By Liam Ballinagar

Atheism – a broad term to define a fairly complex set of beliefs; or, in some cases, a lack thereof. What exactly is an atheist, or, more to the point – who is an atheist? Herein lies the issue…it seems that some atheists don’t even know how to define themselves. But, this could be the heart of atheism. The all-encompassing definition of atheism is, obviously, the opposite of theism. Theism is the belief in the existence of one god. Not ‘The’ God, just ‘A’ God. So, in simple terms, an atheist believes in the existence of ‘no’ god.

But, the term is more profound than that…there is more to it. There is weak (implicit) atheism and strong (explicit) atheism. No longer a broad term, it can be broken down into these two ‘basic’ principles. Indeed, there are probably many more definitions of it, but these ones seem to stand out the most. Implicit Atheism is the absence of belief in god(s) without a conscious disbelief…meaning they just don’t know. It’s a more open-minded belief in the non-existence of a deity or deities. How is this different from Agnosticism?

Agnostics believe that there is just no way we can possibly know – and it’s a conscious decision. On the flip side there is Explicit Atheism that is in and of itself just that – explicitly simple; there is no god(s). The Basis of Being holds no light under either; whatever you believe is what you believe…there is no right or wrong. The only right is what you believe to be right as long as it doesn’t harm yourself or others. The only wrong is that which becomes or is an injustice to yourself or others. And herein lies the dilemmas, what can Atheism offer the Basis of Being, or alternatively what can we offer each other.

Can a belief system that seems to harbor no attachment to morals and ethics coexist with a Basis of living that does? The answer is, of course! There is nothing new here in the belief or non-belief of an external deity. All beliefs have some form of morals. Does being an Atheist desensitize one to the possibility of having a feeling or view at all? Sure, many people ‘think’ that atheists have no moral code…that the absence of religion makes an atheist feel un-obligated to perform to the social standards of the rest of the world – that they are ‘above the ethical law’.

This is an interesting quandary. But, to this I say – religion does not make you any more or less human. What the Basis of Being teaches, nay; what life itself teaches is that there is the inherent ability, or, even, necessity if you will, to be good. We are not inherently evil. We are not born into a life of sin because we don’t have religion. The Atheist knows this. They know that they can be good people – lead morally intrinsic lives. This is who we are. Human. The difference between Atheism and other religious beliefs is many faceted; without religion there is no dogma… This is incorrect.

Dogma is a set of beliefs without proof, nothing more. One can argue that life of itself is dogma. Dogma set forth by King Brain to change as it sees fit. Atheists are not constrained by the dogma set forth by another. They are constrained by their own; and, just as with any other belief system, every set of beliefs has their own boundaries, and their own dogs ready to jump the fence. The Basis of Being holds this in truth; as long as your way is right and just, follow it. Religion doesn’t force you to be good.

Being human, atheism, Christianity, Satanism (even), and the Basis of Being suggests that to be happy, one must be respectful and well, good. Atheism is built on skepticism, logic, and a scientific approach to the moral human animal. It’s not about tradition, dogma, and set beliefs. It’s just about ‘accept it and move on’. It is about happiness and well-being. This follows along with the suggestions put forth in the Basis of Being; question everything, but only to stimulate thought, to stimulate formulation and perfection of an already in place ideal.

Is there room for this in the perceived moral stigmatism that is the non-believer in a society of conformity? Well, even intelligent beings have their faults. The Basis of Being holds some of the same principles as Atheism; don’t conform – follow your own path – live your life according to your whim…not someone else’s. If you believe that there isn’t any way for an atheist to be a decent member of society, than maybe the Basis of Being isn’t for you. The Basis of Being is an open-minded foray in the intricacies of the human psyche and how to make it work for you, or him, or her, or even them; irregardless of what you believe or … don’t.

The Basis Of Being supports all beliefs that lead to a prosperous and peaceful lifelong pursuit of happiness for not only ourselves, but those around us.

What is the Basis of Being?

The Basis Of Being is a groundbreaking book broken down into 13 Chapters of 28 Maxims each. Written by Liam Ballinagar & Gamble Leidolf; edited by Corine San Crainte, this wonderful pocket sized guide will change your life forever. With 364 Pearls of Wisdom, you can make but one alteration a day and by the end of 12 months, you might not recognize yourself. But of course your good deeds will have been rewarded and come back to you tenfold. Thank you for considering the Basis Of Being. If you are ready for the Future: CLICK HERE