcement by any "authority". Thus the Rational Atheist is truely a free thinker.