Atheism and nonreligious beliefs

1. Atheism and nonreligious beliefs Jessika and Helen From the secular alliance at IU

2. What is atheism? • “The belief that there is no god” • “Disbelief in the existence of a supreme being or beings” That’s it!

3. Major leaders • A little different than religious leaders…

4. Major Leaders • Where are the women?

5. major Leaders • Organizations

6. Important events • A brief history… • The term “atheism” originated in the 16th century – the idea is as old as theism itself • Middle ages were a time of persecution for outspoken atheists • French Revolution of 1889 leading to 19th century movements of rationalism and freethought • Current… • Much attention in the last decade • Groups like SAIU

7. Practicing populationthe world Most religious Least religious Japan – 4.3% East Germany – 7.8% Sweden – 10.2% Czech Republic – 11.1% Denmark – 13% • The Philippines – 83.6% • Chile – 79.4% • Israel – 65.6% • Poland – 62% • United States – 60.6% http://www.norc.org/PDFs/Beliefs_about_God_Report.pdf

8. Nonreligious people in the united states • One in five Americans has no religion • In the past five years, “nonreligious” has grown by 25% • “Nonreligious” does not necessarily mean “atheist” http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/09/survey-one-in-five-americans-is-religiously-unaffiliated/)

9. Demographics within atheism • Lots of old, white men • Increasing diversity… • African Americans for Humanism • Women in Secularism • Hispanic American Freethinkers • Students • Groups like the Secular Alliance at IU are cropping up a colleges all over the US!

10. Thank you! Questions?