Humans have an enormous capacity for love and compassion, and I have all the more respect for those of us who can show that compassion simply out of love for our fellow humans, with no fear of hell or bribes of heaven involved. So I can identify with those of you who say you feel differently about your atheism now. Your religions breed nothing but intolerance and encourage violence. For my friends over at the American Papers, and for John Galt and the good folks there. Before you send your angry emails, please finish reading this piece.
Atheism is such a simple concept.
I am always amazed at how complicated people want to make it. That little word, atheist, has received a bad rap and a reputation it does not deserve. It says nothing about politics, morals, character, kindness or anything else. It simply means you do not acknowledge a god. It does not mean, as so many insist, that you know for a fact that there is no God.