Introduction

Many people are curious what atheists think about the essence of life, what happens when we die, and other related issues. This article attempts to answer some of those questions.

Do you believe in a soul?

Well, it depends on what you mean when you use the term "soul". Many people seem to use it as a placeholder for the entire collection of an individual's thoughts, feelings, memories, and emotions.

But the fact of the matter is, all of these things are ultimately just chemical processes in the brain. Modern science is slowly mapping the brain and its processes, and while we don't understand everything about how it works, we do understand a great deal. It is this knowledge that has led to such amazing advances in psychiatric treatment, as well as medications for diseases such as depression, schizophrenia, and memory loss (including Alzheimer's Disease).

Atheists do not believe that the soul is a real thing; that is, something that exists outside of normal brain chemistry.

What do you think happens when you die?

Put very simply... nothing. When the body dies, the brain ceases to function. At that moment, all of your thoughts, feelings, memories and emotions cease to exist.

As we do not believe in a soul, we do not believe that any of these things survive beyond the moment of death. There is simply no evidence in reality to believe that some sort of mystical entity known as a "soul" somehow exits the body and moves to another plane or dimension of existence... also for which there is no evidence.

While it might be more comforting in some cases to believe this, atheists realize that reality isn't always ideal. Humans try to protect their children from some of the harsher aspects of reality, but eventually we must all grow up and throw away childish notions. This allows us to be more productive here and now, and to make decisions in our life that make the most sense.

Are atheists afraid of dying?

Being afraid of dying is quite different from being afraid of death.

Many people – both religious and atheist – are afraid of dying because it can sometimes be a long and painful process. Then again, sometimes it happens in the blink of an eye.

But being afraid of death is quite different. No atheist who has spent much time thinking about it is afraid of death. That is because there will be no lingering consciousness with which to experience any thoughts or emotions. As mentioned, the "soul" is really just functions of the brain; functions that won't exist after we have died.

Think of it this way: do you remember what you felt like before you were born? Of course not... you had no brain function. Death is exactly like that.

So atheists think life is ultimately meaningless, right?

No, not at all! Life is exactly what you make of it. Just because we don't think there is some sort of eternal reward waiting for us at the end of our natural lives doesn't mean that all the time before that is pointless.

This is another one of those concepts that are very difficult to try to convey to a religious person, simply because our frames of reference are so different from one another. You may just have to take our word for it that we find plenty of meaning in life.

If you haven't already, you'll want to read the section on how atheists view the meaning of life.

Do you worship the devil? Aren't you afraid of burning in hell?

In the immortal words of Yoda, "Hear you nothing that I say?" Atheism is a complete absence of religious and superstitious beliefs! We hold no more belief in any supernatural forces of evil than we do in supernatural forces of good. Instead we choose to let logic and reasoning be the methods that we use to guide our actions, and we take full responsibility for those actions.

If I do something good, it is because I chose to do it, and I did it by myself, not because God was behind me, watching me, or helping me. On the other hand, if I go out and shoot 12 people in a murderous rage, it's because I screwed up, not because "The devil made me do it."

Wouldn't it make more sense to believe in God, just in case?

This frequently made argument is commonly referred to as "Pascal's Wager". There are many sites that thoroughly debunk this argument and show the dozens of reasons why it is in fact a bad theory. I will not attempt to repeat all of that material here; you can read it here if it really interests you.

Instead, I will focus in on one simple problem that I always get stuck on.

There is a big difference between saying that you believe in something, and actually believing in something. I simply can't believe in something for which not only do I not believe there is any evidence for, but also for which there is a significant amount of evidence against its existence.

Imagine trying to believe in Santa Claus, or in Zeus. There is no way you could make yourself do it. I think your god would know the difference if I just said "Yes I believe!"

I'm not being stubborn. I've actually read the Bible (something most Christians have yet to do, save for a few select passages). I've studied philosophy and logic. I've studied the physical and biological sciences. I've studied other religions. Every single thing I've learned has only strengthened by disbelief.

In other words, "It ain't gonna happen!"