Is it possible to be good without a god, particularly the God (notice the uppercase G) of the Judeo-Christian heritage? To suggest the possibility of such a thing on a billboard, bumper sticker, or polite conversation is to attract the wrath of those who feel that fear of God (meaning their God) is required to be good. This God-fearing wrath is often expressed in the form of death threats. Religious tolerance in the United States does not extend to atheists.
“Reason is the enemy of faith.”
This rather interesting little quote can be found in the book Beginner’s Guide to Blasphemy by Richard Wackrow. The quote, of course, is not Richard’s, but is attributed to another radical: Martin Luther, the German Augustinian friar who started the Protestant Reformation.
In his chapter entitled “Faith Forsaken” Wackrow points out that religiosity is highest in the poorest countries. He reports:
“When plotted against each country’s 2013 per capita gross domestic product, a country’s religiosity is inversely proportional to its wealth.”
The exception to this is the United States which has the highest per capita gross domestic product in the world and a population in which 54% feel that religion plays “a very important role” in their lives.
In his chapter entitled “Myths About Atheists,” Wackrow address the common misconception: “Atheists have no morals.” He replies:
“In my mind, claiming that religion is necessary for morality is not only absurd but an insult to everyone who is nonreligious—and particularly in America, to anyone who is not a Judeo-Christian.”
With regard to the rather ludicrous misconception that “Atheists see no purpose or meaning in life,” Wackrow writes:
“In reality, atheists make the best of their time on this planet by enjoying life just like everyone else—except the religiously devout. Sadly it seems, believers think they are finding “meaning in life” by pissing away a significant part of their lives sucking up to an imaginary friend and memorizing songs from hymnals.”
Having addressed some of the common myths and misconceptions about atheists, Wackrow turns to “The Truth About Believers.” In this chapter, he examines such ideas as—
“Each believer is practicing the one and only true religion.”
“Christians think that being a Christian automatically makes you a good person.”
“The average believer’s knowledge of this own professed doctrine is perfunctory.”
“Believers think there’s an afterlife.”
“Believers (and some nonbelievers) think that religion and science are compatible.”
“Is American really a ‘Christian Nation’?”
Beginner’s Guide to Blasphemy is divided into ten basic chapters:
- COEXIST? They Must be Kidding!
- Faith Forsaken
- Myths About Atheists
- The Truth About Believers
- The Fifteen Commandments
- Is He or isn’t he?
- Will the Real Jesus Please Rise Up?
- Religion in Action
- Be Careful What You Pray For
- Islamophobia-phobia
Each of the chapters provides not only intellectual food for thought, but also lots of data—facts in today’s relatively fact-free world—to spice up the food and give it some zing.
Returning to the idea of being good without a god or gods, Richard Wackrow says:
“Meanwhile, the nonreligious are not only good without God, I content that they’re better without God. Not subscribing to a religion and its holy book has rendered atheists and secular humanists underinformed about who to hate.”
For more information about Beginners Guide to Blasphemy, check out his website.
In the meantime, I would assume that there should be an Intermediate Guide to Blasphemy and an Advanced (or Professional) Guide to Blasphemy in the works. Or perhaps, we can persuade the author to start posting on Daily Kos.