What is atheism? How can atheists have morals? How can atheists have purpose in their lives? Doesn't the Bible show that god exists? Do reports of miracles prove the existence of a god? Are there philosophical proofs demonstrating that god exists? Wouldn't a person have to know everything to say that god doesn't exist? What's wrong with believing on faith?

These are the concerns that arise when believers and those who are simply curious question the purpose and meaning they suspect is lacking in the lives of nonbelievers. These questions also come up in philosophical and theological debates on the assumptions and merits of both belief and nonbelief. Krueger contends that atheism is a powerful alternative to the religious outlook so prevalent today, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood because people harbor preconceived ideas about atheism. This concise introduction to atheism, from a scholar who has led thousands of students to the enlightenment of freethought, has been designed with general audience in mind.

Douglas E. Krueger (Fayetteville, AR) is a graduate assistant in philosophy at the University of Arkansas.