Help with an Atheism Presentation
Posted on: December 2, 2009 - 10:08pm
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Help with an Atheism Presentation
Hey all,
I have to do a presentation on part or all of my research paper for my Religious Studies class tomorrow, and I wanted to do an introduction to Atheism. It's supposed to be a five minute presentation, so I was wondering how much I could cover and what I should cover. I have no clue as to the amount of education or misinformation about atheism there is, so what would you guys recommend I talk about?
-Actual definitions of atheist and agnostic vs. popular definitions
-We're not looking for a "Brave New World" devoid of music, literature, architecture etc
That's all I have so far, but I feel that more could be said to give it a well-rounded feel. Suggestions?
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maybe give a passing mention to evolution , i wouldn't give it to much screen time as evolution and atheism are not the same.... but are linked.
Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
No animal shall wear clothes.
No animal shall sleep in a bed.
No animal shall drink alcohol.
No animal shall kill any other animal.
All animals are equal.
Because your presentation is on religious studies and not Atheism per se (but still requires a mention), I would recommend you identify famous people who are not religious and perhaps give reasons for their rejection or apathy of/towards faith.
perhaps mention that they tend to be more Scientific (though not necessarily) in their approach to understanding of the world around them, and that
for the most part rely heavily on evidence or common sense rather than belief.
This is very much a philosophical presentation, and thus requires a mention of the differences between believers and non-believers (not an easy task)
you can look up (on you tube ) Richard Hawkins (Oxford Biologist), Christoper Hitchins (Journalist), Sam Harris (writer), Ken Miller (biologist but also a theist)
google these:-
historical atheists , Einstein, Galileo, Frank Wright, Denis Diderot, Edward Gibbon, Ferdinand Megellan and most famous of all Samuel Clemens
hope this helps
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagoras_of_Melos
I'd go with the above famous persons thing. Also, if it a presentation for a class you can field questions to take some time.
Statistics are boring but work too. Try not to go too heavy on them :3
Theism is why we can't have nice things.
There's some disagreement on the definition of agnosticism and atheism, so you could present both interpretations. The one with the theism/atheism dichotomy and agnosticism describing knowledge rather than belief, as well as agnosticism being the middle ground with theism/atheism on both sides. I would try to emphasize that atheism is just not believing in any Gods, nothing more, nothing less.
There's a lot of things to talk about. Morality? Life after death? Science? Specific beliefs on any of these topics won't be able to describe all atheists though. Perhaps you could describe your own beliefs?
Our revels now are ended. These our actors, | As I foretold you, were all spirits, and | Are melted into air, into thin air; | And, like the baseless fabric of this vision, | The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, | The solemn temples, the great globe itself, - Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve, | And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, | Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff | As dreams are made on, and our little life | Is rounded with a sleep. - Shakespeare
For me a big point is the lack of any evidence for a god and the lack of need for a god. I can't believe in something without a reason.
If the universe needed a creator then god does too. So where did god come from? God adds extra complexity, it does not provide an answer.
The illogic of all known religion is a big point for me too. If you look at them closely, past the individual quotes, they are just crazy.
Why would an all powerful being be so worried about whether we worshipped him or not that he would comdemn us to hell for eternity? If he was that worried about it surely he would provide obvious proof.
All of the arguments for a religion are also used by the other religions, therefore either they are all equally true or all of the arguments are equally dubious.
Zen-atheist wielding Occam's katana.
Jesus said, "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division." - Luke 12:51
I would recommend mentioning how an atheist can have a fulfilling life/ a life with meaning. That's something I've noticed as a common misconception.
This appears to be too late but would like to add info concerning morality since that always seems to be big area of disagreement.
Christians have no leg up on morality.
1. There are no atheists in prison. Really. Barely measure in proportion to general population. General population is approx. 16% atheists but only 0.2% in American prisons. (Federal Bureau of Prisons)
2. Atheists have lowest divorce rate (=Mormons). Southern Baptists have highest divorce rate.
3. Biggest current philanthropists are atheists. Ted Turner, Bill Gates, Brad & Angelina. The latter two very hands on.
4. No atheists hate groups. There are 926 Christian hate groups in the US! HATE GROUPS! Promote hate and intolerance of Jews/Blacks/Homosexuals and/or support abortion clinic bombings. (Monitored by Southern Poverty Law Center)
5. Europe, which self identifies as secular, boasts lower homicide rates, lower teen pregnancy rates, lower STD rates, and lower abortion rates.
6. The happiest, most satisfied people on earth live in Denmark. 85% non-believers. No poverty, no homelessness, no crime.
Universal health care, free higher education for all, 1 year maternity leave, shorter work days...you get the picture. All without religion. US ranked #23 and, of course, has the most Christians...about 70%.
Vicki