dpbishop
Contributor
drbill:I fail to see the logic here? Are you suggesting that an atheist cannot develop an inner sense of values that include dedication to certain precepts like good will to others? If so, I think you are absolutely wrong on that. Atheists are quite capable of commitment to higher purposes... they just do so out of an inner conviction unaffected by their belief (or rather lack of it) in a higher power.
Inner peace is quite achievable by those without religious beliefs if they follow your guideline of accepting the world as it is.
I meant an atheist who is dedicated to the concept of atheism is...confused. Once you step outside of the whole 'belief in god' systematology, arguing the non-existence of god is like arguing the non-existence of Santa Claus. An atheist can be dedicated to good works, moral living, truth, honesty, the boy scout code or whatever; just not dedicated to atheism. Hopefully his/her dedication is to a rationally devised moral code, rather than a prescribed set of does and don'ts, although we all tend to have moral blind spots.
I'd say more, but I don't want to sound like a dedicated atheist.