Getting into the spirit of atheism

Re “10 myths -- and 10 truths -- about atheism,” Current, Dec. 24

Sam Harris’ 10 amendments of alleged myths about atheism are provocative, but his comments lack intellectual rigor. He deplores religion’s supposed hostility to science and allies science to his own views. But there is nothing less scientific than Harris’ gross generalizations about both religion and atheism.

Christians are not homogeneous in beliefs and attitudes, nor are other religious groups. Harris’ comments about atheists’ views are equally tenuous. There are no creeds or texts to which atheists give assent. Rather than a system, atheism is essentially a negative belief. Harris expresses what one particular atheist believes. It’s a giant leap of faith to accept as anything other than his opinion what he represents as the views of others who claim that identity.

GENE TERPSTRA

Pasadena

*

Harris’ essay on atheism was as informative as it was full of his misunderstanding of Christianity. He stated: “Which is more moral, helping the poor out of concern for their suffering, or doing so because you think the creator of the universe wants you to do it?” The good and the moral does not result from fear or belief in rewards; feeding the hungry and giving to the poor is imbued into the nature of one transformed by Christ.

It just goes to show that self-righteousness is the property of atheists as well as those who pervert Christianity.

GEORGE H. MORRIS

Upland

*

Harris perpetuates the myth that true atheists are perfectly reasonable. As an ex-atheist, I find most of my former colleagues to be as unreasonable and militant as any fundamentalist. Their dogma extends far beyond the issue of whether there is a God into denying anything that is claimed by some as being supernatural. Atheism is religion by another name.

SCOTT S. SMITH

West Hollywood

*

Harris does not do justice to atheism. Atheists do not deny the existence of a creator. They simply do not find credible evidence for such an assumption beyond the emotional need for an explanation. It is not the denial by atheists but the insecurity of belief that keeps believers in a constant state of organized defense. If God exists, every definition agrees that he can take care of himself. The need for individuals to come to the aid of such a deity denies the power of such a God.

MORTON KURZWEIL

Margate, Fla.

*

Harris repeats a common misconception. He evidently believes that Buddhists are theists. The fact that two Buddhists were elected to Congress this year shows that the attitudes Harris refers to are very complex (or maybe the myth that caught him is widespread).

JOSH FISHER

Miami Beach

*

Harris helps to set the record straight for those who will listen. But one remaining problem with atheism is its name. Defined in terms of what it doesn’t believe in, atheism inherits all the faults of other negative definitions. May I suggest “scientific naturalism?” For today’s atheists are thorough-going naturalists who look to modern science for the content of their worldview. Identifying themselves in that way would dispense with many of the myths about atheism.

SHANE ANDRE

Seal Beach