I get tired of answering the same questions over and over when someone learns that I'm an atheist. This is a collection of the questions I get asked the most.
If you don't believe in god, what incentive is there for you to be a good person?
This is the most common question, which is surprising because it speaks poorly of people who believe in god.
I don't need a god watching over me, threatening me with punishment (hell) or promising me reward (heaven) to be a good, kind and honorable person. It's in my nature. I'm a good person because I want to be a good person. I believe in being good.
If you're a good person because god watches over you, or you're afraid of hell, then to me, you're an evil person by nature who is suppressing your natural tendencies.
My reason for being good is selfless and altruistic. It's because I believe in the goodness and sanctity of man. Your reason for being good is selfish.
Doesn't everyone in a foxhole believe in god?
First of all, none of us know what our reaction will be in a life-death situation. However, you don't seem to understand the difference between a fad and a system of beliefs. Atheism is my belief, not some whim. It wasn't even a choice. I would love to believe in god; it would make things easier. I just can't bring myself to believe. It's not in me. I've thought deeply on the matter, and it's just not in me. I doubt that would change in a foxhole.
What's your stance on "under god" in the Pledge of Allegiance?
It's state sponsored public prayer and has no business in the pledge of allegiance. However, unlike many atheists, I don't refuse to say those words because they have no meaning to me. The term "under god" is simply a set of meaningless words. I'm not offended by them (which is different from thinking they don't belong in the pledge).
By the way, this is an excellent history on the pledge. It's short and highly recommended.
What is your religion?
I'm culturally Jewish. I come from a long line of very intelligent thinkers, musicians, artists, scientists, and successful academicians, and I'm proud of my culture. I consider myself Jewish even though I don't believe in god. No, that's not a contradiction: I'm technically Jewish because my mother is Jewish. Additionally, I'm Jewish because I throw my lot in life with the Jewish people: when they thrive, I thrive; when they die, I die. That has nothing to do with my belief in a divine being.
When did you become an atheist?
I was agnostic in 2nd grade. By 5th grade I was an atheist.
Wasn't Hitler an atheist?
No, Hitler was a devout Catholic. A quote from Hitler during a Nazi Christmas celebration in 1926:
"Christ was the greatest early fighter in the battle against the world enemy, the Jews ... The work that Christ started but could not finish, I -- Adolf Hitler -- will conclude."
Never mind the fact that Jesus was born, lived, and died as a devout Jew!