“I believe in moral absolutes. I don’t agree that they are derived from a supernatural realm.”
As a fellow atheist I understand taking offense at theists characterizing us as amoral. But, like any other belief system, I firmly believe that we have to be willing to self-critique. And atheists/agnostics simply do not do this.
Too many people become atheists as an offshoot of their juvenile rebellion. And too many atheists get wrapped up in the self-importance of their ‘rejection of religion’ to ever consider issues of morality. They become lost, having no moral guide, and either become nihilists or get pulled into some secular religion like statism, Communism, or – god forbid – global warming hysteria.
I definitely stand in solidarity against blanket condemnation of atheism. But we need to realize that atheism is a reaction, not a belief system. My morals were created through the religious-tinted teachings of my parents; it was my own decision to reject the supernatural aspect and keep the lessons. Rather than reject religion as a whole – the reactionary, Dawkins-esque “Flying Spaghetti Monster” jackass method currently popular – we need to teach respect for religion if we want respect for our lack of religion.
